Local Church Needing Help

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Saving special memories.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County was called to a local church that had a fire due to a accident by a contractor working on the building. The contractor was applying siding to the building  and exposed some electrical wires that then caught fire. The church also housed a daycare for the small community and needed to get reopened ASAP. The daycare was critical to the needs of the community. SERVPRO arrived the day of the fire and went right to work. They worked closely with the council of the church and local contractors. They got the church and its contents cleaned. Some of the challenges they incurred were dealt with in a quick manner and they got the church back open for their big fall celebration. They also had additional deadlines to meet for the daycare portion of the building. SERVPRO of Dekalb county worked well with all involved and has since been referred other work from the council of the church. 

Make an Escape Plan for Your DeKalb Home.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Model house fire escape plan.

In the past 40 years, escaping from a fire has dropped from 17 minutes to less than 3 minutes due to the evolution of materials in modern homes. This makes it vital to create and practice an emergency escape plan. Home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation, but only 26% of Americans have developed an escape plan for a fire.

When developing your plan, here are a few suggestions:

• Draw a map of each level in your home. Locate all the doors, windows, and identify two ways to exit each room
• Consider a collapsible escape ladder for your second and third floors. You should only buy them from a recognized testing laboratory
• Choose an outside meeting place. It should be in front of your home, but also a safe distance away from the fire. Some examples include: Neighbor’s house, light post, mailbox, or stop sign
• If your doors or windows have security bars, make sure the bars have emergency release devices inside so they can be opened immediately. Please note that emergency release devices do not compromise your security
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them

Pets are a part of your family too. Half of a million pets are affected by home fires each year. Here are a few tips to creating an escape plan for your animal(s):

• Pets will be afraid. Put your dog on a leash and keep your cat in a carrier. This will secure them with you and prevent them from fleeing
• Identify your pet’s favorite hiding place ahead of time, as this is where they will most likely be hiding if a fire starts
• Post “pet rescue stickers” to a front window, in an easy-to-spot location. The decal includes number of pets in your home, so rescuers know who to look for when entering
• When you are not home, contain them near an exit. It will provide a better chance of firefighters finding your animal.

If your home experiences a fire, this is the time when you need us most, so that is why we are a 24-hour business. SERVPRO of Dekalb will provide you and your family with quality solutions to your loss and guide you through our process every step of the way. For any questions or to schedule our service, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn about Dekalb.

The Importance for Proper Drainage in your DeKalb Home.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

From intense wind, heavy snow fall, and rain showers, your Dekalb home endures a lot of storms throughout the year. When these storms hit, your gutters are busy at work. Their job is to control the flow of rainwater which protects your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape. Unfortunately, they can also be at risk for causing serious additional problems if they are not maintained.

            If your gutters are not maintained after enduring Dekalb's storms, you can easily be at risk for potential water damage which can cost thousands of dollars. Since the job of gutters is to carry water away from the home’s foundation, it cannot do its function without clear paths. Clogged gutters will eventually overflow onto the foundation of the home. And depending on the amount of water and condition of the foundation, water could seep into your basement or crawl space. Clogged gutters can also pose a weight strain on your roof and fascia. This could cause your roof to collapse and causing damage to the shingles of the roof and exterior of the house.

            A routine cleaning of your gutters can prevent damage to your roof, exterior, foundation, and save you a lot of money in damage repairs. By setting aside a couple of hours, follow these steps to easily clean them yourself and ensure they are functioning properly:

1. Protect your hands and keep them dry by wearing latex gloves
2. Begin cleaning near the downspout
3. Clear large debris such as leaves and twigs by hand
4. Remove and clean downspout strainers
5. Flush out the gutter with your garden hose. Start at the opposite end of the downspout
6. Check the downspout for any lodged debris and remove any remaining debris
7. Use a pressure washer to remove any mildew and dirt from the gutters

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage, be proactive by partnering with SERVPRO of Dekalb County to dry out the damaged area. We are the water restoration experts and you can count on us to remove and repair water damage. We are a 24-hour service and can respond to the call at any time. To schedule an estimate or have any questions, call (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Prevent Water Damage in Your DeKalb Commercial Property

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings for your Dekalb Business already require high costs for daily operations. If an accident, such as water damage, were to happen to your Dekalb business, repair costs can quickly add up. To help prevent accidents from happening, it important to maintain your property to keep it functioning. Upkeep for your Dekalb business can save you both time and money.

One of the biggest costs a commercial property can face is water damage. This can be devastating to any business and cost thousands of dollars. To help prevent your Dekalb County business from water damage, follow these tips on ways to maintain the function of your commercial property. These simple tips to prevent water leaks will go a long way to save your business from water damage. Here is how to keep your business safe:

• Assess your property. This means being aware of areas where flooding could pose a problem and make the necessary repairs or amendments as needed. Also pay special attention to basements and install a pump because it will go a long way towards keeping your building dry.
• Insulate exposed pipes. When temperatures drop during the winter, especially at night, exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation and doing this can save you in the long run.
• Keep heat at sufficient levels. To prevent pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep an eye on your business’s thermostat. Make sure it is never set to lower than 50 degrees. This includes weekends and after hours.
• Inspect gutters and drainage. Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior walls of a building.
• Clear your roof. Snow and ice accumulation on the rood of your commercial property can weaken roofing materials and create “ice dams”, which prevent melted ice and snow from properly draining.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County wants your business to be safe too. We can help protect your Dekalb property if something were to happen by providing an Emergency Ready Profile. An Emergency Ready Profile is a one-stop-shop for what to do and who to call if an emergency were to happen. This plan is completely free to you and your business. Call us today to get your free Emergency Ready Profile or have any questions: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Surprise After a Vacation

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of Dekalb County was contacted by an agent regarding a frantic call from one of their clients. The client had been gone over the holidays and came home to quite a mess in their kitchen which had spilled into the basement. They had a housesitter that had only left 12 hours before so they knew the sink leak hadn't been happening very long. The SERVPRO crew had helped many other clients for this agent and she knew they could help with this disaster. The office staff found a plumber to help take care of the leak for them and then the crew arrived. They got right to work and received so many compliments on the efficiency of the crew. The water was cleaned up in what seemed like minutes (actually a couple of hours) and equipment was set to dry the structure. In a matter of a few days all was well and the customer and agent were thrilled with the results. 

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in DeKalb: Carbon Monoxide

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in DeKalb: Carbon Monoxide

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Mold cleanup from a flooded basement

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

How did that mold get there?

This time of year we seem to get heavy rains that just soak the ground. Sometimes that water makes its way into our basements and we might not notice. This can happen if our sump pumps are either not working or might not be able to keep up with a heavy rain. 

Another potential cause might be a crack in the foundation wall. These are harder to identify because the walls might be covered with insulation and drywall. 

If we don't go into our basements often, we might be surprised to find wet content, a mildew smell or even mold growth.

SERVPRO of Elgin provides the mold services you need to restore your basement. We have specialty tools such as water detection meters, infrared cameras, and decades of experience to provide you with the correct services you need. 

We have been serving our communities for going on 19 years and pride ourselves on giving homeowners and business professionals the truth of what we see is happening to your facility. We will also provide you with a solution that meets your needs. No hype, no scare tactics just clear well thought out solutions to get you back on track.

We are family owned and we plan on being here for generations to come providing the same educated, honest assistance we have for the past two decades.

SERVPRO of Elgin, making it "Like it never even happened."

Will your company survive that fire?

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Planning can be the thing that saves your company.

Did you know that over 50% of businesses that have a major event such as a severe water damage or fire, never recover?! The loss of key customers due to delays in getting your operation back up and running could be the difference between success and never opening your doors again.

It is a scary thought.

Help your company by having SERVPRO schedule an ERP inspection. Our Emergency Ready Program will help facility managers prepare for the unthinkable. We start by identifying important facility information, such as water shut offs, and critical areas of importance within the building. By doing this we can allow our emergency restoration professionals to concentrate their efforts on the areas that will provide you the flexibility to stay in operation and maintaining your important clients needs until the entire cleanup is completed.

A little planning today can provide a lot of reassurance in the future.

Contact SERVPRO of DeKalb County at 815.758.3900 to schedule an inspection!

The Importance of Fixing Leaks in Your DeKalb Home.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

By simply fixing any leaks in your roof, window, or pipes, it will prevent further damage such as mold growth. In general, try to clean and dry areas subjected to water within 48 hours to help prevent further damage. If you believe materials are wet and cannot be completely dried, remove them to be replaced. It’s very important to get them replaced because wet materials can lead to those additional issues previously mentioned.

We recommend replacing wet insultation with mold resistant insulation and consider replacing drywall with boards containing mold and moisture inhibitors. This is a great way to keep your insulation and drywall dry while protecting it from further damage.  Insulation is a very powerful tool because it manages the building’s temperature and moisture. Insulation will support dry, temperature-controlled conditions that inhibit mold growth. Spray polyurethane foam is a great type of insulation for your DeKalb home. It seals cracks, holes, and other defects in the building’s structure. This creates a tight seal and will reduce the air and moisture flow.

Don't Forget to Check the Attic

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Checking the attic for soot damage can provide a better overall cleaning job

An often-overlooked item in cleaning up after a home or business fire is checking the attic and the condition of the insulation. Heat rises and when things are heated, they can get pressurized. Even a small kitchen fire can produce temperatures of over 1,000 degrees. The heat and pressurization can carry soot particles into the attic and the insulation can get covered with a fine layer of soot. Because the soot may be consistently deposited throughout the attic, it might not stand out.

A quick check of the roof sheeting and joists with a dry clean sponge can show if soot is a problem in the attic space. If it is, insulation should be evaluated for removal and replacement. Once the insulation is removed, the attic space should be cleaned with dry clean sponges and consideration made to encapsulate all raw wood surfaces to lock in those particles, so they do not cause soot smells to be released in those hot summer months.

We cleaned the kitchen after a fire, but it still has a smoke smell.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Be sure to thoroughly deodorize to ensure a complete fire cleanup.

Smoke particles are very small. They are so small that if you were able to stack smoke particles together, you would need 30-100 to equal the thickness of a human hair; that is small. 

That means that soot can easily travel to other areas of the house and can get trapped inside the pores of other materials (cabinets, etc.) that were heated up during the fire. The problem is that those odors can be released from the pores of those items when the item is heated up again, say in the summer. 

We help to get rid of those soot particles by warming up the home again as part of the cleaning process. We will warm up the house to say 85-90 degrees and then we deodorize with either ozone or hydroxyls.

It's a small thing, but we think it provides a better overall cleaning job and makes our customers happier, even if they don't know we did it!!

Doing things right!!

Can we save hardwood flooring?

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Vacuum panel drying system

In today's modern home, it is not uncommon to have beautiful hardwood floors in many areas of the home; especially kitchens. When these floors get wet and are not dried properly, it is a major expense to remove and replace them. This work is also a major disruption to the family. 

SERVPRO of DeKalb County employs the latest technology that allows them to save many floors that would otherwise might be torn out. The "Trick" is to get our specially trained crews out to the job site quickly. 

By using special vacuum drying panels, desiccant drying tools and with professional daily monitoring, we can ensure that the flooring has been dried properly. If addressed quickly, some floors will not even require refinishing!

Call 815.758.3900 to reach the hardwood floor drying specialists! Only we can make it "Like it never even happened."!

Securing your home after the storm passes.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Tarping up the three story side of their house when the siding blew off!!

Storms can be very scary with the wind and rain, the lightning and thunder. You are watching the weather channel and hoping that the real bad parts of the storm pass you by.

Once the storm is over, it is a good idea to do an inspection of the exterior of your home and your roof, if you can see it. 

Strong winds and rain can cause otherwise tight siding and roofing to be damaged and cause water to get into your home. If you do identify areas of outside damage either on the roof or siding, call SERVPRO of DeKalb County to secure your home.

Give the customer service technician as much information as possible such as what is damaged, is there material missing, is there hanging or sharp materials in the damaged area. 

We will bring our emergency services trailer that contains, tools, ladders, air compressor, generator, extension cords, lights, wood, tarps, etc. Hopefully everything needed to fully secure your home. 

SERVPRO of DeKalb County making your home safe and secure!! 815.758.3900.

How to deal with sewer backups

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Sewage cleanup in commercial pump room.

You are the facilities manager for a large commercial building. you get a call from one of your maintenance staff that your pump room has standing water. What do you need to do?

The first consideration is determining the source of the water. The cleanup requirements change dramatically depending on the source of water. If it was a small pipe break, maybe all you need to do is shop vac up the water and place a fan or two. 

However, if you suspect that the water is potentially sewer water, you will need to take precautions to ensure that you don't make the situation worse.

Making sure your cleanup crew is using proper PPE (personal protective equipment is very important. Even if the water appears "pretty clear" if it came back into your building through a plumbing "p-trap" you MUST treat it as sewage. The waste water needs to be put back into a sanitary sewer line and the affected area needs to be cleaned properly.

Call SERVPRO of DeKalb County when you need to get things done right! 815-758-3900

Cleaning the formerly uncleanable

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Esporta cleaning of leather purses

Fires in homes cause a lot of damage, that is not surprising. However, some content items are considered unsalvageable because there was never a cost effective means to cleaning them. As a result, many items are thrown away and are cluttering our landfills. That is not the case anymore!

By utilizing our newest cleaning system, Esporta, we are able to clean items that even professional clothing cleaners would not attempt. Esporta is a revolutionary cleaning system that uses Earth friendly cleaning products and a patented cleaning process that allows leather, as well as thousands or other items, to be cleaned quickly and thoroughly. 

Imagine, cleaning leather goods, sports equipment and pads, helmets, as well as cloth dolls, comforters, all in a cost effective, highly thorough cleaning system.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County, helping to make it "Like it never even happened."

Knowing what burned in the fire, helps determine the cleaning!

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Extensive soot damage in a fire.

Smoke and soot are extremely invasive and can penetrate various cavities within your home, causing hidden damage and odor. Our smoke damage expertise and experience allow us to inspect and accurately assess the extent of the damage to develop a comprehensive plan of action.  

Smoke and soot facts:

• Hot smoke migrates to cooler areas and upper levels of a structure.
• Smoke flows around plumbing systems, seeping through the holes used by pipes to go from floor to floor.
• The type of smoke may greatly affect the restoration process.

Different Types of Smoke

There are two different types of smoke–wet and dry. As a result, there are different types of soot residue after a fire. Before restoration begins, the cleaning procedures are then based on the information identified during pretesting. Here is some additional information:

Wet Smoke – Plastic and Rubber

• Low heat, smoldering, pungent odor, sticky, smeary. Smoke webs are more difficult to clean.

Dry Smoke – Paper and Wood

• Fast burning, high temperatures, heat rises therefore smoke rises.

Protein Fire Residue – Produced by evaporation of material rather than from a fire

• Virtually invisible, discolors paints and varnishes, extreme pungent odor. 

Our Fire Damage Restoration Services

Since each smoke and fire damage situation is different, each one requires a unique solution tailored for the specific conditions.  We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your fire and smoke damage property.

Have Questions about Fire, Smoke, or Soot Damage?
Call Us Today – 815-758-3900

Bio-Hazard: Safety First!

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Bio-Hazard cleanup requires careful planning.

What is a Bio-Hazard? Well the dictionary definition is "a biological substance that's dangerous to people or the environment."

It often comes to our attention as a result of a serious injury or death. Cleaning up a Bio-Hazard has many aspects to it. Our primary concern is to make sure our employees and others in the vicinity do not become injured as a result of working in that environment. Blood and any associated blood borne pathogens need to be properly handled due to their inherent risk to humans.

Proper personal protective equipment is just the start. Anyone working with bio-hazards needs proper training in procedures, respirator protection, health and safety and hazard communications. Items such as needles, broken glass or other sharp objects need to be handled very carefully and preferably with a tool that limits our need to contact it.

Materials that have come in direct contact with blood need to be properly disposed with a licensed waste hauler. This may include PPE, clothing, items used to actually do the cleanup such as paper products and rags, and any cloth material that needed to be removed from the affected site such as cushions, carpeting, bedding, etc.

This work is not particularly difficult, but being able to do the work properly takes a lot of training, planning, careful following of procedures.

What to do and what not to do after a fire.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

Fire affects everything in a house.

After any fire damage situation, your primary focus should be safety first:

• Is it safe to stay in the house? It might be best to have a professional evaluate first. 
• Electrical and "slip and fall" hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns.
• Only do activities that are safe for you to perform. Cleaning up after a fire loss can be very specialized work
• Wet materials can be VERY heavy. Be careful!

What To Do After A Fire

• Limit movement in the home to prevent soot particles from being embedded into upholstery and carpets.
• Keep hands clean so as not to further soil upholstery, walls and woodwork.
• Place clean towels or old linens on rugs, upholstery and carpet traffic areas.
• If electricity is off, empty freezer and refrigerator and prop doors open.
• Clean and protect chrome with light coating of petroleum jelly or oil.
• Wash houseplants on both sides of leaves.
• Change HVAC filter.
• Tape double layers of cheesecloth over air registers.

What NOT To Do After A Fire

• Don't attempt to wash any walls or painted surfaces or shampoo carpet or upholstery without contacting us.
• Don't attempt to clean any electrical appliances that may have been close to fire, heat or water without consulting an authorized repair service.
• Don't use any canned or packaged food or beverages that may have been stored near the fire, heat or water.
• Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet. The wiring may be damaged.
• Don't send garments to an ordinary dry cleaner. Improper cleaning may set smoke odor.

When your home and belongings have been damaged due to fire and smoke, call the experienced and knowledgeable staff at SERVPRO of DeKalb County, 815.758.3900, to make it "Like it never even happened."

Restoring your commercial property after a water damage event.

6/24/2022 (Permalink)

This business suffered a water loss due to a large rainstorm that hit the area. We were able to limit down time to the staff by working efficiently.

Flooding and water damage events at DeKalb County commercial properties can be complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility to its preloss state.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of DeKalb County

SERVPRO of DeKalb County specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a water or fire 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.

Keep the moisture in your home to a safe level with dehumidifiers

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Keeping your home dry

During this cold winter, it is nice to not have to deal with the hot, humid days because keeping our homes cool can be a challenge.  Therefore, so many assume the cooler temperatures mean mold issues disappear in the winter. But did you know, it’s actually a year-round problem because moisture is still in your home’s air? This is possible due to cold air outside prompting condensation to those sensitive areas such as walls, windows, attics, and basements. Other factors such as breathing, showering, and cooking all add to the humidity in your Elgin home too. Having condensation in those areas can lead to mold problems.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep your home dry and prevent mold from infiltrating it. You can start by purchasing a dehumidifier for your home. Dehumidifiers can greatly benefit families during the winter. They can help keep humidity levels below the 50% RH threshold throughout the day. Ideally, these RH levels can be anywhere from 30%-50%. Not only will dehumidifiers remove excessive moisture in the air, it also creates an overall more comfortable atmosphere in your home. Lastly, Dehumidifiers can improve your air quality which could result in improving your home’s scent and provide relief to some allergies.

Dehumidifiers come in a wide variety of models, so which one is right for you? When choosing the best dehumidifier for your Dekalb home, consider the following factors:

• The square footage of the desired space to dehumidify
• The temperature of the environment
• Levels of dampness in space

If your home has experienced water damage from excessive moisture, we are the Dekalb area experts. Our team is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide quality emergency response services throughout the Dekalb area. Our certified Technicians will help address your water problems with quality solutions. To make water damage look “Like it never even happened,” call SERVPRO® of Dekalb today: 847-758-3900.

More about Dekalb.

Keeping your DeKalb home shingles secure

3/21/2022 (Permalink)

Storm front

The spring season is right around the corner which means Dekalb is about to endue many storms. We never know the severity and frequency of mother nature in Dekalb, but inevitably, a lot of homeowners end up dealing with property damage as a result from storms. Roof shingles must withstand intense elements and are at risk to becoming damaged following heavy winds or hail. Although you cannot control the weather, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home so it can endure the weather’s brutality.

            The weather in Dekalb can cause shingles to become damaged or completely torn off. Once it becomes damaged, it is important to quickly replace it because once it breaks free, your Dekalb home will become vulnerable to more damage. You can avoid further damage by securing the shingles on your roof. The first thing you can do to secure shingles is to properly nail them to your roof. Did you know there should be at least six nails or staples to hold each shingle? When roofers install the nails or staples, the edges should also be overlapping.

When shingles begin to bend or curl as they settle, use roof tar or another adhesive to reaffix the shingle to the roof. To apply roofing tar, manually brush or spread on the desired area. It can be used anywhere that a spray-on sealant is used. Be sure to also cover the nail with a protective silicone or roofing cement so that the nail head does not become a source for leaking.

            Lastly, another way to protect the roof shingles on your Dekalb home is to use sealant spray. This is to be used where shingles leak around flashing, gutters, or vents. Similar to acrylic sealants, but this spray comes in a can and is intended for smaller areas. Sealant spray does a great job filling in cracks where the shingles meet flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.

            If your home is in need for new shingles, there are an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. A new roof can last you decades, so be sure you like the color or style you choose. To narrow your search, here are the three primary types of asphalt shingles:

• 3-Tab Shingles are the most basic and economical choice. They are lightweight and can last a couple decades in the right conditions.
• Dimensional Shingles have a reputation for being very durable and can last at least 30 years. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer Association, they are the most popular choice today.
• Luxury Asphalt Shingles have the Dimensional appearance but are more affordable than slate or cedar alternatives.

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage from a missing or damaged shingle, SERVPRO® of Dekalb can bring your home back to preloss conditions. We are the water mitigation experts and will minimize your home’s water damage. We are here to service your needs 24-hours a day. For any questions or need to schedule an appointment, call our office: (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Is it water damage? Mold? What is going on?? HELP!!!

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

IR thermometer checking wall temps.

Winter can be a challenging time to try and determine what is causing problems within a building. We can have rain, snow or ice on the outside of the building and that might be getting moisture into the structure. Another issue can be very challenging to evaluate. Cold. 

When the outside temp gets very cold, any problems with insulation in the structure can start to show up. The inside temp may very well be 68 degrees or higher. However, if the insulation in the walls or ceiling is missing in spots, (which is more common than you might think) then the inside surface temperature of those walls may be colder than the surrounding air temp. Much colder. 

Having a very cold surface temp along with warm, moist air temps can cause condensation on those cold surfaces. (Think about taking a cold beverage out of your refrigerator) Having condensation on drywall can cause the surface to get wet or even possibly grow mold, if left wet for long periods of time.

Many restoration professionals have been left scratching their heads trying to find the source of a wet surface in there situations. 

An important tool in these situations is a laser thermometer. These tools can show surface temperatures which might be very different then the surrounding area. This may be the difference between solving a challenging problem and not.

Having experienced professionals available to help you solve your challenging problems is how SERVPRO of DeKalb sets ourselves apart from the rest!

It's not just wind, rain and flooding that causes storm damage

1/19/2022 (Permalink)

Picture of wall thermstat

Wind, rain, storms and flooding do a lot of damage every year in this country, Billions of dollars of damage. But recently we have had another type of disaster that has also caused billions of dollars of damage. Cold temperatures, or polar vortexes. 

When really cold temperatures affect an area, that can cause a strain on infrastructure, such as electricity. Without electricity, a building may loss its ability to keep the inside temperature high enough to prevent damage do to freezing pipes. These temperatures may not be sub-zero temps like those sometimes reached in the northern and midwestern states. Those temps only need to be below freezing to cause damage, especially in buildings that don't normally experiences temps that cold.

When temperatures are expected to really drop, we can take steps to help prevent pipes from freezing. 

A big help is keeping the overall inside temp warm. Some people go out of their homes or on vacation and they turn down the thermostat to the low 50's. That may seem warm, but there are areas within buildings where the temp may be much less than the thermostat setting, such as inside exterior walls, inside cabinets and vanities with water pipes and areas that might have cold air infiltration such as windows and doors. 

When the outside temps start to drop, take steps to protect your home. Open cabinets and vanities which have pipes. Let warm air get into those spaces; you could use a fan if needed. 

Let water drip, slowly out of pipes, especially if they are on exterior walls. Allowing water to drip will keep the water moving in a pipe and those pipes will be harder to freeze. And most importantly, keep the inside temps warm.

The damage caused by a burst pipe can be severe. Be aware during cold snaps to the inside conditions of your home. It may keep you from having to deal with a major water damage situation!

Fires can happen even before you move into the house

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

Fire is never fun to deal with.

You are enjoying the opportunity to design your own home. Picking the cabinets, colors, lights, fixtures, absolutely everything. As the deliveries are made, you can see the unmistakable progress marching on to completion. The biggest issue is, will we get done and moved in before _______. You fill in the blank. 

In your wildest nightmare you never imagined, what if we have a fire? What will need to be replaced, or reordered? What is salvageable? Can the mitigation vendor work with our construction team to try and keep the overall project moving? But these accidents do happen. Maybe due to an electrical issue. Maybe due to a careless placement of a cigarette or the placing of numerous wood staining rags into a pipe that spontaneously combusts into a fire. 

These fires can be even more difficult due to the unfinished and unpainted surfaces absorbing smoke smells and combustion residue.

A careful review of all surfaces needs to be performed to determine what can be cleaned, what can be encapsulated, and unfortunately what will need to be replaced. It can be sad to have to replace brand new items that were never used before. But our job is to get the structure back to "preloss" condition, how ever that needs to be done.

Commercial water damages can cause unique issues

1/11/2022 (Permalink)

How many issues do you see?

They can bring a robust business to stand still, instantly! 

Overhead pipes tend to soak suspended ceiling tiles and walls and those tend to fall to the ground pulling ceiling grids, florescent lights, sound systems, fire alarms, and security sensors to the ground as well.

It may just look like puddles but where is all of that wetness going as it evaporates into the air? Into anything that is dry. Floor stock, packing materials, dry structural material and also increasing the overall humidity in the environment. This can cause secondary damages that may far exceed the original damages caused by the primary water loss. 

A facilities manager may make the decision to just extract the water and just keep everyone working. She may think that is the best decision for the company but not thinking through all of the ramifications that can arise due to secondary damage can cause much worse damage. If they supply OEM with assembly parts, what if rust develops on those parts? What if the packaging starts to deform due to excessive moisture? What if manufacturing tolerances are very tight, and the equipment starts having "problems?"

At SERVPRO of DeKalb County we will discuss the entire issue with the company representatives so that educated decisions can be made. 

Being late on a shipment can be really bad. Loosing a customer may close the doors forever. Use the professionals who can help you identify all of the problems and help you organize the issues and respond appropriately. 

Where did that mold come from?

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

mold damage from basement flood

This time of year we seem to get heavy rains that just soak the ground. Sometimes that water makes its way into our basements and we might not notice. This can happen if our sump pumps are either not working or might not be able to keep up with a heavy rain. 

Another potential cause might be a crack in the foundation wall. These are harder to identify because the walls might be covered with insulation and drywall. 

If we don't go into our basements often, we might be surprised to find wet content, a mildew smell or even mold growth.

SERVPRO of DeKalb provides the mold services you need to restore your basement. We have specialty tools such as water detection meters, infrared cameras, and decades of experience to provide you with the correct services you need. 

Although we are new to owning SERVPRO of DeKalb, our management team has been serving our communities for going on 19 years and pride ourselves on giving homeowners and business professionals the truth of what we see is happening to your facility. We will also provide you with a solution that meets your needs. No hype, no scare tactics just clear well thought out solutions to get you back on track.

We are family owned and we plan on being here for generations to come providing the same educated, honest assistance we have for the past two decades.

SERVPRO of DeKalb, making it "Like it never even happened."

Keeping our DeKalb companies open!

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Fire safety for your Sycamore building

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Fire safety tips

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Mold in your DeKalb County home?

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

Mold in home

Mold. This small word can put a large scare into the eyes of an Dekalb county homeowner. It should because not only does mold look disgusting, it can also cause health effects to you and your family. Did you know there are different classifications for mold?

• Allergenic
• Pathogenic
• Toxigenic

There are possible health effects when you discover mold in your Dekalb home so it’s important to know how to approach each type of situation. Please consider the following of what to do and what NOT to do when you battle mold in your home:

What NOT to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on mold

What to Do

• Stay out of affected area
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Dekalb for mold remediation services

Contacting SERVPRO of Dekalb is the best thing you can do for your mold issues because we are able to identify the source of what is causing mold growth and remediate the issues. A common mistake when dealing with mold is only cleaning up the visible mold and calling it a day. Until you fix the source of moisture that is feeding the mold, it will continue to come back no matter what.

Luckily, mold remediation is a cornerstone of our business so you can ensure we will provide you with quality solutions to treat the problem. We are a 24-hour services and ready to service your needs whenever you need us. Feel free to call our office with any questions or schedule your service today (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

We are Certified Experts in the DeKalb County area

11/11/2021 (Permalink)

IICRC logo

SERVPRO® of Dekalb has been an IICRC certified firm for the past several years. And for nearly five decades, The Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification stands at the forefront teaching trailblazing knowledge required to tackle complex jobs and return normalcy from chaotic environments. They provide the most comprehensive and advanced technical information in the industry. They allow companies like SERVPRO of Dekalb to advance their education and stay ahead of the competition with several IICRC certification options:

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD) is a course designed to teach the effective, efficient, and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents. It uses comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment.
• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) is a course to teach the art and science of carpet cleaning to professional service providers, as well as others in the related industry. Emphasis is placed on the following: practical application, identifying fiber, carpet constructions, style types and finishes, soiling conditions, cleaning science and methodology. This course also covers pre-inspection, basic cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning technique.
• Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) is a course to teach damage inspection and evaluation, workflow management, and process administration. The course also teaches the technical methods of effective and timely drying.
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) is a course with a concentration on technical procedure for successfully completing the restoration of a fire and smoke damaged environment. Students will learn how to combine technical procedures with practical approach to managing the job site. These concepts will then teach the students how pricing of the job is created.
• Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) is a course designed to review the process for inspecting and investigating crime and trauma scenes. This may involve blood and other potentially infectious material. The course will focus on the procedures to follow as well as the precautions that must be taken in such an environment.
• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) is designed to teach restoration personnel that perform remediation work to give them a better concept of water damage, effects, and techniques for drying of structures. This course gives the background to understand the procedures necessary to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

If your Dekalb home or business is faced with a disaster such as a flood or fire, we are the certified experts who have been properly trained to know exactly what to do. Let SERVPRO of Dekalb apply quality solutions to any type of damage you experienced. We are the 24-hour emergency service and can quickly respond whenever the service is needed. To contact our office for service or any questions call (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

2021 First Responder Bowl!!

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

First Responders Bowl

SERVPRO® of DeKalb is surrounded by many First Responders who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our loved ones. Now is our chance to say thank you to the brave men and women in the community. We are honoring their service and sacrifice of America’s First Responders by giving them the chance to win a trip to the SERVPRO® First Responder Bowl.

This is an all-expense paid trip which includes two game tickets, flight tickets, lodging, and transportation. This year the SERVPRO® First Responder Bowl is on Tuesday, December 28^th. For the third year in a row, the game will be played at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT and the matchup will air on ESPN.

First Responders to be honored include: police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents, and emergency trained military personnel. We are looking for First Responders who have:

• Saved a life in their career
• Retired after serving many years
• Injured and back at work
• Trained First Responders
• Fallen in the line of duty
• Accomplished something remarkable

SERVPRO® of DeKalb wants to give a special thanks to everyone in DeKalb County for everything they do. This includes our Police Departments: DeKalb, Sycamore, Genoa, County Sherriff’s, Cortland, Kirkland, Kingston, Malta and many others. This also includes our Fire Departments, our firefighters, Paramedics and EMTs!

We are proud to be a part of this event and recognize all the incredible First Responders in our towns. We are grateful for the courageous individuals who put their lives on the frontlines every day in our community.

Discover

SERVPRO® of Elgin is surrounded by many First Responders who consistently go above and beyond the call of duty to protect our loved ones. Now is our chance to say thank you to the brave men and women in the community. We are honoring their service and sacrifice of America’s First Responders by giving them the chance to win a trip to the SERVPRO® First Responder Bowl.

This is an all-expense paid trip which includes two game tickets, flight tickets, lodging, and transportation. This year the SERVPRO® First Responder Bowl is on Tuesday, December 28^th. For the third year in a row, the game will be played at SMU’s Gerald J. Ford Stadium in Dallas, Texas. Kickoff is set for 3:15 p.m. CT and the matchup will air on ESPN.

First Responders to be honored include: police officers, firefighters, EMS workers, correctional officers, search and rescue, dispatchers, security guards, federal agents, border patrol agents, and emergency trained military personnel. We are looking for First Responders who have:

• Saved a life in their career
• Retired after serving many years
• Injured and back at work
• Trained First Responders
• Fallen in the line of duty
• Accomplished something remarkable

SERVPRO® of Elgin wants to give a special thanks to everyone in our Elgin/Northwest Kane County for everything they do. This includes our Police Departments: Elgin, South Elgin, Kane County Sherriff’s, Pingree Grove, and Hampshire. This also includes our Fire Departments: Elgin, Bartlett, Hoffman Estates, Hampshire, and Pingree Grove.

We are proud to be a part of this event and recognize all the incredible First Responders in the Elgin/Northwest Kane County. We are grateful for the courageous individuals who put their lives on the frontlines every day in our community.

Discover DeKalb!!

The amount of content in a space can delay water damage mitigation

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Basement filled with content

We get the call from a homeowner that they have water in their basement from a pipe break. They innocently inform us that "there is a lot of stuff in the basement." We get there and we cannot even walk into the affected area because it is filled with boxes, plastic containers and other content. 

Unfortunately in these situations, we are limited in what we can do. We will need to have someplace to move the content to for the duration of the mitigation and rebuild (if necessary). It is not unusual that if the basement is that filled, there may not be anyplace to move the content. We may need to call to have an onsite storage container brought to the house. This may require a permit from the city. We will also need to have additional staff to move the large amount of content. It is not unusual that we would need to order a dumpster as well, since delays in removing the content can and will contribute to further damage to the structure (drywall, trim and flooring) as well as to the content. 

Another issue may be that if the insurance coverage is limited, there may not be enough coverage to cover all of the expenses in this situation. 

If you find that your basement is looking a bit packed, you might want to schedule a garage sale to get rid of some of the content. You should also schedule a call to your insurance agent and discuss the extent of coverage you have for the basement to make sure there are no surprises. 

At SERVPRO if DeKalb county, we have seen it all!!

Mold in your car? Really?!!

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning mold out of your car

Having a water damage in your Sycamore home and the possibility of mold is an upsetting thought. What about the possibility of mold within your vehicles?

The current production of vehicles is quality checked and inspected so interior problems are very rare. Yet, it is possible to have mold in your vehicle.

Do you know how to detect if you have a problem in your vehicle? Frankly, it is tough to determine. Our DeKalb area climate is very wet in spring; heavy potential storms in summer and fall and, winters are cold and snowy. During the long winter months, we track snow and ice into our vehicles from our shoes and boots. This equates to a lot of moisture in your car. 

The same rules apply to our vehicles as with our homes: "You don't have a mold problem; you have a moisture problem."

Be aware of your car's environment. Do a quick inspection, especially after heavy rains. Check for signs of wetness on carpeting, your dash, seats, or headliner. Listen for signs of water accumulation in the duct work (usually noticeable when you turn, and you hear sloshing). Finally, do you smell a musty odor in the car?

If you find you have a moisture problem in your vehicle, check to see if there was a recall from the manufacturer to remedy the potential mold issue. SERVPRO of DeKalb County is very experienced in mold remediation of vehicles. Call our office for additional information: 815.758.3900.

For more information about DeKalb:  https://www.cityofdekalb.com/

Mold in your house

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Mold on drywall

Mold. This small word can put a large scare into the eyes of an Dekalb county homeowner. It should because not only does mold look disgusting, it can also cause health effects to you and your family. Did you know there are different classifications for mold?

• Allergenic
• Pathogenic
• Toxigenic

There are possible health effects when you discover mold in your Dekalb home so it’s important to know how to approach each type of situation. Please consider the following of what to do and what NOT to do when you battle mold in your home:

What NOT to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on mold

What to Do

• Stay out of affected area
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Dekalb for mold remediation services

Contacting SERVPRO of DeKalb is the best thing you can do for your mold issues because we are able to identify the source of what is causing mold growth and remediate the issues. A common mistake when dealing with mold is only cleaning up the visible mold and calling it a day. Until you fix the source of moisture that is feeding the mold, it will continue to come back no matter what.

Luckily, mold remediation is a cornerstone of our business so you can ensure we will provide you with quality solutions to treat the problem. We are a 24-hour services and ready to service your needs whenever you need us. Feel free to call our office with any questions or schedule your service today (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Training is essential to having crew that can get the job done right!

10/13/2021 (Permalink)

Some of our workers receiving training at the SERVPRO Corporate Training complex

Each SERVPRO franchise values training and SERVPRO of DeKalb County is no exception!

Training of our staff new and old happens each and everyday at the franchise. We know that each client and situation is different. Whether its online training or in person training its all valued in the office. SERVPRO has an extensive learning management system that allows us to refine the training needed for each employee. There are organizations that we can send our employees to get independent certification training to ensure that our we current with the latest developments in our field.

Franchise owner Margaret Jackowiec has over 19 years of owning a SERVPRO franchise and has over 21 years in being a small business owner. She knows that training is a valuable tool to make happy customers but also in retaining valued employees.

When an employee feels confident in their day-to-day responsibilities they perform better. The training available from the franchise is not limited to just the outside crew. The office staff also is offered many different pieces of training online or in person.

Keep your DeKalb home safe while enjoying your fireplace

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Cozy fireplace

Fireplaces can add the ambiance of warmth and tranquility to your Dekalb home on a chilly Sunday morning. It is important to remember if you don’t take care of your fireplace, your warmth and tranquility, can quickly turn into a nightmare. And it can all start with the cleanliness of your chimney.

One of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to keep your fireplace clean. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 30% of heating fires are a result of unclean chimneys and equipment. This is due to a substance called creosote. Creosote is a byproduct of wood combustion that consists mainly of tar. Traces of this substance are found in the smoke that rises from open flames. When smoke is rising to the top of your chimney, it will mix with cold air and water to solidify and stick to the chimney liner. Creosote is not something that fixes itself either. It grows in a self-perpetuating cycle since it accumulates when there is lack of ventilation. This is a huge hazard because creosote is extremely flammable and can cause a destructive, deadly house fire.

            Creosote forms naturally, so there is no way to completely avoid it while using your fireplace. Small amounts of presence of creosote is not the issues, it’s the buildup of this substance that is problematic. There are three stages of creosote buildup and here is how you can appropriately respond to each stage to get the best cleaning. When you decide it’s time to clean your chimney, ensure you use a trained professional.

1. State One- A small amount of creosote is present and has a thin, flaky texture. At this stage, the coating can easily be brushed away by a technician using a specialized brush.
2. Stage Two- A medium size amount of creosote is present which consents of more tar and soot. At this stage, it is a little tougher to remove the substance. To remove it, it would be most beneficial to use a rotary loop tool attached to a drill.
3. Stage Three- A large amount of creosote is present which is very concentrated. It can feel either sticky and oily or hard and shiny depending if the coating is fresh. At this stage, it may actually be more cost-effective to simply replace the chimney liner than try to clean it.

Although there is no way to completely avoid creosote, you can take simple actions to slow the process of its buildup. Consider the following tips:

• Only use dry, seasoned wood in your chimney. This is wood that has been left to dry for at least 6 months
• Never burn artificial logs because they produce more combustion byproduct than regular wood
• Make sure your fire has an adequate amount of air
• Schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection

Unfortunately, sometimes disaster still happen despite taking the steps to prevent an accident. If your Dekalb home has experienced a fire due to creosote buildup, don’t feel you’re in this alone. We are the certified fire restoration experts and know how to bring your home back to preloss conditions. You can count on us to immediately assess the damages and begin the remediation and restoration process. For services or any questions, call our office (847) 758 3900

Learn more about Dekalb

Keep your home protected from basement floods

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Sump pump

We have had lots of heavy rain in Dekalb, that means much more rain fall for your homes to endure. Rain can bring beautiful flowers but can also be dangerous if your home is not properly protected. One of the most important ways to protect your home is to install a quality sump pump and maintain its proper function. Sump pumps can make the difference between a wet and dry basement after a storm in Dekalb.

Did you know according to American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness? This is why it’s so important to have a sump pump for your home’s basement. They are installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space. It has a huge job to keep your basement dry and prevent it from flooding. When water flows into the sump pump pit through drains, its job is to pump that groundwater out of the pit and away from your Dekalb home. Your basement is able to stay dry because the sump pump is moving the water away the pit.

Although the sump pump has a huge responsibility, most people hardly think about their sump pump until it’s too late. If a sump pump were to fail during a big rain event, your basement could face extensive water damage. To keep your valuables safe from the risk of a flood, it is important to pick the best sump pump system for you. There are four types of sump pumps to consider:

• Primary sump pumps are the most common type found in many residential homes. They even come in two different models. The main difference is the pump’s location. The first one is a submersible pump, which is put under water in your sump pump basin. On the other hand, pedestal pumps are positioned with the pump motor out of the water, above your sump basin. When choosing between the two, pay attention to these factors: Sump pit size, Power needed, length water needs to be pumped, and your budget.
• Battery Backup sump pumps provide you added insurance in the case of a power outage. Not only is this unit used during a blackout, but also can be used if the main pump fails for any reason. New technology has evolved this unit to communicate with users via text or email if there were a failure.
• Combination sump pumps are a combination between a primary pump and a battery backup. This combination provides you protection not only under normal circumstances, but also during a power outage as well. Besides proper flood insurance, this combination can be considered the pinnacle of home flood protection.
• Sewage pumps are not like traditional sump pumps although they could be used for this purpose. Their primary design is to pump sewage waste and effluent from a home to a septic system. This sump has an option to be installed in a septic tank itself or in a separate pump chamber.

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents still happen and basements flood. If your basement has water damage from a flood, don’t handle this alone. Call SERVPRO of DeKalb. We are the water mitigation experts who are trained to solve disasters like this. To schedule an appointment or have any questions, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Protecting your home from Fall storms

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Storm front moving in!!

Everyone enjoys the fall and the changing of colors in Dekalb, but what people do not like is the variety of harsh weather conditions that come during this season. Your home takes a beating during storms, so it is very important for you to maintain and protect them. Luckily, there are plenty of preventative measures homeowners can take to help reduce damage if and when a severe storm hits. Consider the following tips to keep your home safe this season:

• Trim and maintain your trees. They are a risk to possibly damage your home’s exterior or break a window. When heavy rain hits Kane County, it also gives the possibility for trees to be uprooted from the ground as well.
• Secure your fence. Ensure your fences are fully secured to prevent them being lifted from the ground.
• Secure furniture. Patio furniture is a lovely touch for your backyard. Unfortunately, heavy winds can cause items like chairs and toys to be moved. This poses a possible risk to damage either your furniture or your home’s exterior. You can prevent this by anchoring furniture or moving items inside.
• Check your gutters. Gutters need to remain clear at all times. Clear gutters allow water to flow away from your home. If they are not maintained, it can cause water to overflow and create leaks. There is also a risk for your roof to collapse from the built-up pressure. Set a couple of hours aside to clean gutters and make sure they are properly working.
• Protect your shingles. Make sure your shingles are secure to endure storms in Elgin. If they ever become loose, you can repair each shingle with either roof tar or sealant spray.
• Stock a basic emergency kit. Intense storms in the Dekalb County area can leave you without electric, water, gas, or sewage for a few hours or even days. Stock your family’s emergency kit without enough food, water, and supplies to carry everyone through at least three days. A basic emergency kit can include: Water, food, and flashlight.
• Create an emergency escape plan if there if there is a fire from lightening strike.
• Know your policy. It’s critical to read and understand your insurance policy. Be sure to frequently examine your property to ensure there are no physical or liability hazards.

If your home has been damaged by a storm, SERVPRO of DeKalb can take of any needs you and your family have after a disaster. Don’t feel alone during this stressful time. We can take the stress out of fixing any water or fire damage from storms. We are a 24-hour service and are “Here to Help” whenever you need us. For services and any questions, call: (815)- 758-3900.

More about DeKalb.

Keeping up with any leaks in your home

10/12/2021 (Permalink)

Leaking pipe.

As rain continues to pour in DeKalb County, maintenance on your beautiful home is crucial to keeping everything in working order. Small things such as fixing any leaks can go a long way for our DeKalb home.

By simply fixing any leaks in your roof, window, or pipes, it will prevent further damage such as mold growth. In general, try to clean and dry areas subjected to water within 48 hours to help prevent further damage. If you believe materials are wet and cannot be completely dried, completely remove them to be replaced. It might seem like an extra hassle to completely replace materials, but when left wet, it can lead to additional issues, like mold growth.

We recommend replacing wet insulation with mold resistant insulation. Also consider replacing drywall with boards containing mold and moisture inhibitors. This is a great way to keep your insulation and drywall dry while protecting it from further damage.  Insulation is a very powerful tool because it manages the building’s temperature and moisture. Insulation will support dry, temperature-controlled conditions that inhibit mold growth. Spray polyurethane foam is a great type of insulation for your DeKalb home. It seals cracks, holes, and other defects in the building’s structure. This creates a tight seal and will reduce the air and moisture flow.

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents still happen! When you experience water damage from leaks or other sources, this is when you need to call SERVPRO of DeKalb County to service your needs! We are a 24-hour restoration service who can provide you quality solutions and bring you a peace of mind. To schedule your service or any questions, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Steps taken to keep everyone safe during Commercial visits

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

We are always open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous number of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

ERPs will help you reopen after a disaster

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

ERPs are essential for business continuity.

Businesses big or small face a variety of possible disasters every day. Disasters and resulting business interruption can devastate companies. Did you know only 50% of businesses that close due to a disaster ever reopen? And of those reopened businesses, 75% of them had an emergency plan. This proves having an Emergency Ready Profile can be lifesaving to a business.

No one plans on having a disaster hit their business, but fortunately, you can plan for it with an Emergency Ready Profile. This plan includes what to do, who to call, and what to expect, which are key aspects of timely mitigation. More specifically, it includes details such as shut-off value locations and all primary contacts. Timely mitigation will minimize the effects of damages and allow your business to be restored at an advanced rate with minimal downtime.

SERVPRO® of Elgin can provide your business with an Emergency Ready Profile for no charge. In addition, the entire plan will be located on an app. The app not only gives you convenient access, its layout will keep all the information in an organized fashion.

Call SERVPRO of DeKalb today to get your Emergency Ready Profile started: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Escape plans help save lives during a fire

10/11/2021 (Permalink)

Home escape plan

In the past 40 years, escaping from a fire has dropped from 17 minutes to less than 3 minutes due to the evolution of materials in modern homes. This makes it vital to create and practice an emergency escape plan. Home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation, but only 26% of Americans have developed an escape plan for a fire.

When developing your plan, here are a few suggestions:

• Draw a map of each level in your home. Locate all the doors, windows, and identify two ways to exit each room
• Consider a collapsible escape ladder for your second and third floors. You should only buy them from a recognized testing laboratory
• Choose an outside meeting place. It should be in front of your home, but also a safe distance away from the fire. Some examples include: Neighbor’s house, light post, mailbox, or stop sign
• If your doors or windows have security bars, make sure the bars have emergency release devices inside so they can be opened immediately. Please note that emergency release devices do not compromise your security
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them

Pets are a part of your family too. Half of a million pets are affected by home fires each year. Here are a few tips to creating an escape plan for your animal(s):

• Pets will be afraid. Put your dog on a leash and keep your cat in a carrier. This will secure them with you and prevent them from fleeing
• Identify your pet’s favorite hiding place ahead of time, as this is where they will most likely be hiding if a fire starts
• Post “pet rescue stickers” to a front window, in an easy-to-spot location. The decal includes number of pets in your home, so rescuers know who to look for when entering
• When you are not home, contain them near an exit. It will provide a better chance of firefighters finding your animal.

If your home experiences a fire, this is the time when you need us most, so that is why we are a 24-hour business. SERVPRO of Dekalb will provide you and your family with quality solutions to your loss and guide you through our process every step of the way. For any questions or to schedule our service, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn about Dekalb.

Safety precautions during your commercial visit

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Soot safety after a fire in your Dekalb home

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

Soot on tile in kitchen

Picture this: An accidental fire has started in your beautiful Dekalb home and you’re forced to quickly evacuate. Through the chaos and uncertainty, you and your loved ones have safely exited the home and are now a good distance away from the scorching flames. Everyone is now waiting outside as the rescue team fights to extinguish the fire. The firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and saved your home from burning down. They have determined your home is structurally sound enough for you to go back inside, but is your home really safe again?

As if dealing with a house fire was not enough, once the initial danger has passed, you have to deal with soot which has spread throughout your home. Soot is made of tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It contains a lot of hazardous materials which give off an ugly sight and foul smell. This can be quite harmful to you and your family and may cause health effects. 

Soot exposure is a serious matter and it’s vital to ensure the soot-affected area has been properly cleaned by professionals. Statistics from a 2017 study, in JAMA, show that particle exposure leads to around 20,000 deaths in the United States each year. In fact, soot related diseases are the culprit of many of them. It has been the main cause of 300,000 asthma attack and two million lost workdays. Don’t let your home fire and its soot particles become one of these statistics.

Although safety risks from fires do not end once the flames are out, there are ways you can still bring your Dekalb home back to a safe environment. SERVPRO of Dekalb is here to offer the fire restoration services your home needs after a horrendous disaster. We are the trained professionals and know how to properly bring your home back to preloss conditions. Feel free to call us with any questions or schedule your services (815) 758-3900. Also consider reading more about an Emergency Escape Plan to prepare for this kind of disaster.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Mold in your car?!

10/6/2021 (Permalink)

car mold cleaning

Having a water damage in your Sycamore home and the possibility of mold is an upsetting thought. What about the possibility of mold within your vehicles?

The current production of vehicles is quality checked and inspected so interior problems are very rare. Yet, it is possible to have mold in your vehicle.

Do you know how to detect if you have a problem in your vehicle? Frankly, it is tough to determine. Our DeKalb area climate is very wet in spring; heavy potential storms in summer and fall and, winters are cold and snowy. During the long winter months, we track snow and ice into our vehicles from our shoes and boots. This equates to a lot of moisture in your car. 

The same rules apply to our vehicles as with our homes: "You don't have a mold problem; you have a moisture problem."

Be aware of your car's environment. Do a quick inspection, especially after heavy rains. Check for signs of wetness on carpeting, your dash, seats, or headliner. Listen for signs of water accumulation in the duct work (usually noticeable when you turn, and you hear sloshing). Finally, do you smell a musty odor in the car?

If you find you have a moisture problem in your vehicle, check to see if there was a recall from the manufacturer to remedy the potential mold issue. SERVPRO of DeKalb County is very experienced in mold remediation of vehicles. Call our office for additional information: 815.758.3900.

For more information about DeKalb:  https://www.cityofdekalb.com/

Washing machine mishaps

6/3/2021 (Permalink)

washing machine

Washing machines are amazing inventions. Originally they were designed to reduce the amount of physical effort to wash our clothes. Today they are clothing maintenance wonders!

They have settings for every type of clothing and even those can be adjusted. We can use low water, lots of water, steam and every conceivable combination of cleaning products and cycles to expertly clean our clothes. 

However, they still use water and even on a low water setting, a large amount of water when not kept in the washer can cause considerable damage to your floors, walls and content.

You can use water sensors to alert you to a water discharge from your unit, but what are you going to do to clean it up?

Call the water extraction and drying professionals at SERVPRO!

Our technicians have the proper tools to find where the water went and the experience to remove the water and to dry it so that you don't have possible future damage as water stains or even mold.

When you want your house taken care of by professionals, give the drying team at SERVPRO a call!! 

Keeping up with the rain!

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Sump pumps keep your basement dry

Spring is here and for Dekalb, that means much more rain fall for your homes to endure. Rain can bring beautiful flowers but can also be dangerous if your home is not properly protected. One of the most important ways to protect your home is to install a quality sump pump and maintain its proper function. Sump pumps can make the difference between a wet and dry basement after a storm in Dekalb.

Did you know according to American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness? This is why it’s so important to have a sump pump for your home’s basement. They are installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space. It has a huge job to keep your basement dry and prevent it from flooding. When water flows into the sump pump pit through drains, its job is to pump that groundwater out of the pit and away from your Dekalb home. Your basement is able to stay dry because the sump pump is moving the water away the pit.

Although the sump pump has a huge responsibility, most people hardly think about their sump pump until it’s too late. If a sump pump were to fail during a big rain event, your basement could face extensive water damage. To keep your valuables safe from the risk of a flood, it is important to pick the best sump pump system for you. There are four types of sump pumps to consider:

• Primary sump pumps are the most common type found in many residential homes. They even come in two different models. The main difference is the pump’s location. The first one is a submersible pump, which is put under water in your sump pump basin. On the other hand, pedestal pumps are positioned with the pump motor out of the water, above your sump basin. When choosing between the two, pay attention to these factors: Sump pit size, Power needed, length water needs to be pumped, and your budget.
• Battery Backup sump pumps provide you added insurance in the case of a power outage. Not only is this unit used during a blackout, but also can be used if the main pump fails for any reason. New technology has evolved this unit to communicate with users via text or email if there were a failure.
• Combination sump pumps are a combination between a primary pump and a battery backup. This combination provides you protection not only under normal circumstances, but also during a power outage as well. Besides proper flood insurance, this combination can be considered the pinnacle of home flood protection.
• Sewage pumps are not like traditional sump pumps although they could be used for this purpose. Their primary design is to pump sewage waste and effluent from a home to a septic system. This sump has an option to be installed in a septic tank itself or in a separate pump chamber.

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents still happen and basements flood. If your basement has water damage from a flood, don’t handle this alone. Call SERVPRO of Dekalb. We are the water mitigation experts who are trained to solve disasters like this. To schedule an appointment or have any questions, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Helping keep businesses open for business

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Open for business

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Soot can cause all kinds of problems

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Sooty tile

Picture this: An accidental fire has started in your beautiful Dekalb home and you’re forced to quickly evacuate. Through the chaos and uncertainty, you and your loved ones have safely exited the home and are now a good distance away from the scorching flames. Everyone is now waiting outside as the rescue team fights to extinguish the fire. The firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and saved your home from burning down. They have determined your home is structurally sound enough for you to go back inside, but is your home really safe again?

As if dealing with a house fire was not enough, once the initial danger has passed, you have to deal with soot which has spread throughout your home. Soot is made of tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It contains a lot of hazardous materials which give off an ugly sight and foul smell. This can be quite harmful to you and your family and may cause health effects. 

Soot exposure is a serious matter and it’s vital to ensure the soot-affected area has been properly cleaned by professionals. Statistics from a 2017 study, in JAMA, show that particle exposure leads to around 20,000 deaths in the United States each year. In fact, soot related diseases are the culprit of many of them. It has been the main cause of 300,000 asthma attack and two million lost workdays. Don’t let your home fire and its soot particles become one of these statistics.

Although safety risks from fires do not end once the flames are out, there are ways you can still bring your Dekalb home back to a safe environment. SERVPRO of Dekalb is here to offer the fire restoration services your home needs after a horrendous disaster. We are the trained professionals and know how to properly bring your home back to preloss conditions. Feel free to call us with any questions or schedule your services (815) 758-3900. Also consider reading more about an Emergency Escape Plan to prepare for this kind of disaster.

Learn more about DeKalb.

Closing doors can save lives

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Room protected by closing doors

Close Before You Doze is a public fire safety campaign promoted by The UL Firefighter Safety Research. It has been proven during a fire, a closed door can make the difference between 100 degrees and 1,000 degrees. This significant difference has promoted the habit of sleeping with doors closed. It can help add critical time to your escape if a fire were to happen.

This is especially important with the “evolving fire environment”, caused by the increase use of synthetics in modern homes. According to research, forty years ago, the average time needed to escape a burning home was seventeen minutes. Today, the evolving fire environment has caused it to drop to only three minutes. The change in construction materials, furnishings and open layouts, has caused drastic reduction time. These factors allow the fire to spread and become more toxic much quicker.

It is common for people to want to leave the door open whether they have kids or do not think a door can make a significant difference. In fact, only 29% of people always sleep with their door closed. Therefore, it is very important for families to understand the lifesaving difference a closed door will make.

A fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen to grow. So, when a door is closed, it limits the fire’s resources to spread. Furthermore, when a door is closed, not as much carbon monoxide will enter the room. This will keep the oxygen at a breathable level for additional time. The reduction of toxic smoke, improved oxygen levels, and decreased room temperatures will give you more time to escape the fire just by simply closing your door.

Closing the door when you go to sleep is one thing, but if there is an actual fire, it is critical to know the next steps of determining if the door is safe to open. First, you should look for smoke coming through the cracks in the door. If there is smoke, do not open the door. Next, gently touch the door to see if it is hot. If it is hot, do not open the door. Checking the door should be part of your escape plan. Make sure your family has established and rehearsed a plan to exit a burning fire.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Gutters don't get the credit they deserve

5/28/2021 (Permalink)

Gutters

From intense wind, heavy snow fall, and rain showers, your Dekalb home endures a lot of storms throughout the year. When these storms hit, your gutters are busy at work. Their job is to control the flow of rainwater which protects your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape. Unfortunately, they can also be at risk for causing serious additional problems if they are not maintained.

            If your gutters are not maintained after enduring Dekalb's storms, you can easily be at risk for potential water damage which can cost thousands of dollars. Since the job of gutters is to carry water away from the home’s foundation, it cannot do its function without clear paths. Clogged gutters will eventually overflow onto the foundation of the home. And depending on the amount of water and condition of the foundation, water could seep into your basement or crawl space. Clogged gutters can also pose a weight strain on your roof and fascia. This could cause your roof to collapse and causing damage to the shingles of the roof and exterior of the house.

            A routine cleaning of your gutters can prevent damage to your roof, exterior, foundation, and save you a lot of money in damage repairs. By setting aside a couple of hours, follow these steps to easily clean them yourself and ensure they are functioning properly:

1. Protect your hands and keep them dry by wearing latex gloves
2. Begin cleaning near the downspout
3. Clear large debris such as leaves and twigs by hand
4. Remove and clean downspout strainers
5. Flush out the gutter with your garden hose. Start at the opposite end of the downspout
6. Check the downspout for any lodged debris and remove any remaining debris
7. Use a pressure washer to remove any mildew and dirt from the gutters

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage, be proactive by partnering with SERVPRO of Dekalb County to dry out the damaged area. We are the water restoration team you can count on us to remove and repair water damage. We are a 24-hour service and can respond to the call at any time. To schedule an estimate or have any questions, call (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

We are Covid Cleaning Experts in Dekalb County

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Proactive Cleaning

SERVPRO of Dekalb is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards. We have cleaned stadiums, college campus buildings, homes, police and other municipal buildings and vehicles; keeping you safe.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your Dekalb home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your Dekalb home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –SERVPRO of Dekalb, 815-578-3900

Learn more about Dekalb.

Stop spreading the germs in DeKalb County

3/20/2021 (Permalink)

Boy sneezing!

Flu season is in full swing here in Dekalb County and the spread of germs is on everyone’s mind. During this time, it is important to do our part to help stop the spread of germs. One of the first steps you can take is to keep up with the latest information and news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have emphasized the importance of keeping your surroundings clean and safe which include environments like the workplace, schools, commercial establishments, and homes. Each environment has proactive actions you can take to prevent the spread of germs

Workplace & school safety

• Practice good hygiene. In the workplace, avoid handshakes or use other methods of greeting. You should be keeping your space clean by disinfecting surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks, and hand railings.
• Where a mask whenever you are in close contact with others.
• Practice good social distancing, stay 6 feet away from others not in your social circle
• Be careful with meetings and travel. If you have the opportunity, use videoconferencing instead of face-to-face meetings. If this is not possible, try to hold your meeting in an open, well-ventilated space. In addition, assess the risk of business travel. Make sure you know how to best prepare for a safe experience at the airport.
• Handle food carefully. This means to limit food sharing and always wash your hands before consuming food. If your workplace has a cafeteria, ensure staff practice strict hygiene
• Stay at home if you are feeling sick

Home Safety

• All Dekalb households should encourage everyone to wash their hands upon entering the home and avoid touching their face
• Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and handrails
• It is suggested for households with sick family members to give them their own room if possible

Commercial Establishments

• Practice good hygiene. To avoid spreading germs in Dekalb, it is recommended to use other methods of greeting people rather than a handshake. At business or commercial establishments, promote tap and pay to limit handling of cash
• Avoid crowds. Being in the presence of crowds increases your chances of catching something. To avoid crowds, use online transactions where possible. If you are someone managing these establishment, consider limiting attendance at larger gatherings
• Be cautious when using public transportation. Taxis, buses, and ride shares are all very common uses of transportation and sometimes it’s hard to avoid using them when it’s your main source of getting from point A to B. Always keep hand sanitizer handy with you to use after you’ve arrived at your destination. It is also recommended to keep windows down if possible to increase ventilation

SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help” to stop the spread of germs in these environments by providing our proactive cleaning services. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration, we have the CDC and EPA approved resources to help you immediately. Call us today to see how we can help clean your home or business: (815) 758-3900.

Secure Your Shingles from Dekalb Storms

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

The spring season is right around the corner which means Dekalb is about to endue many storms. We never know the severity and frequency of mother nature in Dekalb, but inevitably, a lot of homeowners end up dealing with property damage as a result from storms. Roof shingles must withstand intense elements and are at risk to becoming damaged following heavy winds or hail. Although you cannot control the weather, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home so it can endure the weather’s brutality.

            The weather in Dekalb can cause shingles to become damaged or completely torn off. Once it becomes damaged, it is important to quickly replace it because once it breaks free, your Dekalb home will become vulnerable to more damage. You can avoid further damage by securing the shingles on your roof. The first thing you can do to secure shingles is to properly nail them to your roof. Did you know there should be at least six nails or staples to hold each shingle? When roofers install the nails or staples, the edges should also be overlapping.

When shingles begin to bend or curl as they settle, use roof tar or another adhesive to reaffix the shingle to the roof. To apply roofing tar, manually brush or spread on the desired area. It can be used anywhere that a spray-on sealant is used. Be sure to also cover the nail with a protective silicone or roofing cement so that the nail head does not become a source for leaking.

            Lastly, another way to protect the roof shingles on your Dekalb home is to use sealant spray. This is to be used where shingles leak around flashing, gutters, or vents. Similar to acrylic sealants, but this spray comes in a can and is intended for smaller areas. Sealant spray does a great job filling in cracks where the shingles meet flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.

            If your home is in need for new shingles, there are an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. A new roof can last you decades, so be sure you like the color or style you choose. To narrow your search, here are the three primary types of asphalt shingles:

• 3-Tab Shingles are the most basic and economical choice. They are lightweight and can last a couple decades in the right conditions.
• Dimensional Shingles have a reputation for being very durable and can last at least 30 years. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer Association, they are the most popular choice today.
• Luxury Asphalt Shingles have the Dimensional appearance but are more affordable than slate or cedar alternatives.

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage from a missing or damaged shingle, SERVPRO® of Dekalb can bring your home back to preloss conditions. We are the water mitigation experts and will minimize your home’s water damage. We are here to service your needs 24-hours a day. For any questions or need to schedule an appointment, call our office: (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Keep Moisture Out of Your Dekalb Home with Dehumidifiers

3/17/2021 (Permalink)

Moisture and dehumidifiers

During this cold winter, it is nice to not have to deal with the hot, humid days because keeping our homes cool can be a challenge.  Therefore, so many assume the cooler temperatures mean mold issues disappear in the winter. But did you know, it’s actually a year-round problem because moisture is still in your home’s air? This is possible due to cold air outside prompting condensation to those sensitive areas such as walls, windows, attics, and basements. Other factors such as breathing, showering, and cooking all add to the humidity in your Elgin home too. Having condensation in those areas can lead to mold problems.

Moisture in your home is important to monitor because if it is left untreated and mold starts to grow, it will decompose wood and rot household items such as carpeting, furniture, and insulation. Mold can also cause potential health effects to your family because some people have allergies to mold and mold spores. It is extremely important to be aware of the possible health effects from mold and your family’s allergies to it. 

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep your home dry and prevent mold from infiltrating it. You can start by purchasing a dehumidifier for your home. Dehumidifiers can greatly benefit families during the winter. They can help keep humidity levels below the 50% RH threshold throughout the day. Ideally, these RH levels can be anywhere from 30%-50%. Not only will dehumidifiers remove excessive moisture in the air, it also creates an overall more comfortable atmosphere in your home. Lastly, Dehumidifiers can improve your air quality which could result in improving your home’s scent and provide relief to some allergies.

Dehumidifiers come in a wide variety of models, so which one is right for you? When choosing the best dehumidifier for your Dekalb home, consider the following factors:

• The square footage of the desired space to dehumidify
• The temperature of the environment
• Levels of dampness in space

If your home has experienced water damage from excessive moisture, we are the Dekalb area experts. Our team is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide quality emergency response services throughout the Dekalb area. Our certified Technicians will help address your water problems with quality solutions. To make water damage look “Like it never even happened,” call SERVPRO® of Dekalb today: 847-758-3900.

More about Dekalb.

Fire Safety for Your DeKalb Commercial Building

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Fire damage experts

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in Dekalb: Carbon Monoxide

3/16/2021 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Same Old Sad Story

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

First they extract, then they pull the padding.

1/13/2022

Customer Story:

Recently we had water in our basement from this crazy winter weather. We have had water in the basement in every house we have had. SERVPRO of Dekalb County is our go to company! We consider ourselves experts in how to store things in the basement to minimize damage and make things as smooth as possible. We don't really want to be such experts but we are sure glad we have found such a great group to work with when these situations arise. We contact them and they always come out and get right to work. Our most recent experience was no different. We came home from a weekend away at our son's basketball tournament to find the water. As we are used to, the SERVPRO crew got right to work extracting the water and then setting equipment to dry. The crew is always very efficient and takes the time to do the job right. Within a few days we were back to normal and that is due to their work. 

Spring Hit This Shopping Area Hard

1/13/2021 (Permalink)

Water extraction is needed to get rid of the "easy water" Then equipment placement

1/13/2021

Spring in Illinois is known for some crazy weather and last year was no different. A sudden micro burst happened and a local strip mall was effected. It did considerable damage to the roof for the entire structure. Due to the storm quite a bit of rain water came into the businesses. The agent for the building was also the agent for many of the businesses. He contacted the SERVPRO of Dekalb team right away. SERVPRO of DeKalb contacted a roofer and together they put a plan in place to tackle the job. The team went right to work and spoke with the individual business owners to walk them through the plan for their business. The team worked many long hours to make the customers happy. In what seemed like no time the businesses were back and ready for business. The building repairs were completed and all were very pleased with the end result. 

Suprise After Vacation

1/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water in the ceilings.

1/6/2022

Recently SERVPRO of Dekalb County was contacted by an agent regarding a frantic call from one of their clients. The client had been gone over the holidays and came home to quite a mess in their kitchen which had spilled into the basement. They had a house sitter that had only left 12 hours before so they knew the sink leak hadn't been happening very long. The SERVPRO of DeKalb County crew helped many other clients for this agent and she knew they could help with this disaster. The office staff found a plumber to help take care of the leak for them and then the crew arrived. They got right to work and received so many compliments on the efficiency of the crew. The water was cleaned up in what seemed like minutes (actually a couple of hours) and equipment was set to dry the structure. In a matter of a few days all was well and the customer and agent were thrilled with the results. 

Local Church Needed Help

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Saving memories

SERVPRO of Dekalb County was called to a local church that had a fire due to a accident by a contractor working on the building. The contractor was applying siding to the building  and exposed some electrical wires that then caught fire. The church also housed a daycare for the small community and needed to get reopened ASAP. The daycare was critical to the needs of the community. SERVPRO arrived the day of the fire and went right to work. They worked closely with the council of the church and local contractors. They got the church and its contents cleaned. Some of the challenges they incurred were dealt with in a quick manner and they got the church back open for their big fall celebration. They also had additional deadlines to meet for the daycare portion of the building. SERVPRO of Dekalb county worked well with all involved and has since been referred other work from the council of the church. 

Library Needed Carpet Cleaning

1/4/2021 (Permalink)

Library carpet cleaning

SERVPRO of Dekalb County helped out a small communities library when they had a water job in the basement. They helped to get the building open and that was such a great help to the community as many local organizations use the building. Since the completion of that job the board and staff of the library was so pleased with the work done they knew exactly who to call when they needed the carpets cleaned in the 2500 square foot building. They SERVPRO crews came in over the Christmas Holiday break as the building was closed for that week. They were very efficient and got the job done. All of the staff were very pleased with the crew and that just confirmed why they choose SERVPRO to complete the job. 

Being called to assist during an emergency is great, but being called to do regular work because you do such great work is fantastic!!

Mold in a vehicle??

10/5/2020 (Permalink)

Mold remediation of a vehicle.

Having a water damage in your Sycamore home and the possibility of mold is an upsetting thought. What about the possibility of mold within your vehicles?

The current production of vehicles are quality checked and inspected so interior problems are very rare. Yet, it is possible to have mold in your vehicle.

Do you know how to detect if you have a problem in your vehicle? Frankly, it is tough to determine. Our DeKalb area climate is very wet in spring;  heavy potential storms in summer and fall and, winters are cold and snowy. During the long winter months, we track snow and ice into our vehicles from our shoes and boots. This equates to a lot of moisture in your car. 

The same rules apply to our vehicles as with our homes: "You don't have a mold problem, you have a moisture problem."

Be aware of your car's environment. Do a quick inspection, especially after heavy rains. Check for signs of wetness on carpeting, your dash, seats or headliner. Listen for signs of water accumulation in the duct work (usually noticeable when you turn and you hear sloshing). Finally, do you smell a musty odor in the car?

If you find you have a moisture problem in your vehicle, check to see if there was a recall from the manufacturer to remedy the potential mold issue. SERVPRO of DeKalb County is very experienced in mold remediation of vehicles. Call our office for additional information: 815.758.3900.

For more information about DeKalb:  https://www.cityofdekalb.com/

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned: The Program Your Business Needs

6/22/2020 (Permalink)

Illinois has successfully reached Phase Three and we're getting ready for Phase Four! This means we are starting to see businesses reopen their doors and the community is moving towards a new kind of normal. Research indicates 89% of consumers are concerned to go back to brick and mortar stores. This makes staying safe a top concern for visitors, customers, and employees. The global pandemic has changed what it means to be clean, so SERVPRO of Dekalb has launched the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program with the goal to provide businesses a safe and clean environment.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned is a defensive cleaning program we’re offering to Dekalb businesses and commercial spaces to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. This proactive viral pathogen cleaning program goes well beyond janitorial or carpet cleaning. By choosing Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you, your staff, and customers can rest assured you’ve selected a higher cleaning standard.

With the stakes being this high, you want a partner who has developed an industry leading, proprietary training program, cleaning solutions, and remediation processes over decades. Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned reflects our unique experiences and capabilities. The program is grounded with our unique 3 C’s: Consult, Clean, and Certify:

• Consult- Every Dekalb business is different, which is why you’ll be assigned a Cleaning Protocol Consultant who understands your business and will create a cleaning program to meet your specific needs. This program will be developed based on your business type, size of space, number of touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points.
• Clean- Based on your specific Dekalb business needs, your location will undergo a thorough, deep clean, using exclusive cleaning products, according to protocols set forth by the CDC. Our SERVPRO of Dekalb employees have years of experience, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform. Cleanup procedures generally include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of equipment, tools, and supplies, and dispose hazardous materials. We also guarantee a cleaning within 24-hours to ensure you get back to business as quickly as possible
• Certify- Once your business location has been Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, you will gain access to proprietary signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communications that you’ve selected a higher standard of cleaning. And because we add the day, month, and year to that proprietary stamp of clean, your guests will know that not only did you choose Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, but that your location has been cleaned to a higher standard

Call today for a Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned consultation! We’re Here to Help as we fight to bring daily life back to normal in the Dekalb community. Please feel free to reach out to our Dekalb office (815) 758-3900 for question or request a consultation.

Learn about more about DeKalb: https://www.cityofdekalb.com/

Make an Escape Plan For Your Dekalb Home

6/8/2020 (Permalink)

In the past 40 years, escaping from a fire has dropped from 17 minutes to less than 3 minutes due to the evolution of materials in modern homes. This makes it vital to create and practice an emergency escape plan. Home fires are the single most common disaster across the nation, but only 26% of Americans have developed an escape plan for a fire.

When developing your plan, here are a few suggestions:

• Draw a map of each level in your home. Locate all the doors, windows, and identify two ways to exit each room
• Consider a collapsible escape ladder for your second and third floors. You should only buy them from a recognized testing laboratory
• Choose an outside meeting place. It should be in front of your home, but also a safe distance away from the fire. Some examples include: Neighbor’s house, light post, mailbox, or stop sign
• If your doors or windows have security bars, make sure the bars have emergency release devices inside so they can be opened immediately. Please note that emergency release devices do not compromise your security
• Teach children how to escape on their own in case you cannot help them

Pets are a part of your family too. Half of a million pets are affected by home fires each year. Here are a few tips to creating an escape plan for your animal(s):

• Pets will be afraid. Put your dog on a leash and keep your cat in a carrier. This will secure them with you and prevent them from fleeing
• Identify your pet’s favorite hiding place ahead of time, as this is where they will most likely be hiding if a fire starts
• Post “pet rescue stickers” to a front window, in an easy-to-spot location. The decal includes number of pets in your home, so rescuers know who to look for when entering
• When you are not home, contain them near an exit. It will provide a better chance of firefighters finding your animal.

If your home experiences a fire, this is the time when you need us most, so that is why we are a 24-hour business. SERVPRO of Dekalb will provide you and your family with quality solutions to your loss and guide you through our process every step of the way. For any questions or to schedule our service, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn about Dekalb.

The Importance of Fixing Leaks in Your Dekalb Home

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

As rain continues to pour in Deklab County, maintenance on your beautiful home is crucial to keeping everything in working order. Small things such as fixing any leaks can go a long way for our Dekalb home.

By simply fixing any leaks in your roof, window, or pipes, it will prevent further damage such as mold growth. In general, try to clean and dry areas subjected to water within 48 hours to help prevent further damage. If you believe materials are wet and cannot be completely dried, completely remove them to be replaced. It might seem like an extra hassle to completely replace materials, but when left wet, it can lead to additional issues, like mold growth.

We recommend replacing wet insulation with mold resistant insulation. Also consider replacing drywall with boards containing mold and moisture inhibitors. This is a great way to keep your insulation and drywall dry while protecting it from further damage.  Insulation is a very powerful tool because it manages the building’s temperature and moisture. Insulation will support dry, temperature-controlled conditions that inhibit mold growth. Spray polyurethane foam is a great type of insulation for your Dekalb home. It seals cracks, holes, and other defects in the building’s structure. This creates a tight seal and will reduce the air and moisture flow.

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents still happen! When you experience water damage from leaks or other sources, this is when you need to call SERVPRO of Dekalb County to service your needs! We are a 24-hour restoration service who can provide you quality solutions and bring you a peace of mind. To schedule your service or any questions, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Soot Safety After a Fire in Dekalb

5/28/2020 (Permalink)

Soot on kitchen material

Picture this: An accidental fire has started in your beautiful Dekalb home and you’re forced to quickly evacuate. Through the chaos and uncertainty, you and your loved ones have safely exited the home and are now a good distance away from the scorching flames. Everyone is now waiting outside as the rescue team fights to extinguish the fire. The firefighters were able to extinguish the flames and saved your home from burning down. They have determined your home is structurally sound enough for you to go back inside, but is your home really safe again?

As if dealing with a house fire was not enough, once the initial danger has passed, you have to deal with soot which has spread throughout your home. Soot is made of tiny carbon particles created by incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. It contains a lot of hazardous materials which give off an ugly sight and foul smell. This can be quite harmful to you and your family and may cause health effects. 

Soot exposure is a serious matter and it’s vital to ensure the soot-affected area has been properly cleaned by professionals. Statistics from a 2017 study, in JAMA, show that particle exposure leads to around 20,000 deaths in the United States each year. In fact, soot related diseases are the culprit of many of them. It has been the main cause of 300,000 asthma attack and two million lost workdays. Don’t let your home fire and its soot particles become one of these statistics.

Although safety risks from fires do not end once the flames are out, there are ways you can still bring your Dekalb home back to a safe environment. SERVPRO of Dekalb is here to offer the fire restoration services your home needs after a horrendous disaster. We are the trained professionals and know how to properly bring your home back to preloss conditions. Feel free to call us with any questions or schedule your services (815) 758-3900. Also consider reading more about an Emergency Escape Plan to prepare for this kind of disaster.

Learn more about Dekalb.

How to Handle the Aftermath of a Sump Pump Failure

5/21/2020 (Permalink)

basement with sump pump not working

Many Dekalb basements have at least one sump pump. A sump pump is installed underneath the floor of basements which is called a “sump pit”. Once heavy rains hit your home, water starts to flow into the pit through drains or natural soil migration. Once watered is received, the pump will activate and start redirecting the water away from your home. It can be an especially important piece to your home if you invested money into refinishing the basement or have valuable items stored away. But like any piece of equipment, there is a possibility of it failing which can result in flooding, water backups, or water damage to your Dekalb basement.

Your beautiful basement has flooded due to a sump pump failure, so now what?

• A flooded basement poses an electrocution hazard. Never enter a wet or flooded basement until the electricity has been shut off from the main panel.
• Locate and turn off the water source. If the source is coming from a ruptured pipe, turn off the main shutoff valve.
• Determine the type of water that has flooded your Dekalb home. If it from a pipe, it’s generally safe up to 48 hours, but it is still recommended to wear gloves, boots, and other protective gear. If the water is from a sewage backup, it is classified as biohazard and requires intervention by qualified experts.
• Don’t attempt to pump it out yourself. If deep water is pumped from a flooded basement too quickly, you might cause structural failure. This is possible because there is external pressure exerted by over-saturated soil pressing against the basement walls.
• Call the experts. SERVPRO of Dekalb County is your water mitigation experts. Our franchise has been servicing basements for years and we can confidently provide you with quality solutions to bring your Dekalb home back to preloss conditions.

Luckily, there are a couple of ways you can avoid sump pump failures. The first way to avoid failure is through annual maintenance. For example, clear the sump pump basin of debris which can clog the pump inlet. Be sure to also test the function of float switches. You can do this by pouring five gallons of water into the basin and observing proper activation. Lastly, you can help prevent failure is to upgrade to a battery backup feature. This ensures the sump pump continues to work after your Dekalb home experiences a power outage.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Safety Precautions During Your Commercial Visit

5/18/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO branding

SERVPRO of Dekalb is being called on by numerous businesses and community leaders to perform the necessary bioremediation services to clean, disinfect, and sanitize their properties. We have helped a tremendous amount of offices, hospitals, and education facilities, but that does not mean we are not here for our Dekalb area business owners for our core services! This means we are here for you when your Dekalb business or commercial space experiences a water or fire loss, mold, or damage from a storm event.

At SERVPRO of Dekalb, we are prepared to continue providing our clients with a safe and comfortable experience. To ensure the safety and well-being of our clients and their businesses, we implemented additional steps recommended by the CDC into our job processes. This includes all technicians and SERVPRO employees to wear face masks during client visits. We also place an air scrubber into the affected area to promote clean air in the client’s home. Lastly, every employee has their temperature taken each morning to verify they are eligible to perform work for our clients.

SERVPRO of Dekalb will continue to answer your phone calls, provide estimates, and help with any restoration services you might need. Restoration is defined as essential as our services are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operation for the people of the Dekalb area. Per our mission, we will be “Here to Help” when you need us most and provide a service that keeps your business functioning. We will continue to monitor this situation with the goal of keeping you and your business, staff, and customers comfortable during these uncertain times.

Whether you need deep cleaning services or water restoration, we are here to service you on your schedule as we are a 24-hour emergency business. If you or your family has any additional questions about our services or protocol, please do not hesitate to call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

The Right Sump Pump for Your Dekalb Home

5/11/2020 (Permalink)

Typical sump pump

Spring is here and for Dekalb, that means much more rain fall for your homes to endure. Rain can bring beautiful flowers but can also be dangerous if your home is not properly protected. One of the most important ways to protect your home is to install a quality sump pump and maintain its proper function. Sump pumps can make the difference between a wet and dry basement after a storm in Dekalb.

Did you know according to American Society of Home Inspectors, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness? This is why it’s so important to have a sump pump for your home’s basement. They are installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space. It has a huge job to keep your basement dry and prevent it from flooding. When water flows into the sump pump pit through drains, its job is to pump that groundwater out of the pit and away from your Dekalb home. Your basement is able to stay dry because the sump pump is moving the water away the pit.

Although the sump pump has a huge responsibility, most people hardly think about their sump pump until it’s too late. If a sump pump were to fail during a big rain event, your basement could face extensive water damage. To keep your valuables safe from the risk of a flood, it is important to pick the best sump pump system for you. There are four types of sump pumps to consider:

• Primary sump pumps are the most common type found in many residential homes. They even come in two different models. The main difference is the pump’s location. The first one is a submersible pump, which is put under water in your sump pump basin. On the other hand, pedestal pumps are positioned with the pump motor out of the water, above your sump basin. When choosing between the two, pay attention to these factors: Sump pit size, Power needed, length water needs to be pumped, and your budget.
• Battery Backup sump pumps provide you added insurance in the case of a power outage. Not only is this unit used during a blackout, but also can be used if the main pump fails for any reason. New technology has evolved this unit to communicate with users via text or email if there were a failure.
• Combination sump pumps are a combination between a primary pump and a battery backup. This combination provides you protection not only under normal circumstances, but also during a power outage as well. Besides proper flood insurance, this combination can be considered the pinnacle of home flood protection.
• Sewage pumps are not like traditional sump pumps although they could be used for this purpose. Their primary design is to pump sewage waste and effluent from a home to a septic system. This sump has an option to be installed in a septic tank itself or in a separate pump chamber.

Unfortunately, sometimes accidents still happen and basements flood. If your basement has water damage from a flood, don’t handle this alone. Call SERVPRO of Dekalb. We are the water mitigation experts who are trained to solve disasters like this. To schedule an appointment or have any questions, call our office: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

How to Prepare for a Dekalb Storm

5/6/2020 (Permalink)

Everyone enjoys the spring and blooming flower in Dekalb, but what people do not like is the variety of harsh weather conditions that come during this season. Your home takes a beating during storms, so it is very important for you to maintain and protect them. Luckily, there are plenty of preventative measures homeowners can take to help reduce damage if and when a severe storm hits. Consider the following tips to keep your home safe this season:

• Trim and maintain your trees. They are a risk to possibly damage your home’s exterior or break a window. When heavy rain hits Kane County, it also gives the possibility for trees to be uprooted from the ground as well.
• Secure your fence. Ensure your fences are fully secured to prevent them being lifted from the ground.
• Secure furniture. Patio furniture is a lovely touch for your backyard. Unfortunately, heavy winds can cause items like chairs and toys to be moved. This poses a possible risk to damage either your furniture or your home’s exterior. You can prevent this by anchoring furniture or moving items inside.
• Check your gutters. Gutters need to remain clear at all times. Clear gutters allow water to flow away from your home. If they are not maintained, it can cause water to overflow and create leaks. There is also a risk for your roof to collapse from the built-up pressure. Set a couple of hours aside to clean gutters and make sure they are properly working.
• Protect your shingles. Make sure your shingles are secure to endure storms in Elgin. If they ever become loose, you can repair each shingle with either roof tar or sealant spray.
• Stock a basic emergency kit. Intense storms in the Dekalb County area can leave you without electric, water, gas, or sewage for a few hours or even days. Stock your family’s emergency kit without enough food, water, and supplies to carry everyone through at least three days. A basic emergency kit can include: Water, food, and flashlight.
• Create an emergency escape plan if there if there is a fire from lightening strike.
• Know your policy. It’s critical to read and understand your insurance policy. Be sure to frequently examine your property to ensure there are no physical or liability hazards.

If your home has been damaged by a storm, SERVPRO of Dekalb can take of any needs you and your family have after a disaster. Don’t feel alone during this stressful time. We can take the stress out of fixing any water or fire damage from storms. We are a 24-hour service and are “Here to Help” whenever you need us. For services and any questions, call: (815)- 758-3900.

More about Dekalb.

The importance of Proper Drainage for Your Dekalb Home

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

From intense wind, heavy snow fall, and rain showers, your Dekalb home endures a lot of storms throughout the year. When these storms hit, your gutters are busy at work. Their job is to control the flow of rainwater which protects your roof, walls, foundation, and landscape. Unfortunately, they can also be at risk for causing serious additional problems if they are not maintained.

            If your gutters are not maintained after enduring Dekalb's storms, you can easily be at risk for potential water damage which can cost thousands of dollars. Since the job of gutters is to carry water away from the home’s foundation, it cannot do its function without clear paths. Clogged gutters will eventually overflow onto the foundation of the home. And depending on the amount of water and condition of the foundation, water could seep into your basement or crawl space. Clogged gutters can also pose a weight strain on your roof and fascia. This could cause your roof to collapse and causing damage to the shingles of the roof and exterior of the house.

            A routine cleaning of your gutters can prevent damage to your roof, exterior, foundation, and save you a lot of money in damage repairs. By setting aside a couple of hours, follow these steps to easily clean them yourself and ensure they are functioning properly:

1. Protect your hands and keep them dry by wearing latex gloves
2. Begin cleaning near the downspout
3. Clear large debris such as leaves and twigs by hand
4. Remove and clean downspout strainers
5. Flush out the gutter with your garden hose. Start at the opposite end of the downspout
6. Check the downspout for any lodged debris and remove any remaining debris
7. Use a pressure washer to remove any mildew and dirt from the gutters

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage, be proactive by partnering with SERVPRO of Dekalb County to dry out the damaged area. We are the water restoration experts and you can count on us to remove and repair water damage. We are a 24-hour service and can respond to the call at any time. To schedule an estimate or have any questions, call (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Close Before You Doze: Life Saving Habit For Your Dekalb Home

3/23/2020 (Permalink)

What happens when doors are open during a fire.

Close Before You Doze is a public fire safety campaign promoted by The UL Firefighter Safety Research. It has been proven during a fire, a closed door can make the difference between 100 degrees and 1,000 degrees. This significant difference has promoted the habit of sleeping with doors closed. It can help add critical time to your escape if a fire were to happen.

This is especially important with the “evolving fire environment”, caused by the increase use of synthetics in modern homes. According to research, forty years ago, the average time needed to escape a burning home was seventeen minutes. Today, the evolving fire environment has caused it to drop to only three minutes. The change in construction materials, furnishings and open layouts, has caused drastic reduction time. These factors allow the fire to spread and become more toxic much quicker.

It is common for people to want to leave the door open whether they have kids or do not think a door can make a significant difference. In fact, only 29% of people always sleep with their door closed. Therefore, it is very important for families to understand the lifesaving difference a closed door will make.

A fire needs heat, fuel, and oxygen to grow. So, when a door is closed, it limits the fire’s resources to spread. Furthermore, when a door is closed, not as much carbon monoxide will enter the room. This will keep the oxygen at a breathable level for additional time. The reduction of toxic smoke, improved oxygen levels, and decreased room temperatures will give you more time to escape the fire just by simply closing your door.

Closing the door when you go to sleep is one thing, but if there is an actual fire, it is critical to know the next steps of determining if the door is safe to open. First, you should look for smoke coming through the cracks in the door. If there is smoke, do not open the door. Next, gently touch the door to see if it is hot. If it is hot, do not open the door. Checking the door should be part of your escape plan. Make sure your family has established and rehearsed a plan to exit a burning fire.

Learn more about Dekalb.

We are Cleaning Experts in Dekalb County

3/20/2020 (Permalink)

CDC cleaning

SERVPRO of Dekalb is Here to Help during this time of need

During this unprecedented time caused by the global pandemic of coronavirus, this is a reminder to our customers that we are specialists in cleaning services, and we adhere to the highest cleaning and sanitation standards.

Specialized Training

We are prepared to clean and disinfect your Dekalb home or business, according to protocols set forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that regular janitorial staff perform on a daily basis.

The CDC encourages cleaning of high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets and tables. Other spaces mentioned in the CDC’s guidance for commercial spaces include:

• Kitchen/Food Areas
• Bathrooms
• Schools/Classrooms
• Offices
• Retail Spaces
• Water Fountains
• Shelving/Racks
• Sales Counters
• Carpets and Rugs
• Stair Handrails
• Elevator Cars
• Playground Equipment
• Fitness Equipment

Specialized Products

The CDC recommends usage of a labeled hospital-grade disinfectant with claims against similar pathogens to the coronavirus. Multiple products in the SERVPRO product line carry the EPA-approved emerging pathogens claims. While there is currently no product tested against this particular strain of the coronavirus, we are following all guidelines as provided by the CDC and local authorities.

Call Today for a Proactive Cleaning

If your Dekalb home or business needs deep cleaning services, call the experts today –SERVPRO of Dekalb, 847-578-3900

Learn more about Dekalb.

We Are the Certified Experts in The Dekalb Area

3/17/2020 (Permalink)

Multiple cleaning certifications

SERVPRO® of Dekalb has been an IICRC certified firm for the past several years. And for nearly five decades, The Institution of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification stands at the forefront teaching trailblazing knowledge required to tackle complex jobs and return normalcy from chaotic environments. They provide the most comprehensive and advanced technical information in the industry. They allow companies like SERVPRO of Dekalb to advance their education and stay ahead of the competition with several IICRC certification options:

• Applied Structural Drying Technician (ASD) is a course designed to teach the effective, efficient, and timely drying of water-damaged structures and contents. It uses comprehensive classroom and hands-on training, in order to facilitate appropriate decision making within a restorative drying environment.
• Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) is a course to teach the art and science of carpet cleaning to professional service providers, as well as others in the related industry. Emphasis is placed on the following: practical application, identifying fiber, carpet constructions, style types and finishes, soiling conditions, cleaning science and methodology. This course also covers pre-inspection, basic cleaning chemicals and equipment, and proper cleaning technique.
• Commercial Drying Specialist (CDS) is a course to teach damage inspection and evaluation, workflow management, and process administration. The course also teaches the technical methods of effective and timely drying.
• Fire and Smoke Restoration Technician (FSRT) is a course with a concentration on technical procedure for successfully completing the restoration of a fire and smoke damaged environment. Students will learn how to combine technical procedures with practical approach to managing the job site. These concepts will then teach the students how pricing of the job is created.
• Trauma and Crime Scene Technician (TCST) is a course designed to review the process for inspecting and investigating crime and trauma scenes. This may involve blood and other potentially infectious material. The course will focus on the procedures to follow as well as the precautions that must be taken in such an environment.
• Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) is designed to teach restoration personnel that perform remediation work to give them a better concept of water damage, effects, and techniques for drying of structures. This course gives the background to understand the procedures necessary to deal with water losses, sewer backflows, and contamination such as mold.

If your Dekalb home or business is faced with a disaster such as a flood or fire, we are the certified experts who have been properly trained to know exactly what to do. Let SERVPRO of Dekalb apply quality solutions to any type of damage you experienced. We are the 24-hour emergency service and can quickly respond whenever the service is needed. To contact our office for service or any questions call (847) 578-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Stop the Spread of Germs in Dekalb County

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Flu season is in full swing here in Dekalb County and the spread of germs is on everyone’s mind. During this time, it is important to do our part to help stop the spread of germs. One of the first steps you can take is to keep up with the latest information and news from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They have emphasized the importance of keeping your surroundings clean and safe which include environments like the workplace, schools, commercial establishments, and homes. Each environment has proactive actions you can take to prevent the spread of germs

Workplace & school safety

• Practice good hygiene. In the workplace, avoid handshakes or use other methods of greeting. You should be keeping your space clean by disinfecting surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks, and hand railings.
• Be careful with meetings and travel. If you have the opportunity, use videoconferencing instead of face-to-face meetings. If this is not possible, try to hold your meeting in an open, well-ventilated space. In addition, assess the risk of business travel. Make sure you know how to best prepare for a safe experience at the airport.
• Handle food carefully. This means to limit food sharing and always wash your hands before consuming food. If your workplace has a cafeteria, ensure staff practice strict hygiene
• Stay at home if you are feeling sick

Home Safety

• All Dekalb households should encourage everyone to wash their hands upon entering the home and avoid touching their face
• Disinfect surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and handrails
• It is suggested for households with sick family members to give them their own room if possible

Commercial Establishments

• Practice good hygiene. To avoid spreading germs in Dekalb, it is recommended to use other methods of greeting people rather than a handshake. At business or commercial establishments, promote tap and pay to limit handling of cash
• Avoid crowds. Being in the presence of crowds increases your chances of catching something. To avoid crowds, use online transactions where possible. If you are someone managing these establishment, consider limiting attendance at larger gatherings
• Be cautious when using public transportation. Taxis, buses, and ride shares are all very common uses of transportation and sometimes it’s hard to avoid using them when it’s your main source of getting from point A to B. Always keep hand sanitizer handy with you to use after you’ve arrived at your destination. It is also recommended to keep windows down if possible to increase ventilation

SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help” to stop the spread of germs in these environments by providing our proactive cleaning services. As the #1 choice for cleanup and restoration, we have the CDC and EPA approved resources to help you immediately. Call us today to see how we can help clean your home or business: (847) 758-3900.

Mold in Your Dekalb Home? We Got You Covered

3/16/2020 (Permalink)

Mold. This small word can put a large scare into the eyes of an Dekalb county homeowner. It should because not only does mold look disgusting, it can also cause health effects to you and your family. Did you know there are different classifications for mold?

• Allergenic
• Pathogenic
• Toxigenic

There are possible health effects when you discover mold in your Dekalb home so it’s important to know how to approach each type of situation. Please consider the following of what to do and what NOT to do when you battle mold in your home:

What NOT to Do

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on mold

What to Do

• Stay out of affected area
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans
• Contact SERVPRO of Dekalb for mold remediation services

Contacting SERVPRO of Dekalb is the best thing you can do for your mold issues because we are able to identify the source of what is causing mold growth and remediate the issues. A common mistake when dealing with mold is only cleaning up the visible mold and calling it a day. Until you fix the source of moisture that is feeding the mold, it will continue to come back no matter what.

Luckily, mold remediation is a cornerstone of our business so you can ensure we will provide you with quality solutions to treat the problem. We are a 24-hour services and ready to service your needs whenever you need us. Feel free to call our office with any questions or schedule your service today (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb.

Cozy Up to Fireplace Safety in Dekalb

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

Fireplaces can add the ambiance of warmth and tranquility to your Dekalb home on a chilly Sunday morning. It is important to remember if you don’t take care of your fireplace, your warmth and tranquility, can quickly turn into a nightmare. And it can all start with the cleanliness of your chimney.

One of the best ways to prevent a disaster is to keep your fireplace clean. According to the National Fire Protection Association, 30% of heating fires are a result of unclean chimneys and equipment. This is due to a substance called creosote. Creosote is a byproduct of wood combustion that consists mainly of tar. Traces of this substance are found in the smoke that rises from open flames. When smoke is rising to the top of your chimney, it will mix with cold air and water to solidify and stick to the chimney liner. Creosote is not something that fixes itself either. It grows in a self-perpetuating cycle since it accumulates when there is lack of ventilation. This is a huge hazard because creosote is extremely flammable and can cause a destructive, deadly house fire.

            Creosote forms naturally, so there is no way to completely avoid it while using your fireplace. Small amounts of presence of creosote is not the issues, it’s the buildup of this substance that is problematic. There are three stages of creosote buildup and here is how you can appropriately respond to each stage to get the best cleaning. When you decide it’s time to clean your chimney, ensure you use a trained professional.

1. State One- A small amount of creosote is present and has a thin, flaky texture. At this stage, the coating can easily be brushed away by a technician using a specialized brush.
2. Stage Two- A medium size amount of creosote is present which consents of more tar and soot. At this stage, it is a little tougher to remove the substance. To remove it, it would be most beneficial to use a rotary loop tool attached to a drill.
3. Stage Three- A large amount of creosote is present which is very concentrated. It can feel either sticky and oily or hard and shiny depending if the coating is fresh. At this stage, it may actually be more cost-effective to simply replace the chimney liner than try to clean it.

Although there is no way to completely avoid creosote, you can take simple actions to slow the process of its buildup. Consider the following tips:

• Only use dry, seasoned wood in your chimney. This is wood that has been left to dry for at least 6 months
• Never burn artificial logs because they produce more combustion byproduct than regular wood
• Make sure your fire has an adequate amount of air
• Schedule an annual chimney cleaning and inspection

Unfortunately, sometimes disaster still happen despite taking the steps to prevent an accident. If your Dekalb home has experienced a fire due to creosote buildup, don’t feel you’re in this alone. We are the certified fire restoration experts and know how to bring your home back to preloss conditions. You can count on us to immediately assess the damages and begin the remediation and restoration process. For services or any questions, call our office (847) 758 3900

Learn more about Dekalb

Ice Dams and Water Damage Restoration for Your Dekalb Home

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

In the movies, snow covered roofs and icicles paint the perfect picture for a winter scenery. It may look pretty, but unfortunately, the idealistic icicle look can be a sign of ice damming. An ice dam is a ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage to walls, ceilings, and insulation.

Ice damming is caused by the snow being exposed to inconsistent surface temperatures on your Dekalb home’s roof. The primary source of heat is from the inside of your home. Did you know heat from the house travels to the roof surface in three different ways?

• Conduction is heat energy traveling through a solid
• Convection is the heat transfer that rises from the heated area.
• Radiation is also a heat transfer by electromagnetic waves

If you spot an ice dam on your Dekalb home, one common way to remove it is by using calcium chloride ice melt. Follow these simple steps to remove the dams and prevent further damage:

1. Using a roof rake, remove snow 3-4 feet from the edge of your roof and being careful not to damage the roof covering
2. Use a nylon stocking to fill with the calcium chloride ice melt
3. Safely place and position the calcium chloride-filled nylon stocking vertically across the ice dam so that it can melt a channel through the ice

 Sometimes accidents still happen, and you have experienced a water loss from your Dekalb home’s ice dam. While many believe a water damage from an ice dam can easily get resolved in your Dekalb home, often conventional drying methods are not enough. From the moment your accident occurs, your property, materials, and contents are exposed to water and begin to absorb the moisture. The best solution for your home’s water loss is to hire professional restoration specialists like our team. It is easy for your situation to get out of hand and endure further damage. This is why one of the advantages to SERVPRO of Dekalb is that we are a 24-hour emergency service. Our team is ready to service your water damage needs at any time. To learn more about our franchise or schedule a service, call our office (847) 758 3900

Learn more about Dekalb.

Keep Moisture Out of Your Dekalb Home with Dehumidifiers

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

During this cold winter, it is nice to not have to deal with the hot, humid days because keeping our homes cool can be a challenge.  Therefore, so many assume the cooler temperatures mean mold issues disappear in the winter. But did you know, it’s actually a year-round problem because moisture is still in your home’s air? This is possible due to cold air outside prompting condensation to those sensitive areas such as walls, windows, attics, and basements. Other factors such as breathing, showering, and cooking all add to the humidity in your Elgin home too. Having condensation in those areas can lead to problems such as mold.

Moisture in your home is important to monitor because if it is left untreated and mold starts to grow, it will decompose wood and rot household items such as carpeting, furniture, and insulation. Mold can also pose a health risk to your family because some people have allergies to mold and mold spores. It is extremely important to be aware of the possible health effects from mold and your family’s allergies to it. Learn more about the different types of mold and its possible health risks here.

Fortunately, there are several effective ways to keep your home dry and prevent mold from infiltrating it. You can start by purchasing a dehumidifier for your home. Dehumidifiers can greatly benefit families during the winter. They can help keep humidity levels below the 50% RH threshold throughout the day. Ideally, these RH levels can be anywhere from 30%-50%. Not only will dehumidifiers remove excessive moisture in the air, it also creates an overall more comfortable atmosphere in your home. Lastly, Dehumidifiers can improve your air quality which could result in improving your home’s scent and provide relief to some allergies.

Dehumidifiers come in a wide variety of models, so which one is right for you? When choosing the best dehumidifier for your Dekalb home, consider the following factors:

• The square footage of the desired space to dehumidify
• The temperature of the environment
• Levels of dampness in space

If your home has experienced water damage from excessive moisture, we are the Dekalb area experts. Our team is available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, to provide quality emergency response services throughout the Dekalb area. Our certified Technicians will help address your water problems with quality solutions. To make water damage look “Like it never even happened,” call SERVPRO® of Dekalb today: 847-758-3900.

More about Dekalb.

Secure Your Shingles from Dekalb Storms

3/11/2020 (Permalink)

The spring season is right around the corner which means Dekalb is about to endue many storms. We never know the severity and frequency of mother nature in Dekalb, but inevitably, a lot of homeowners end up dealing with property damage as a result from storms. Roof shingles must withstand intense elements and are at risk to becoming damaged following heavy winds or hail. Although you cannot control the weather, there’s still a lot you can do to protect your home so it can endure the weather’s brutality.

            The weather in Dekalb can cause shingles to become damaged or completely torn off. Once it becomes damaged, it is important to quickly replace it because once it breaks free, your Dekalb home will become vulnerable to more damage. You can avoid further damage by securing the shingles on your roof. The first thing you can do to secure shingles is to properly nail them to your roof. Did you know there should be at least six nails or staples to hold each shingle? When roofers install the nails or staples, the edges should also be overlapping.

When shingles begin to bend or curl as they settle, use roof tar or another adhesive to reaffix the shingle to the roof. To apply roofing tar, manually brush or spread on the desired area. It can be used anywhere that a spray-on sealant is used. Be sure to also cover the nail with a protective silicone or roofing cement so that the nail head does not become a source for leaking.

            Lastly, another way to protect the roof shingles on your Dekalb home is to use sealant spray. This is to be used where shingles leak around flashing, gutters, or vents. Similar to acrylic sealants, but this spray comes in a can and is intended for smaller areas. Sealant spray does a great job filling in cracks where the shingles meet flashing around chimneys, vents, or skylights.

            If your home is in need for new shingles, there are an overwhelming amount of options to choose from. A new roof can last you decades, so be sure you like the color or style you choose. To narrow your search, here are the three primary types of asphalt shingles:

• 3-Tab Shingles are the most basic and economical choice. They are lightweight and can last a couple decades in the right conditions.
• Dimensional Shingles have a reputation for being very durable and can last at least 30 years. According to the Asphalt Roofing Manufacturer Association, they are the most popular choice today.
• Luxury Asphalt Shingles have the Dimensional appearance but are more affordable than slate or cedar alternatives.

If your Dekalb home has experienced water damage from a missing or damaged shingle, SERVPRO® of Dekalb can bring your home back to preloss conditions. We are the water mitigation experts and will minimize your home’s water damage. We are here to service your needs 24-hours a day. For any questions or need to schedule an appointment, call our office: (847) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Fire Safety for Your Commercial Building in Dekalb

3/5/2020 (Permalink)

Did you know fires can be the costliest incident for a business? Approximately 10% of small businesses are affected by a fire with an average cost of $35,000 according to an analysis of The Hartford’s small business claims. The National Fire Protection Association states there are five top reasons for fire in a commercial building: Cooking equipment, Heating equipment, Electrical & lighting equipment, Smoking materials, and Intentional. There are several ways for a fire to start in your Dekalb business, but luckily, there are four core elements to help you and your company practice fire safety. Please consider the following to implement into your Dekalb business for the safety of you and your employees:

• Fire Alarms are the first defense against the potential risks of fires and are perhaps the most important element for your commercial building’s fire safety system. Your Dekalb business should always have routine inspections and maintain for all fire alarms to ensure they continue to properly work.
• Emergency lights and exit signs are designed to come on when the main power supplies are lost. These are very helpful because during a fire, conditions can be chaotic and confusing. Emergency lights and signs will make it more likely that individuals will be able to see well enough to get out of the building.
• Fire extinguishers are required by most fire codes. In general, they should be mounted on walls at distances of less than 75 feet. This means no one should have to travel more than 75 feet to get to a fire extinguisher. When using a fire extinguisher, remember “PASS”. It stands for Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep.
• Installing a fire sprinkler will help extinguish fires before the fire department arrives. This is made possible because fire sprinklers are always “on-call”. There is a network of piping filled with water under pressure which is installed behind walls and ceilings. If a fire were to break out, the air temperature rises and once it gets hot enough, that activates the sprinkler system. After installing them, routine inspections should be done to ensure they are working properly.

If a fire were to happen to your commercial building in Dekalb, do not worry about tackling fire debris and cleanup on your own. SERVPRO of Dekalb is “Here to Help”. For us, the goal is to return each home in Dekalb to a clean, odor-free environment as quickly as possible. As the fire restoration experts, we are confident to get the job done every time. To schedule a service and begin the restoration process for your Dekalb business, call our office today: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

A Silent Cold Weather Killer in Dekalb: Carbon Monoxide

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Often called the invisible killer, Carbon Monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas created when fuels such as gasoline, wood, coal, or propane do not burn completely. Every year, more than 400 people in the United States die from accidental non-fire related Carbon Monoxide poisoning. To know these risks are especially important during Dekalb's winter months when your commercial building is using heating equipment more frequently. Common sources of CO around your commercial building include gas space heaters, generators, water heaters, and furnaces.

            Did you know any heat producing item can produce Carbon Monoxide? Therefore, installing a detector can be a lifesaving decision for your Dekalb commercial building. it is recommended to place it near any high-risk equipment. This location is most ideal because it will serve as an early warning if any CO is leaking into your Dekalb commercial building. The more accurate a Carbon Monoxide alarm, the greater your chances of appropriately responding to the problem.

            The science behind why Carbon Monoxide is so dangerous is explained by American Council on Science and Health. “Carbon Monoxide loves to bind to iron. This also means that it loves to bind to hemoglobin, the iron-based protein that is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body. The affinity of CO to hemoglobin is so strong that the gas binds 240x more tightly to than does oxygen”. This means Carbon Monoxide does not just compete with oxygen for free hemoglobin, it displaces oxygen which inhibits your body’s ability to distribute oxygen.

            Even if your commercial building has a Carbon Monoxide detector, be aware of Carbon Monoxide Symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Vomiting

Carbon Monoxide poisoning is very serious and can happen in your Dekalb business. Fortunately, this is very preventable for you and your employees. In addition to installing detectors throughout your commercial building, consider the following tips for avoiding a dangerous situation:

• If your company stores vehicles in a warehouse, do not run vehicles inside the building. If you need to warmup the vehicle, pull it out of the warehouse or garage first
• Always have proper ventilation throughout the building
• Schedule regular maintenance for your fuel-burning equipment. Make sure it is kept clean and working properly

Learn more about Dekalb

Prevent Water Damage in Your Dekalb Commercial Property

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial buildings for your Dekalb Business already require high costs for daily operations. If an accident, such as water damage, were to happen to your Dekalb business, repair costs can quickly add up. To help prevent accidents from happening, it important to maintain your property to keep it functioning. Upkeep for your Dekalb business can save you both time and money.

One of the biggest costs a commercial property can face is water damage. This can be devastating to any business and cost thousands of dollars. To help prevent your Dekalb County business from water damage, follow these tips on ways to maintain the function of your commercial property. These simple tips to prevent water leaks will go a long way to save your business from water damage. Here is how to keep your business safe:

• Assess your property. This means being aware of areas where flooding could pose a problem and make the necessary repairs or amendments as needed. Also pay special attention to basements and install a pump because it will go a long way towards keeping your building dry.
• Insulate exposed pipes. When temperatures drop during the winter, especially at night, exposed pipes are vulnerable to freezing. Most hardware stores carry pipe insulation and doing this can save you in the long run.
• Keep heat at sufficient levels. To prevent pipes from freezing, you’ll want to keep an eye on your business’s thermostat. Make sure it is never set to lower than 50 degrees. This includes weekends and after hours.
• Inspect gutters and drainage. Fallen leaves and other debris in gutters and downspouts can lead to water damage to the exterior walls of a building.
• Clear your roof. Snow and ice accumulation on the rood of your commercial property can weaken roofing materials and create “ice dams”, which prevent melted ice and snow from properly draining.

SERVPRO of Dekalb County wants your business to be safe too. We can help protect your Dekalb property if something were to happen by providing an Emergency Ready Profile. An Emergency Ready Profile is a one-stop-shop for what to do and who to call if an emergency were to happen. This plan is completely free to you and your business. Call us today to get your free Emergency Ready Profile or have any questions: (815) 758-3900.

Learn more about Dekalb

Same old sad story

1/16/2020 (Permalink)

Recently we had water in our basement for this crazy winter weather. We have had water in the basement in every house we have had. SERVPRO of Dekalb County is our go to company! We consider ourselves experts in how to store things in the basement to minimize damage and make things as smooth as possible. We don't really want to be such experts but we are sure glad we have found such a great group to work with when these situations arise. We contact them and they always come out and get right to work. Our most recent experience was no different. We came home from a weekend away at our sons basketball tournament to find the water. As we are used too the SERVPRO crew got right to work extracting the water and then setting equipment to dry. The crew is always very efficient and takes the time to do the job right. Within a few days we were back to normal and that is due to their work. 

Surprise after vacation

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Recently SERVPRO of Dekalb County was contacted by an agent regarding a frantic call from one of their clients. The client had been gone over the holidays and came home to quite a mess in their kitchen which had spilled into the basement. They had a housesitter that had only left 12 hours before so they knew the sink leak hadn't been happening very long. The SERVPRO crew had helped many other clients for this agent and she knew they could help with this disaster. The office staff found a plumber to help take care of the leak for them and then the crew arrived. They got right to work and received so many compliments on the efficiency of the crew. The water was cleaned up in what seemed like minutes (actually a couple of hours) and equipment was set to dry the structure. In a matter of a few days all was well and the customer and agent were thrilled with the results. 

Spring hit this shopping area hard

1/15/2020 (Permalink)

Spring in Illinois is know for some crazy weather and last year was no different. A sudden micro burst happened and a local strip mall was effective. It did considerable damage to the roof for the entire structure and due to that quite a bit of rain came into the businesses. The agent for the building was also the agent for many of the businesses. He contacted the SERVPRO of Dekalb team right away. They contacted a roofer and they together put together a plan to tackle the job. The team went right to work and spoke with the individual business owners to walk them thru the plan for their business. The team worked many long hours and days to make the customers happy. In what seemed like no time the businesses were back and ready for business. The building repairs were completed and all were very pleased with the end result. 

Local church needed help

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb County was called to a local church that had a fire due to a accident by a contractor working on the building. The contractor was applying siding to the building  and exposed some electrical wires that then caught fire. The church also housed a daycare for the small community and needed to get reopened ASAP. The daycare was critical to the needs of the community. SERVPRO arrived the day of the fire and went right to work. They worked closely with the council of the church and local contractors. They got the church and its contents cleaned. Some of the challenges they incurred were dealt with in a quick manner and they got the church back open for their big fall celebration. They also had additional deadlines to meet for the daycare portion of the building. SERVPRO of Dekalb county worked well with all involved and has since been referred other work from the council of the church. 

Library needed carpet cleaning

1/14/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb County helped out a small communities library when they had a water job in the basement. They helped to get the building open and that was such a great help to the community as many local organizations use the building. Since the completion of that job the board and staff of the library was so pleased with the work done they knew exactly who to call when they needed the carpets cleaned in the 2500 square foot building. They SERVPRO crews came in over the Christmas Holiday break as the building was closed for that week. They were very efficient and got the job done. All of the staff were very pleased with the crew and that just confirmed why they choose SERVPRO to complete the job. 

National Preparedness Month

9/4/2019 (Permalink)

Be prepared

As we all know, September is National Preparedness Month and here at SERVPRO of DeKalb County we are excited to teach the community tips and tricks as well as advising the community of local events put on for National Preparedness Month. Within DeKalb County, we have a county board for this as well as a division within the health department that also handles things of this nature, both of which host local events and giveaways such as an emergency tote filled with supplies and food. 

Being prepared is extremely important at SERVPRO and that is why we always offer to do ERP's for all our customers especially business owners so if a disaster happens, they are prepared to the best of their abilities; and ours.

Local Community Center

8/29/2019 (Permalink)

Ground Breaking at new community center

This week our Marketing Manager, Tricia, attended the ground breaking of a new local community. This community center will be a large asset to the community we service. Tricia is apart of many boards and chambers and has built strong relationships within the community. SERVPRO of DeKalb County is very involved in the community and having a community center is a wonderful way to bring the community together. SERVPRO strives to make long lasting connections and to service the community the best we can.

Thank you Tricia for attending and speaking at this very important ground breaking of the new community center.

Local Donation to Child Care Center

8/23/2019 (Permalink)

Our Marketing Manager, Tricia Herrera, who sits on many local Chamber of Commerce as well as many important boards within our community, is pictured here receiving a donation to a local child care center. A local family owned store donated the money to the center, that Tricia is a board member of. At SERVPRO of DeKalb County we strongly believe in being active and present within our community. We like to be seen as pillars in the community and someone that can be relied on.

SERVPRO of DeKalb County believes strongly that remaining active in the community is a strong part of what makes SERVPRO stand out.

Cleaning Bowling Alley

8/15/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of DeKalb County recently did a carpet cleaning of a local bowling alley. We love helping other local businesses look the best they can. This very popular birthday party spot is heavily trafficked carpet and had several stains that the SERVPRO team was successfully able to remove the stains, making it look better than ever! The bowling alley looks brand new and is back to being the party spot of the town!

Local Award Won

8/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of DeKalb County recently won the DeKalb County President's Silver Award. Steve Bryant was quoted saying, “We are proud to be a member of the SERVPRO franchise family as the company celebrates 50 years of franchising success. SERVPRO’s ongoing commitment to providing innovative tools, ongoing training, and an ever-evolving business framework gives entrepreneurs like us a roadmap for success. We are proud to be part of SERVPRO’s team of dedicated disaster remediation professionals, and to know that we have both the tools and the knowledge to serve home and business owners in our community should the need arise.”

That quote in itself shows how important SERVPRO of DeKalb County sees their community and the dedication they have to ensuring that they are always ready to help when the call comes. 

Local Fundraiser for Fire Victims

8/2/2019 (Permalink)

The Sycamore Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event to raise money for the victims affected by the recent Sycamore fire at St. Albans Green Apartment Complex. More than 100 local residents were displayed and many families greatly affected. To lighten this burden, the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce is hosting a fundraiser at Blumen Gardens, August 7th from 6-10 p.m. They will have music, food, beverages and hope to provide peace of mind to many residents. 

Tickets will be $25 for adults

Sycamore Strong - A Gathering of Hope

http://bit.ly/SycamoreStrong

Gearing Up for Back to School

8/1/2019 (Permalink)

As we in DeKalb County gear up for back to school season, we just want to ensure students are taking the proper steps to stay safe, here are some tricks and tips while moving into a dorm or apartment

1. Make a list of your valuables, including make, model and serial number. Make a video record of what you have.

2. Have a fire escape plan. Always have two ways out of your residence when you hear the fire detector alarm.

3. Invest in renters insurance

4. Always lock your car and your room/dorm room/apartment/home.

5. Make sure to turn off appliances 

6. Don't leave candles or microwaves on for too long

We at SERVPRO of DeKalb County hope you have a wonderful fall semester

Helping out local daycare

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Our local daycare recently needed the rugs and carpets cleaned in the facility. SERVPRO marketing manager Tricia Herrera sits on the board of directors for the facility and knows how tight the budget is. As most of the funding is dependent on the state government there isn't a lot of extra but also as you can imagine the rugs/carpets at a facility like this can get fility fast. SERVPRO owner Steve Bryant wants to help and offered to clean the rugs for them. The exc director was so thrilled with the work that was done she couldn't stop expressing her thanks and gratitude. She was so happy that SERVPRO wanted to be a community partner and assist the kids of the community.

Local Easter Egg Hunt

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

The local radio station offers a FREE community Easter egg hunt annually for all ages. They couldn't make this a free event without sponsors and community partners. SERVPRO of DeKalb county knows this and has stepped up to be a sponsor in the past years. The event is a huge hit each year and the small community members always appreciate the fact that this event is free and open to all children. They have age categories and a special category for those with special needs. Local businesses like SERVPRO stepping up with their marketing dollars make events like this possible and are another way to spread good will with community members. It is also a time for the franchise to set up a booth and display some of their equipment and truck. 

Training

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Each SERVPRO franchise values training and SERVPRO of Dekalb County is no exception. Training of our staff new and old happens each and everyday at the franchise. We know that each client and situation is different. Whether its online training or in person training its all valued in the office. Franchise owner Steve Bryant has over 10 years of owning a SERVPRO franchise but has over 25 years in being a small business owner. He knows that training is a valuable tool to make happy customers but also in retaining valued employees. We an employee feels confident in their day to day responsibilities they perform better. The training available from the franchise is not limited to just the outside crew. The office staff also is offered many different pieces of training online or in person.

Training = The Best of the Best!!

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

Training at Corporate

Each SERVPRO franchise values training and SERVPRO of DeKalb County is no exception!

Training of our staff new and old happens each and everyday at the franchise. We know that each client and situation is different. Whether it's online training or in person training it's all valued in the office. SERVPRO has an extensive learning management system that allows us to refine the training needed for each employee. There are organizations that we can send our employees to get independent certification training to ensure that our we current with the latest developments in our field.

Franchise owner Margaret Jackowiec has over 19 years of owning a SERVPRO franchise and has over 21 years in being a small business owner. She knows that training is a valuable tool to make happy customers but also in retaining valued employees.

When an employee feels confident in their day-to-day responsibilities they perform better. The training available from the franchise is not limited to just the outside crew. The office staff also is offered many different pieces of training online or in person.

Assistance of local group home

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

In the SERVPRO of Dekalb County territory there is a group home for trouble youth. They have up to 20 youth in this residence at a time and then they move to a larger home once they have earned the points to move on. They recently called SERVPRO of Dekalb county for what they thought was mold in the basement of the home. They knew that it wouldn't be safe for the residents to be staying there and breathing in potentially hazardous mold. They SERVPRO team went out to the sight and gave the administrators an assessment of the situation. All though they did have a bit of water in the basement what they thought was mold was not. It turned out to be some of the limestone in the basement being discolored. The administrators of this facility were so appreciative that SERVPRO helped them to get real answers and not just charge them for work they didn't need. it was another time the SERVPRO helped out a community program.

Helping move community revitilazation move forward

3/26/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb county is proud of their communities that they serve and is always willing to give time to help those communities. They know that anyone can give money to programs but without volunteers and time toward a project it would fall flat. Many projects in small towns can be completed with some elbow grease and committed volunteers. SERVPRO of Dekalb provides those volunteers without hesitation. They can be found rolling up their sleeves and working hard to improve programs and services throughout communities in DeKalb county. They know that better communities are a benefit for all those that live in them. They know that helping spreads kindness.They have also particpated in the downtown beautification project that starts with something as small as a decorated flower planter to help "spruce up" the area.

water in our commercial building

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

I am a property manger that has a small strip mall type building that I manage. It recently had a water loss from a pipe freeze in the small basement bathroom. I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County to come and take care of the problem. They came right out and started the work. The crews were very through and solved the problems not only with the water but our contents also. We had referred some of the buildings tenants to them also for their contents.  My building tenants were just as satisfied with them as we were and for that I am thankful. The building is now back to normal and ready to receive customers. I was impressed with the speed and knowledge of SERVPRO of DeKalb County.

Needs a good cleaning

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

I recently purchased a small commercial building. I knew it had potential but also knew the mountain of "stuff" left in it needed to go to see that potential by potential customers. I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they came out with a team to get to work. They boxed up what needed to be boxed and tossed what needed to be tossed.  The amount of stuff that was removed was certainly that of a hoarders space.Once they had the space cleared out we discovered some mold in one area. Well they took care of that too for me. They went right to work and followed the plan they had gone over with me prior to starting. I am glad that I can now rent this location with confidence. 

Smoke is just as bad as fire

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

My husband is not a cook and truthfully rarely tries. He did attempt to make us some dinner one night and probably will not do that again for a while. He "forgot" to watch the pan on the stove and let it boil dry. It caused severe smoke in our home. We had smoke and soot everywhere. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County to come in and clean it up for us. We had no idea that smoke could leave such mess and the smell. SERVPRO crews knew this and got right to work. They had not only our home taken care of but also all of our contents. I appreciated my husband trying to help out but maybe next time he just orders pizza. 

Freezing Pipes

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

We have a rental that was recently unoccupied. We had a neighbor checking on it on a regular basis. Unfortunately we still got hit with a broken pipe. The basement ended up with about 2 feet of water in it one late Sunday night. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they came right out. The took care of the water in no time and started the drying process within that first visit.  They had equipment set up for the next three days and dried the area in the time frame explained to me.We had a nice dry basement with a nice fresh smell to show potential tenants within a few days. We were impressed with the speed at which the crews worked and their knowledge. 

Text book water damage??

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

We had water we thought was the run of the mill broken pipe water in the basement situation happen to us recently. What we of actually SERVPRO technicians discovered was it wasn't clean water but sewage backup. This was much more involved than we initially thought and were so glad they were there to help. Their knowledge was so great to have and made the clean up much more efficient. Not to mention that we had no idea how to clean and disinfect such a mess. My wife was totally grossed out by just the thought of the mess in her house let alone if she had to clean it up with me.We had originally asked a neighbor to help us and when he found out it was sewage he said no thanks pretty quickly. The SERVPRO team wasn't afraid and did a great job.

Crack in the foundation

3/11/2019 (Permalink)

We had a crack in our foundation forever but have never had a reason to fix it as it never caused us trouble. Well that all changed recently. We had a lot of snow melt mixed with rain and our basement carpet felt the effects. It wasn't a huge mess but damp and stinky in our family room area for sure. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they came right away. We had a busy schedule and they worked around it with no worries. They were so great that when it got damp again they came right out to help. We then got our contractor out to seal the crack and stop the leak from happening again. We now have our family room area back and basement smells great. We were impressed withe the knowledge of the SERVPRO crews.

Local Hospital needs help

3/6/2019 (Permalink)

Our local hospital contact SERVPRO of DeKalb County recently for a water pipe in their storage area/hallway. A 9 inch round pipe broke and water was everywhere. SERVPRO of DeKalb county came in during the afternoon and started work. They spent 4 days working with the client and had them back up and running in no time. SERVPRO taking care of this problem left the maintenance staff to continue to take care of all their day to day responsibility and didn't disrupt patient care. The efficiency and knowledge of the technicians was much appreciated and the client would call them again in the future.They appreciated the efficiency in which the crew worked and their care to not disturb patient care or day to day flow of the hospital.  One of the technicians even saw a man struggling to get into the facility and set his equipment down to assist him. This gesture didn't go unnoticed and was so appreciated.

Frozen sprinkle head

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

We have a large warehouse building. In this most recent storm and cold snap despite our best efforts we had our sprinkle water lines freeze. We tried to thaw them out slowly but when the weather thawed faster we had a huge mess on our hands. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County and they were the best. They came out in the middle of the night and went right to work. They worked with precision and got the water removed quickly and set equipment to start the drying process. We couldn't be more happy with them and our call to them. 

Roof leak from ice storm

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Our local library contacted SERVPRO of Dekalb County after a recent ice storm. They had a spot on the room on their 100 + year old building that didn't handle the ice very well. They had water in the lower level soaking the carpet, walls and contents in their break room. They were very happy that it didn't effect any of the reading materials as the children's section of the library is closest to the area. SERVPRO went right to work and start the drying process. The staff of the library said they hardly notice any disruption in their day and we very impressed by the SERVPRO crew. They were back to using the entire building in just a matter of a couple of days. The roof is also tarped and ready for replacement in the spring. 

Sump pump just couldn't keep up

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

The recent cold snap and then rapid thawing was not kind to our old home. We have a finished basement and have had water before in a select area. This storm caused water in the basement that our sump pump couldn't keep it up. We had dealt with SERVPRO of DeKalb County before and didn't hesitate to call them this time. As they had in the past they came right to work and once again put any worries we had right to bed. My wife and I are always impressed at the knowledge the crews have in the process and the speed in which they work.  

Spcae Heaters

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

We recently had quite a cold snap in our area. The temps reached -56 degrees at several points over a few days. Our old home was not made for those temps and we had to use space heaters to help in our bedrooms. I was very nervous to use a space heater and it turns out rightfully so! Our heater shorted out and luckily we were home when it sparked a small fire. Our family was luck enough to get out but it did cause some damage to our home and much smoke damage throughout. We called SERVPRO of DeKalb County per our agents referral and they came right out to help. They went right to work and never stopped moving even in such extreme conditions. We were at our neighbors home with our kids and animals and watched them from across the street. The efficient way they handle the scene was impressive. We met with them and they came us a detailed plan of how they would help us. We will be back in our home in no time and will never again use a space heater!

Mold happens quickly

2/6/2019 (Permalink)

We had severe wet and cold weather for the past few weeks. We don't really go into our basement and with it being so cold we hadn't headed down there over the past week. When we finely went down there we had noticed some wetness on the drywall in the laundry room. We called SERVPRO of Dekalb and they came right out. When we questioned how the mold appeared in that short time their tech explained that mold can happen in as little as 48 hours. We got an estimate of the cost to complete the job. SERVPRO took very good care of us and left us with ideas of things we could to make sure this didn't happen again. We check our basement often even if we aren't hanging out there during a cold snap.

Mold in our bathroom

1/21/2019 (Permalink)

We recently have been looking to purchase a new home. We had our hearts set on a particular one in a near by subdivison. Our realtor noticed mold in the master bathroom. She had worked with SERVPRO of DeKalb County before and said to give them a call. We made arrangments with the realtor that was selling the home for SERVPRO to come out and take a look. They came out that very same day and gave us a detailed plan with a reasonable cost. We put in writing the plan with our home inspector and the sale went thru. When SERVPRO came out to door the work they did exactly what the plan had stated and it was even a few dollars under the original estimate. We now live in our dream home and its mold free. 

New Business- New Building

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

I am a small business owner in my hometown. I recently purchased a older budilng to rehab and expand my business. I needed help with removing the contents left behind from the previous owners and after all of that was removed I found mold in the space. I knew that time was important so as not to lose money so I called SERVPRO of DeKalb County. Their crews came right out to help and go right to work. The first took care of removing and disposing all of the contents, They even had the idea to clean some of them so I could sell the larger items and help with my renovation costs. They took care of the mold that we discovered also. The whole process was quick and seamless. I was impressed with the knowledge the entire crew had and the final results was exactly what I had invisioned. 

Get the bread and milk! The storm is coming

1/18/2019 (Permalink)

We live in the upper midwest and the winters can be brutal. We recently had a rather extended extremely cold period along with snow. We thought we had prepared but we still had situations with snow and ice damns. We couldn't get to the roof or window wells in our home because the snow just kept coming. We had water running down the walls in our second floor and our basement for days as did our neighbors. We had freezing and thawing pipes for weeks too. It was a mess until we called SERVPRO of Dekalb county. Our neighborhood had been hit be a tornado in 2011 and we had all experince with them before thru that situation. Their crews came out, surveyed the situation and got right to work. They had a plan of action for each of us and kept us informed throughout the process. We all were happy and back to normal withing a few days. We are now ready for the next crazy weather that Mother Nature throws at us. 

Fire in our Mother in Law suite

1/17/2019 (Permalink)

We recently had a small fire in the "mother in law suite" in our home. We have a family member staying there for a short time and she had too many things plugged into the outlet. While there wasn't too much damage from the fire there was smoke and soot on everything in the area not to mention the whole house. We called SERVPRO of Dekalb County on the recommendation of our agent. They came right out and got to work. We had quite of bit of contents that were effected and it didn't phase them at all. They had things packed up and the structure cleaned in no time at all. They were professional and knowledgeable. We couldn't believe the difference when they took things off the wall to clean. The whole process went smooth and we are back into a fresh clean home. 

Water damage in a very full basement

1/16/2019 (Permalink)

We recently had a customer call us and need our help. The customers mother had her water softener malfunction in the basement but she warned us that her Mother had a lot of "stuff" in the basement that had to be moved just to get to the softener. SERVPRO dispatched our crews and upon assessment of the basement a lot of stuff was to say an understatement. Our crew chief and the daughter devised a plan to start work. The crews worked at removing the contents so that the affected area could even be accessed. Once the source was taken care of and content removed the drying process continued. In a few days the softener was fixed, contents organized, affected contents dried and floor dried. SERVPRO of Dekalb County made it not only "Like it never even happened." but better then it was before in her basement.

Mold in our new home

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

We had recently purchased a new home. We had never lived in a house with a basement, let a lone a finished one and with teenage kids were very excited to have a place for them to hang out in their own space. After about a week in the home we sarted to notice an odor or musty smell down there. Our neighbor works for SERVPRO and we asked him to come over and check it out. he came over and let us know that yes we did have mold. We were very nervous becasue we had heard how costly mold remediation and/or removal could be and that most isnt covered by insurance. We were very plesantly suprised after we met with the over of the franchise. He laid out a detailed plan and cost. The SERVPRO crew was great and did exactly what plan stated. We now have our basement back for the kids fresh and mold free. 

Mold in the mancave

11/30/2018 (Permalink)

My husband had recently decided that we were going to make a mancave in our basement in a room that we currently used for storage. When he decided to start the project he noticed mold in the corners of the room. He called his friend how is an insurance agent and he recommended SERVPRO of Dekalb County. Their crews came out and immediatley had a plan for how to take care of the problem. My husband was concerned with the cost as we had a strict budget for this remodeling project. The SERVPRO team gave us an estimate we were pleased with and started to get to work within just a few days. They followed the plan and took care of the problem. My husband now has been able to finish his mancave and our household couldn't be more peaceful and fresh.

Water for the upstairs tenant

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

As the building owner of a multi tenant building I am used to tenants having things happen and not sharing those with us. I recently had a 3rd floor tenant have a slow leak but was telling us about it just drying it up each day. as you can imagine the leak didn't stay small and started to effect other apartments. The other tenants started to report water in their apartment walls and started to soak the carpet. The cause of the leak itself was a quick fix but then the dry out started. I called SERVPRO of DeKalb county as I had used them before and was very happy. They sent a crew right away and got right to work. They assessed each apartment and set equipment. When in a couple of days all was dry and the tenants were back to normal.

The great storm of the century

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

Spring of 2012 started out as any other season. Residents of Northern Illinois were ready to get out and about after a long hard winter. In early April it started to rain and it rained and it rained and it rained. It looked to never going to stop. SERVPRO of Dekalb county crews were ready to go and go they did. In a matter of days hundreds of calls came into the local franchise. They started early morning and just didn't stop. So much rain and so many homes effected. Crews worked day and night to help as many as they could. After about a week or so they had gotten thru the list of customers and helped each of them get back to enjoying spring.

E5 tornado

11/29/2018 (Permalink)

April of 2015 an E5 Tornado blew thru Northern Illinois and the small town of Fairdale. The small town was devestated. SERVPRO of Dekalb County was called in to help. The crews diligently went thru the residential area helping and offering some comfort to the residents. Many residents homes had items in them that were not theirs and had blown in from other homes. The small town suffered the loss of one of it's elderly residents. SERVPRO crews were in the area for several days and helped as many of them as they could. Residents remarked at the professional job the crews did and were thankful that they were there. So much was lost from that storm but SERVPRO certainly did what it could to help. 

Not such a bright christmas

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

We had never had a real Christmas tree before. This year we broke down to the kids asking for one and did the whole tree farm experience. We went our the week of thanksgiving and found the perfect tree. We gave our son the job of making sure it had water each day since he was the one that wanted a real tree so badly. Well I guess I should have followed up with that better because at some point I noticed how dry it was. I expressed my concerns to my husband but he said it would be fine. He was wrong. We went out shopping and received a frantic call from my child that said the tree was on fire. They had called 911 and the Fire Dept was on the way,while we rushed home. We were fortunate that it was mostly smoke but we called SERVPRO out and they went right to work. Our home was back to normal and smelling fresh in time for our family celebrations. We learned our lesson and will probably stick with a very "realistic" artificial tree from now on.

Water during construction

11/28/2018 (Permalink)

I am the plant the manager at a cold storage facility. We had been putting on an addition to our main building during the late fall of this year. As sometimes happens in the midwest it turned very cold very quickly. The construction crews hadn't had a chance to button up the addition before the cold and we had some pipes break in the adjacent wall. We had a lot of water in the new construction. We had to have the water extracted before the construction could continue. We called SERVPRO of Dekalb County and they came out right away. They did a fast and through job in extremely cold conditions. They didn't let it bother them and did great work. We have sinced finished the construction and the mishap barely slow down our schedule. 

Water damage due to pipe in next retail space

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

I am the owner of a small strip mall that has 4 tenants. One tenant is a music store. They had an employee that came into a pipe break one winter Saturday morning. I had frantic calls from the other tenants and had to get them back up and running. After my plumber came out and fixed the source of the water my agent asked that I call SERVPRO of DeKalb County. Their bright green trucks rolled in and got right to work. Their lead person was going through each unit and the crew was getting right to work implementing his directions. All said and done after a week or so everything was dry and ready for my contractor to come in to build the spaces back to their original floor plans. They definitely helped me out in a bad situation and my tenants also.

Fire in my rental occupied by hoarders

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

I own a rental home in a town about 25 minutes from my home. I had "trouble" with the homes tenants and had to end our relationship by giving them a 5 day eviction notice. On the night before they were to be out I received a call during the night that there had been a fire in the home. I quickly got out of bed and went to the home. After the fire dept had given the all clear they said I could enter the home. Once I was in I was overwhelmed needless to say. Not only had the home been damaged by fire and smoke there wasn't but a small clear path anywhere insight. I had no idea where to start. One of the firemen suggested I call SERVPRO of DeKalb county to help. They came out and boarded up the windows and doors that needed to be closed up and met with me to go over the proper procedure. We all came back and meet with the insurance adjusters in the daylight. I also had a legal obligation to work with the tenants ever though they were being evicted. I know that SERVPRO also met with them regarding the contents of the home. After much leg work and messy logistics we had a plan in place for getting this taken care of for both parties. I would say at the end of the day we were all happy with the outcome. I own a couple of dozen commercial and residential properties and now who to call if something would happen again. 

Water in the basement

11/12/2018 (Permalink)

I had what I hear is a pretty text book case of sump pump failure that equals water in my basement. We had a storm that took out our power for about 24 hours. I was so worried about our refrigerators and freezers but never thought about our sump pump. Of course the water kept coming and the power stayed out. After it was all said and done I had SERVPRO of Dekalb County come out and help us to get the water cleaned up and basement nice and dry. I know have a sump pump with battery backup and am doing what I can to minimize and damage that could happen if this happened again. SERVPRO was fast and thorougher.

Mold in our bathroom

10/31/2018 (Permalink)

We recently noticed a musty order in our 1st floor half bath. We searched for the cause and finally realized that our toilet had a leak and it had started to cause mold not only on the sub floor but also going up the drywall. We had a dark paint color in there and didn't notice it until it had gotten pretty bad. We had a neighbor that suggested SERVPRO as he had used them at his office and was happy with them. They sent an industrial hygienist out and confirmed we had mold. They also suggested a plumber to help with the toilet leak. After all the groundwork was done their crew came out and worked some magic on our bathroom. They were extremely professional and safety was a top priority to them We were happy with the results and now have a beautiful,fresh smelling and mold free half bath for our family to use. 

Damage in the church basement

10/30/2018 (Permalink)

I am the mantince director for my church. We also have a K-8 school there. We had a long weekend for the students and when we returned on Monday we found that a pipe had broken in the ladies bathroom. The basement was full of water. A member of our teaching staff had recommenced SERVPRO of DeKalb county as she had previous contact with them at her home. We called them and they came right out. We were of course overwhelmed by at the water and all our contents sopping wet. None of this phased the SERVPRO team! They got right to work and with the exception of a bit of noisy equipment we had our students back to using the lunch room within a couple of days. We even had some mold spots in another part of the church brought to our attention and taken care in a short time frame. 

Not your typical sunday eveing

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

We had taken a much needed long weekend with our kids. We returned home recharged and ready to face Monday but that wasnt to be. I had the kids take the laundry to the basement right away and they both came running up screaming! "There is water everywhere" and "it's like a lake down there" were their comments. I thought oh no! My husband said it can't be that bad, they have to be exaggerating. He went down stairs and said oh no it is like a lake down here. He figured out that the hot water heater had sprung a leak and water was definitely everywhere. We called our agent and he suggested SERVPRO of DeKalb County. We called there office and they had a crew respond within a half hour. We also needed a plumber and they suggested and contacted one for us. The crews were great and started work right away. They took care of all of our belongings and I couldn't believe how fast the water was gone as they pumped it into their bug green trucks. Each day they came back to check the fans and blowers my son would say "the big green truck is here to help" We were all put back together in just days and all though it was not the typical return from vacation SERVPRO made it "Like it never even happened." for sure. 

Why are our employees getting sick so often?

10/25/2018 (Permalink)

I manager a large garage door manufacturer in a small town in Northern Illinois.After what seemed like the longest winter in history our employees continued to call in sick and complain of respiratory issues in the warehouse. We could't figure out why they would have such issues at work but were better when they were at home or anywhere outside the plant? We first thought mold? But we couldn't find any? We contacted SERVPRO and asked them to bring their equipment to help us come up with an answer and fast. We were losing a lot of man hours due to illness. They came out and told us that we did not in fact had mold but they did find that behind the padding of our docks doors animals and birds had built nests during the long  cold winter! We had never thought of this. The feces and nesting had gotten in the air intake system and had caused all this trouble. We need them to take care of this problem right away will still keeping trucks running and us open for business. They were great in rotating their schedule and ours to get it all done. We have no employees with any issues any more and we now know what to check if it happens again.

Blood Everywhere

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

i am the owner of an apartment building in a college town. My tenants are always locking themselves out or giving keys to others and then not having them when they need to get in. I had a gentleman try to "remove" a window to get into his apartment. Well as you can imagine this didn't go well and he cut himself very badly! I had a neighbor call me and say "there is blood everywhere" I thought he might be a bit dramtic but when I got there I saw that he was not! This young man had indeed gotten blood everywhere before he was taking to the local hospital. I asked the emergency personal if they had anything to clean it with and they suggested that I call SERVPRO of DeKalb County, They explained that they are certified in trauma clean up and would get it done quickly for me while also being able to board up the window until I could get it repaired. The crew from SERVPRO came out and helped me. They cleaned the blood and made sure it was safe for the tenants to go back into the apartment. They also boarded up the window and gave me the name of a glass company they recommended. All of this was done in a short time frame and got me home in time for dinner.

Helping a small town chamber promote events

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

We are a small town of around 4500 residents. We do many community events for our citizens, We rely on business to sponsor these events to help us to out them on and in turn promote our great town. We have always had the help of SERVPRO of DeKalb county where it was volunteering or sponsorship dollars. They have helped with several of our events. This has also given them the opportunity to promote there services to our residents. We have had several residents say when they need clean up services they used SERVPRO because of their commitment to our community. We hope to have a long lasting relationship with SERVPRO of Dekalb county!

Offering a No charge service??

10/23/2018 (Permalink)

I had met a representative from SERVPRO of DeKalb County at a recent community function. We got to speaking about what services they provide and how that could help our small machine shop. Their marketing representative said that she thought an ERP would be a great thing to start between us. As she explained what an ERP was I was thinking its a great service but man our budget is tight. Then she said the magic words to a small business owner! NO CHARGE! wait what? I had her repeat it and she just smiled and said yes SERVPRO comes in and collects the information and takes the photos for no charge. We then let the client access the information for no charge also. Well I was so impressed that I set a time for her to come right away. I was a bit skeptical but you know what it went off just as she had said. We now have a plan in place and have given access to the right people. I have to say this is what I call a "no brainer" to all small business owners.

So Much Smoke

10/8/2018 (Permalink)

My 12 year old son decided he was going to do something nice for this single mom and make me breakfast one Saturday. Well we both got so much more then we bargained for that day. He gets an "A" for effort but unfortunately had some trouble with the eggs, bacon and toast. All of that resulted in a very small kitchen fire but the smoke amount was not small! Our local fire dept. recommended SERVPRO of DeKalb County to come out and help us. They SERVPRO team walked us thru the house pointing out so many different things that we hadn't even thought of to clean. I truly had just thought we were going to have to do some laundry and open up some windows for a while. (Not always a good thing in Northern Illinois in the fall) They care and took such great care with our belongings that I knew it would all be good soon for us. We are now back in our home and everything is so fresh and clean. On another note we have enrolled my son in a cooking class thru the local park district for future cooking tries! 

Crazy Fall Storm

10/1/2018 (Permalink)

We recently had a freak fall tornado in our area! We had severe roof damage to several homes in our area. We thankfully were not home when it happened but that only made damage get worse until we arrived home. We had a foot of water in our main level by the time it was all said and done. Our agent told us to call  SERVPRO of Dekalb County to come help us. They came right out when we called and one of their technicians explained the whole plan while the other crew members got right to work. My husband is usually a very tough customer to contractors and at the end of our conversation he was completely satisfied that they knew exactly what they were doing! We had to stay in a local hotel for a couple of days (which our kids loved) but we are home safe, sound and dry now. 

The cheese stands alone.... No More

9/10/2018 (Permalink)

Cheese all over the warehouse

We recently had been contacted by a local industry to help them with a problem in their warehouse. Due to a temperature change within the facility they had several bags of nacho cheese explode all over their racking system! We sent our SERVPRO crews out to help! They got right to work and within a few days had everything cleaned up for the client. The client was pleased with SERVPRO work. They were so glad that a local company could take care of this problem and get their warehouse space back to being used. They said they would definitely use SERVPRO again for any future needs.

Rainy Season Again

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Basement flooding

As winter closes we have the spring thaw of all the snow saturating our yards. Shortly after the thaw we start getting our spring rains right behind it without much of a chance for our yards to let the water get further down into the water table or to dry by the sun. All this water with no place to go then means these next rains will not soak down into the yard. This is a big part of those of us in the Midwest that will have the rain puddles all over are yard. Well there are a few ways the water can then get into your home. Your sump pump may go out or a crack in your foundation. It could be possibly that the puddles and water got high enough it came in through the basement windows. The two key things to do is figure out how it got in and fix that and to get the water out as quickly as possible. Water in your basement damages your basement space and will raise the moisture level in the house making it more prone to having a mold problem. We have the expertise and equipment to remove that water and make it "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

More rain. More moisture.

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Beware of mold

The spring rains bring the blossoming of the trees and flowers and the eager anticipation of warmer weather but it also means more moisture in the air. The two things that greatly increase the forming of mold is moisture and a warm environment. With the spring rains and the fact that the days are getting warmer gives it that environment. Inside our homes we tend to have less of a moisture content because of being sheltered from the environment but if we end up with a flooded basement or water damage in the home it increases that moisture level in the house. This is why it is so important to get the water restoration done as soon as possible. All that extra moisture and the fact our house is warm provides a good environment for mold to start. Our technicians can some in and remove that water and lower the moisture level in the home and check for mold as well. As an extra precaution within the home if you know your home retains moisture or you live in a place that has lots of rainfall is to just use a dehumidifier to help keep moisture levels in check. However if you have a fair amount of water it will take more equipment which we have. We can come in and remove that water and it will be "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Spring rains and flash floods

3/7/2018 (Permalink)

Rain, Rain and More Rain

In the spring we have a lot of rain. It may be almost every day of the week at times. That is a lot of water. It is also a lot of potential for our houses to end up with some of that water getting inside. We can take a few precautions to help with keeping the water out.

• Clean gutters out as the may have leaves in them from the fall
• Make sure downspouts run a good distance from the house
• If heavy winds have come through make sure no branches blew off a tree and broke a window in a room you don't go in often
• Check the basement after storms to make sure water has not come in

If water has come in. It is important to remove the water as soon as possible. Our technicians are trained to do just that and are happy to help return your home back to normal so you could say it was "Like it never even happened."

Water Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Muddy carpets in your business?

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

Heavy rains make muddy conditions

Well as spring hits we look forward to the trees starting to bud again and the leaves to form and all the flowers starting to come to life again and of course the warmer weather. As any in the Midwest region here know that also means April showers as they say. Truth is it is usually March, April, May showers and all that rain means mud. And of course muddy shoes on customers that come in to your business. Well we here at SERVPRO of Dekalb County can take care of those muddy carpets for you. The problem isn't the first customer that tracks in the mud it is that multiple track in mud and it dries and then others step on it and the dirt then crumbles because the mud dried and gets further into the carpet. We use multiple processes depending on the type of carpet, how it is constructed and dirt or spot levels. We have spotters that are very effective at removing stubborn spots. Our Hot water extraction can get to those deeper layers and moisten and suck up those chunks of dirt that have been ground in. We would love to show you how great your carpets could look again with our carpet restoration services.

More Questions or Need Your Carpet Cleaned? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Heavy rains doesn't mean less fires

3/6/2018 (Permalink)

More water is not less fire

I have noticed this personally talking with people over the years and it is a common misconception is in the spring there is less fires because of all the rain. We tend to think what would be considered logically which is that all that extra moisture means trees are wet, our homes are wetter on the exterior and that the wood in our homes has more moisture in it from the extra moisture in the air. There is some truth to that as those that live in humid climates and warmer climates will find their doors swell and won't shut all the way but that doesn't stop the common causes of fires. Statistically there is no month that really just dominates the statistics as being the fire heavy month. The truth is it breaks out pretty even from month to month and that is because of the common factor in many home fires. The most common causes is Cooking, Heating, Candles, and Smokers. The heat is generally off during the summer but Cooking is generally regarded as the #1 cause of fires. Also smokers don't just smoker certain months and we tend to burn candles throughout the year as well because we love the smell of them. So yes there is more water but the most common causes of home fires are done throughout the year and we should be cautious of all those causes throughout the whole year. As an extra precaution if you do not have a fire extinguisher may I suggest getting one and let all family members know where it is. Not sure what one to get? Your local fire department would be more than willing to assist you in this area. And I truly hope you never need to use it. And many won't but if you should suffer damage from a fire our fire restoration technicians can help you throughout the process and get you home restored "Like it never even happened."

Fire Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Fireplace Safety

2/8/2018 (Permalink)

Staying warm

Winter time is when a lot of people will use their fireplace to help warm up the house. A fireplace can be economical and produce a fair amount of heat. Other people like it as well. I know when I go out of my house and smell someone using a fireplace in the area I get that "Ah someone has their fireplace going" feeling and think about how relaxing it is to sit in front of a nice fire in the fireplace. However the fireplace does need to be maintained and used properly to prevent fires and other issues. 

Some tips

• Always use a screen guard. The screen will keep some of those popping embers from making it out away from the fireplace
• If you have glass doors on the fireplace have them open as closed smothers the fire and creates extra creosote in the chimney
• Have the chimney inspected each year for cleanliness and animals that may have nested. They do make caps to help keep them from getting in yet let the smoke get out. If the smoke can't get out then the carbon monoxide from the fire can't get out which can be life threatening. There are around 4000 deaths a year from carbon monoxide poisoning and a majority of these are from poorly vented fireplaces or fireplaces with the vents or flues closed.
• Use only dry wood and not wet wood. Wet wood makes considerably more smoke.
• Never assume the fire is out. Coals can remain hot or smoldering along for days
• Keep a window cracked just a little for ventilation.
• ALWAYS make sure the flue is open
• Make sure you have carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in your home. People will start a fire but then go elsewhere throughout the house and this is a warning system something is wrong and is for your safety. SAFETY FIRST!
• Keep a fire extinguisher on hand and where everyone knows where it is

Be safe with your fireplace. It is a nice thing to have and with a few simple precautions will be trouble free and safe to use. Just like so many things being careful can help prevent accidents. Stay warm and be safe.

Need Fire Restoration? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Water damage from snow melting

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

Snow varies

The type of snow will depend on the water amount in it. A light powdery snow may contain as little as .1 inches of water per 10" of snow which is not a lot. A dense snow like the kind that feel like you went to the gym and lifted weights by the time you are done shoveling is much more water dense and can have up to 1-3" of water per 10". Being we end up with several different types of snow throughout the winter we can't really count on what we will have for ground moisture. The thing is to be prepared for problems when all that snow melts. The ground can be frozen making it harder for the water to get down into it. A particularly snow heavy winter can leave a lot of flooding issues. We can however do some things to help keep the snow melting from flooding our basements.

What can I do?

• Make sure you have eaves that run away from the house so the snow melting on the roof can get it away from the house
• Shovel snow away from the house if you have had flooding caused by snow melt or rain before. 5' Away from the house is recommended
• If you have a sump pump verify it is working
• Check for cracks and leaks in your basement and repair them

If you do get water in the basement it is important to get it out as quickly as possible to avoid water damage and possibly mold growth from the extra moisture in the house.

Flooded Basement? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Freezing rain

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

A dangerous situation

It doesn't take long for freezing rain to cause roads and sidewalks to get very slippery. We do not get them regularly but they can be quite bad when we get them. The freezing rain however can bring extra issues depending on severity. Ice on a tree branch can cause the branch to weigh 20-30 times what it normally weighs. The ice weighs down everything else as well including power lines which can cause electrical outages. A major storm back in 2008 knocked out power to an estimated 1.25 million homes in New Hampshire, Maine and Vermont. However we can be prepared for these unfortunate times that we are hit by an ice storm.

• Be aware if your home insurance covers damage should a broken branch landing on your roof or ice damage to the roof happen
• Have the electric company's number readily available should a line go down near your home
• Consider buying a generator for outages. Never run it in the house! They produce carbon monoxide when they are running.
• Keep non-perishable food stocked for unexpected storms coming in
• If the electricity does go out be aware of how long it is out and be cautious with the food spoiling in the refrigerator should it be out for an extended time

Ice Storm Damage? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Keep falls from happening.

2/7/2018 (Permalink)

So many ways to fall

Before the customer even gets inside your business falls are waiting to happen. It is important to get the snow or ice removed and get salt or sand down to give the customer grip on their way into your business. Some businesses prefer to do this themselves and a good way to not overload one person is to give several employees each a task such as one shoveling the sidewalk and another salting it. If you choose to hire out make sure it is a reputable company that is always on the ball for getting it done. The last thing you want is shoddy work or worse yet several inches of snow and they are nowhere to be found. Once inside the store if you do not already have carpeting you will want to put down mats or rugs for people to kick snow off on and give them some acquisition steps to change surfaces. Tile in particular gets very slippery when stepping on with snow all over the bottom of the shoes. Being the floor is wet it never hurts to put up the wet floor sign just as a reminder to people. They can be so focused on what they came in the business for that they aren't really thinking about the floor being wet. Also just look around your business for other fall hazards and see what needs to be fixed. If one person slips somewhere be sure another will slip there as well. If you have carpeting and it has been heavily soiled because of snow and salt and dirt being tracked in this winter we can professionally clean it for you.

Carpet need cleaning? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Wet shoes creating mold

2/6/2018 (Permalink)

Tracking snow in

Winter time means snow in the midwest. Walk through any snow and it sticks to your shoes and possibly clothes depending on how deep it is. Of course we go inside and track in the snow which eventually melts. As creatures of habit we tend to take our shoes off in the same spot. If you have a tile floor where you take off your shoes you have a lot less to worry about with mold but many of us have carpeted floors. Being we take our shoes off in about the same place the carpet gets wet and if we have a lot of snow on our shoes maybe enough water that the pad gets wet too. A further problem is maybe the whole family takes off their shoes in the same spot. If this is the case be wary of mold as it never really gets a chance to dry thoroughly as we go in day in and day out tracking that snow back to the same spot which creates a moisture problem for mold to grow and the heat in the house creates a nice warm environment adding to the chance mold will grow.

A Simple Solution

A nice simple way to help avoid this if you do not have a hard surface to take your shoes off at is to create an area right inside the door for everyone to take their shoes off at. Instead of being directly on the carpet grab a cheap rug or mat that can go right inside thew door. The mat could be plastic and dished so the water stays inside. If a small rug it is something that can be washed and/or dried regularly to keep the mold from forming and will keep it from your regular carpet as well. When spring hits it will also keep people from tracking mud into the house. Now getting people to remember to use it - that is the problem if you family is like mine and many others. They may need a few reminders.

Mold issues? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

What in the world is an Ice Dam

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Pretty But Troublesome

It's a cold winter morning and you look out the window and see the long pretty icicle's hanging down from the roof but they are masking an issue. Those icicles have formed a big ice barrier and the edge of the roof creating what is called an ice dam. It is important to get rid of the ice dam as soon as possible. If its a warm day it will likely melt that day and may not be too much of a problem but often another storm hits and the ice builds up more. All this ice pushes on the shingles and eaves and can allow water to get underneath them as the water is left standing behind the ice dam and cannot get to the eaves to flow away from the house. All of these things do a fair amount of damage to the shingles and can allow water under the shingles. The water will then get into the roof area where you will now have water in your attic which can lead to further issues with water damage and left untreated as the weather warms possibly mold issues as well.   

They Are Treatable

• Temporary solutions include using heated cable that is made for just this issue. Also they make roof rakes for getting the ice down if you live in a single story home
• Permanent fixes include venting eaves and ridges and also adding insulation to change the roof temperature so that ice is less likely to form.

Have you suffered damage from an ice dam and now have water or mold in your attic? We can help. Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Winter Fire Warning

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

More Structure Fires In Winter

There are more overall fires in other seasons but there are more structure fires in winter with many of these structures being homes. Why? Many reasons. The weather and thus air is more dry as is the wood our homes are made from. With less moisture things are more flammable. And it is winter season so we hang our lights for Christmas thus giving a possible ignition source. We put up our tree and if it is a real tree we water through Christmas but many people quit thinking about the tree after Christmas and quit watering it. You would think pre-Christmas would be the highest time for tree fires in homes but statistics actually show it to be the second week of January. I know what you are thinking - "They still have there trees up in January!!" It is easier to let time slide by and here is the tree that hasn't been watered for two weeks. Get the tree out as soon as possible to help reduce the risk. Another common winter fire issue is portable heaters. It is easy to forget they are on or to set something in front of them that gets warm enough to ignite. All that is needed for the home fire is just that first spark. 

Be Careful

So what we are saying is be careful. Be aware of possible fire sources and take proper precautions. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure as they say. Make sure to shut off the space heater when you are not around it. And as added safety have a working fire extinguisher in the house. Not sure how to use it? Go to the local fire department and they will gladly give you extinguisher training or tell you when the next class is. Be safe.

Fire Damage? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900 

Its Winter. I shouldn't have mold.

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Anytime. Anywhere.

Mold spores are present almost all the time in most moderate climates and they are just waiting to grow. Most of the time they do not have the proper conditions so they lay dormant. Winter can be that time. With winter we have snow and sometimes lots of it(And lots of shoveling). Well when the snow melts we have plenty of water and thus plenty of moisture which is key to mold growth. It is important to get any water in the house out as quickly as possible to avoid mold. Ice dams can form on roofs and allow water to get under the shingles which can then turn to mold as the weather warms a little give it all the right conditions to grow. Another way you may have winter mold is that it was already present in your home but because you have the windows open a lot for fresh air that you never noticed the musty smell until closing everything up in the house to keep the heat in and now the musty odor is very noticeable. Winter doesn't necessarily mean no mold but good news is that with mold remediation we can take care of that mold.

Water or Mold Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Bursting Pipes

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes can lead to bursting pipes. You may realize you have a frozen pipe because you now have no water or only a trickle coming out. Unfortunately we may not always realize we have a burst pipe because it is still mostly frozen so when the water melts we now have a full blown water leak on our hands. This leak now means water damage at the source as well as to wherever the water can get to. We can take steps to help avoid our pipes freezing and possibly bursting.

• Heating tape. It is specifically made for going around pipes.
• Allow faucets to drip or slow trickle. The water movement helps keep from freezing and the open chamber keeps the pressure from building inside a closed off pipe.
• Leave cabinet doors open so heat can get inside and warm the walls that contain piping. 
• Seal off or caulk leaks near piping
• If leaving for a few days do not turn down the heat too much. No less than 55 degrees is the recommendation. And if gone for an extended time have a neighbor check periodically that things are ok at the house.
• Insulation is always a good choice. A properly insulated house stays warmer in winter and if using AC in your house in summer will help keep it cooler. This insulation will keep the house warmer meaning the pipes are staying warmer

Has a pipe burst? Do you have water damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Winter Muck

1/10/2018 (Permalink)

It's everywhere

With winter comes snow and with snow all the things that go along with it. One of them is shoes saturated with snow. And as a business you have customers come in loaded with snow on their shoes and many kick it off before walking around but it is almost impossible to get it all off and even when they do the shoes or boots are still wet. They now walk all over the store and the carpets and they do get messy. Maybe some salt from the streets gets tracked in. I know after I have salted my house I will inevitably end up having salt sticking to my shoes and ends up on the carpeting just inside my door. All this is a small price to pay as a business owner as it is more important to have the customer than the floor getting wet and dirty. However you also want to keep the business looking nice. That is where we come in. We are happy to help and can take care of those dirty carpets and floors. We have treatments to deodorize and clean those carpets and keep them looking and smelling good so when customers come in they are presented with the business looking like you want it to be. A welcoming, inviting place to go to.

Dirty floors? Need your carpets cleaned? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Services to help your commercial business

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb County provides commercial cleaning and restoration services and they are trusted by many local businesses for building maintenance services. Some of the many commercial services that SERVPRO offers are: 

• Mold remediation 
• Water restoration
• Fire restoration
• Floor cleaning
• Carpet cleaning
• General cleaning
• Biohazard cleanup

SERVPRO of Dekalb County is licensed and trained to handle all of your commercial cleaning and restoration needs and the team is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. 

Our team is always ready to assist with any of commercial services we offer and will do it in a polite way so as to not disturb your customers should your business be open and operating while we are performing services. 

Have a need for our commercial services? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Is your water issue creating mold issue

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Lurking below the surface

Mold just needs the right environment to grow which centers around moisture for it to grow. What appears to be a small water issue can actually be causing a mold problem as well because the excess water can be creating extra moisture for the mold to grow.

Water discoloration or stains on walls mean that you have a leak that is reaching that location. If it was just a one time deal where water just happen to get there and dry out you may not have too much of a problem but often when we have discolorations in our homes it is an ongoing problem. If the water found its way there once it will find its way again. The moisture in the walls and ceilings can be also creating a mold problem as well that won't likely be discovered until you go to fix the stain. Another indicator of a lot of moisture in the walls is bubbling and cracking of paint as it means the moisture levels are off. Latex paint will reabsorb moisture from the air and other water sources and if it is stretching and bubbling something is wrong. 

A lot of other times we know very well we have a water issue such as a leaky pipe or a flooded basement. In all these situations it is important to get the water issue resolved as quickly as possible to keep it from becoming a mold issue. When the moisture levels go up so does the chance of mold growth. Act quickly fixing the water issue and stop the mold before it starts.

Need our mold remediation services? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Some indicators of mold

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Do I have mold?

Mold spores are present everywhere but the conditions have to be just right for them to grow. Moisture being a big part of them growing. Hopefully you do not have a mold issue but there are some indicators that you could have a mold problem.

• A musty odor. If you have a musty odor very likely you do have mold and that musty odor is very distinctive when you smell it. It may just be surface mold somewhere but could also be an underlying problem behind walls or in ceilings, attics, or the basement
• Black, green or gray growth or discoloration on the wall or in the basement. It is important to fix what is causing the problem with mold growth on the wall then take care of it with a mold growth inhibitor.
• Mold growing in the grout lines or along the tub or shower in the bathroom. This can just be surface mold from the high humidity levels often found in bathrooms or it could be a water leak fueling the problem. Being bathrooms are prone to high moisture levels an excellent help for this is an exhaust fan to expel that moisture outside.

Have you discovered a mold problem? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

SERVPRO is ready to help

11/10/2017 (Permalink)

Emergency Ready Program

SERVPRO offers a complimentary Emergency Ready Profile for your business. This is to make an all in one spot for various disasters should they happen. An employee can bring up the profile and then know what to do. For example a pipe bursts within the business but no one is sure where the shut off valve is. Within the profile is a location as well as a photo that shows them what they are looking for. The employee now knows I have to go to this section of the building and I am looking for this dial and it will shut off the water so the leak can then be repaired. The nice thing about this is it is free and accessible to all employees and contains just a nice concise detail to getting it done so they do not have to go through tons of info to find what they need to know now. We can do a no cost assessment of your business. Here are a couple links to give you more info and get you started with your Emergency Ready Profile and become a part of our Emergency Ready Program.

Emergency Ready Program Overview

Getting Started 

When storms hit

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Dekalb County specializes in storm and flood damage restoration.  Our crews are highly trained and we use specialized equipment to restore your property to its pre-storm condition.

Faster Response

Since we are locally owned and operated, we are able to respond quicker with the right resources, which is extremely important. A fast response lessens the damage, limits further damage, and reduces the restoration cost.

Resources to Handle Floods and Storms

When storms hit our area, we can scale our resources to handle a large storm or flooding disaster. We can access equipment and personnel from a network of 1,650 Franchises across the country and elite Disaster Recovery Teams that are strategically located throughout the United States.

Have Storm or Flood Damage? Call Us Today SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Winterizing your vehicle

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

The Dreaded Dead Battery

Most of us have gone out to start our vehicle in the winter to hear the car start to turn over slowly then nothing as the battery dies. Your heart sinks as you realize you are not heading to wherever you had planned on going to. Well here are some tips you can use to help avoid winter time issues.

• Check the brake fluid levels. All fluids move slower in winter and brakes are no exception
• A 50/50 water and antifreeze is recommended. They now make premixed if you are unsure about the mix ratios.
• Check your battery. Many auto places offer this as a free service. Remember short trips do not give your battery much time to charge so it slowly dies. Also keep an emergency jump starter in the car. You can usually find these starting at around $50.00
• Keep tires at the proper inflation level to insure good grip on the road. Also drive at safe speeds since we all know it is easy to lose traction in the winter's slippery conditions
• Make sure oil level is where it needs to be. Again fluids get thick and the engine needs the oil to lubricate the cylinders.
• Check your wipers. Also top off your windshield washer fluid. You don't want to be in traffic and the windows are getting dirty and no way to clean them. They get hard to see through very quickly.
• Keep gas level above a 1/4 tank to keep it from freezing. If you drive a diesel they have additives to help keep from gelling up and also additives should it gel up to liquefy it again

Be safe and drive safe. Your lives and all those others are too important to take chances.

Storm damage to your home? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

I've heard it a million times

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Smoke alarms

We've been told many times and to some of us it seems like a million times but it still needs repeating because we ignore what we are told. Just like we will warn our children over and over again about something that could harm them but we repeat it because we love them and do not want to see them hurt. So we at SERVPRO of Dekalb County are telling you because we don't want to see anyone hurt is have smoke alarms installed in your house. And a good rule of thumb is the first of every month is just test the alarm to make sure it is working. We keep hearing about smoke alarms but so many houses don't have one in them or have batteries that are dead. It is a good thing to have in the house to notify you of a fire so that every one can get out of the house safely. And that is what we want for all of you. We hope you do not have a fire but if you should the first and foremost thing is you and your family are safe. The house and the things in it is where fire restoration comes in. Keep yourself and your family safe and install a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm if you do not have them and check them regularly.

Had a fire and need our fire restoration services? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900 

Some common causes of house fires

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Cooking

Cooking is the number one cause of home fires. Grease fires are common and to put it out DO NOT use water. Put the pan lid on to smother it or use baking soda or use a Class B fire extinguisher which uses a chemical instead of a water base. Also when near an open flame watch the oven mitts and towels near it when reaching for pans. I seen this happen on a cooking competition on tv where the cook caught their mitt on fire not paying attention so it can happen to anyone including those whose job is to cook and do it safely. 

Candles

We get so used to them burning as they are off to the side and burn so long that we don't always think about them when going to bed so make sure to snuff them out when going to bed. Also be aware of what is around the candle. Keep it a safe distance away from things that could ignite from the candle. 

Electrical

Do not overload outlets which is a more common problem than ever as we all have so many electrical based items in our houses now. Also watch for old and frayed cords and replace them if needed.

Heating

Be aware of your space heaters if you have them and keep things a safe distance away. The heat radiates out so it may be ok initially but then it continues to warm and get hotter and hotter until a fire starts. If you aren't sure if its far enough away be safe and move whatever it is a little further away.

Be Safe

It never hurts to double check things. Not sure you blew out the candle? Quick double check for safety insures you did.

Fire Damage? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900 

SERVPRO Water damage services

11/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water has damaged your home

None of us want to suddenly discover we have water in our basement or that a pipe has leaked or whatever may have caused our water damage. Once we do find that we have a water issue we also want to get it taken care of as soon as we can. That is where SERVPRO of Dekalb County comes in. One of our specialties is to take care of these water damage issues and restore your home as it was before so it is "Like it never even happened."

Our SERVPRO technicians look for water or any excessive humidity or condensation. Things such as standing water, damp or humid air, condensation on your windows, or walls that are wet to the touch are all signs of water issues.

Our SERVPRO technicians also check for hidden problems associated with water damage, such as finding cracks in your foundation, sewer problems, broken water lines, broken gutters and downspouts, or mold that may be forming because of the water damage.

Water Damage? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Be Storm Ready

10/30/2017 (Permalink)

Build A Kit

A storm kit set aside can be very handy to have. Often electrical outages aren't that long but severe storms it can be days without electric. Storms have the potential for extended disturbances to your normal life so by having a kit you can at least have necessary items available. Many of us generally have non-perishables liked canned vegetables and dry foods like cereal in our pantries but there are some other items wise to keep in a handy location.

Kit Items

• Several gallons of water
• If don't normally store non perishables a few would be a good idea
• A first aid kit
• Flashlight
• Battery powered radio
• Most of us have a cell phone but a battery backup charger would be good. Check or use now and then to make sure it is charged when needed
• A list of safe locations to go in certain situations such as a tornado shelter or a flood shelter depending on your area
• Emergency contacts

Inform the family of the location of your emergency kit and periodically check it and make sure everything is ok. We hope we never need to use our kits but someday may come and it is important that everything is there and working when we do need it.

Storm Damage? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Help prevent mold

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Mold is waiting to grow.

Mold spores are present in most places but are unable to grow. The mold won't grow without the right environment which involves the right temperature and moist conditions. They can start in just a couple days to grow when conditions are right so it is important to handle problems as soon as you can to prevent mold from starting to grow in your home.

Things to watch for and do

• Dry wet items as quickly as possible
• Disinfect areas that you have dried water in
• Reduce moisture in the bathroom. If you have a exhaust fan it helps immensely for removing the warm moist air after a shower
• Check for plumbing leaks
• Keep an eye on the basement. A fair amount of basements run a little humid so a dehumidifier can help. Also check your sump pump if you have one to make sure it is working and check periodically if you don't go in your basement often to just make sure it is staying dry

Mold Issues Or Questions? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

How fast is mold spreading through my house?

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

Slowly. Then Quickly.

If your house is generally dry and has no serious moisture issues the mold spores that are present will get old and take longer to start growing mold. Once they start however you now have these fresh spores waiting to grow anyplace where the conditions are right for them to grow. And these fresh spores can grow much easier than the older spores which is why you may not notice mold for a while but when you do you start seeing it in multiple places. And those spores get into the air then get circulated throughout the house and thus the importance of getting the mold taken care of as soon as possible. If your house is prone to moisture it is important to take steps to lower moisture levels. Do not let mold get a foothold in your home and if it does form get it taken care of as soon as possible to keep it from spreading.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Watch out for hail

10/27/2017 (Permalink)

An Infrequent Visitor

Most places around the country don't get hail too often so we don't really prepare for it. It usually happens in a storm without warning unless we hear a weather forecast that said it has happened in this storm already. In most storms it is small bb sized hail which is fairly harmless and most of us have been in. However there is larger hail that hits and we need to be wary of it. Once you get to quarter sized hail you are really into the zone where damage can be done. If you know there the storm is going to have this size hail try and get your car covered as it will do a fair amount of damage to your car. There is also potential to damage your shingles and break windows and if it is half dollar sized it likely damaged at least some shingles. Once you get to ping pong ball size hail it can do a fair amount of damage to a home. Also at this size you really don't want to be out in it as it will be quite painful(a bit obvious. Sorry.) If you are in an area prone to hail a couple steps you can take is to put on hail resistant roofing and also to put shutters for your windows on your house.

Hail Damage? Call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Tips To Help Avoid Basement Flooding

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

An Ounce Of Prevention

Gutters - Cleaning out gutters regularly will help water flow through the channels and away from the house. This is especially important in the fall if you do not have gutter covers on as those leaves love to pile up up in there creating a dam that doesn't let the water through but rather pours over the side.

Downspouts - They also can plug up but usually dumping a pail of water will provide the force to flush it out. Also they have downspout extensions and we recommend about 10' to get the water an adequate distance from the home.

Sump Pump - If your home has a sump pump it can help keep the water out. If your home is usually dry it is good to pour water in every once in a while to get it to kick in and work and also lets you check and know that it is functioning properly.

Should you have questions or your basement flooded please feel free to call SERVPRO of Dekalb County at (815)758-3900

Educate Children About Fire

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

A Personal Experience

My Uncle's house burnt down back in 1981 because of this very thing of a child playing with fire. My 6 yr old cousin had taken one of the lighters around the house and gone to his bedroom and was lighting it in the closet. It caught the clothes above him on fire which then the fire quickly got out of control and burnt  up most of the house before it got put out.

Educate To Prevent

It is important to let kids know just how quickly fires get out of control. We teach them the stove is hot and don't touch but many kids (and I know I was the same) see fire and there is a certain interest in it. The flame can look so small but we as adults know how quickly that flame can become a fire. Take the time to let them know what can happen and when possible keep any lighters or anything else that could start a fire out of their reach.

Had Fire Damage? Contact us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Tornado Drills - Not Just For School

10/26/2017 (Permalink)

Be Prepared

The Boy Scout motto. We have heard it many times and it is a good motto for all of us. This doesn't just apply to tornado's but any storms that may come through as they all have potential for problems like electrical outages and although it is rare lightning can start house fires.

Tips

• Familiarize your family with your local tornado sirens
• Let the family know the safe zones in the house or community to go to in tornadoes
• Have a location in the house with a flashlight always there
• Keep a list of contacts for the kids to call should they not know what to do that can help talk them through it
• Educate them that if the storm is severe stay away from windows as branches can blow off trees and into the windows
• Have a safe place should the unfortunate and rare occurrence of a fire by lightning happen that everyone can go to while waiting for the fire department to arrive
• Take any other precautions applicable to storm types in your area to keep you and your family safe

Storm Damage To Your Home? Contact us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Healthy Commercial Cleanliness

10/23/2017 (Permalink)

Unhealthy Cleanliness

While you can clean superbly with some cleaners out there they may not be the most people friendly or healthy for the people. You can use bleach to clean spots but needs to be used in good ventilation. There are even more caustic chemicals you can buy over the counter but then agagin you must have ventilation plus gloves to use and then dangers if you have kids of them getting into them. It is very important to be clean but be careful. know the cleaners you are using and use them as directed. You would think this is a given but we all know someone that uses things other than intended and in an unsafe manner. Most of us have likely done this ourselves because we get focused on the goal instead of on what is going on in front of us. 

Healthy Cleanliness

We at SERVPRO of Dekalb County are focused on Healthy Cleanliness. We use people friendly cleaning agents. We handle getting your commercial business clean and doing it in such a way it doesn't affect you or your customers in an unhealthy way. We want our employees to be safe because they are very valuable to us and we want you and your customers to be safe as well because you are also very important to us. 

Need Commercial Cleaning? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Other Unexpected problems with water damage

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

Oh No! Our basement is flooded.

We hope it never happens but many of us have went into our basement and seen it flooded. You start wondering how much damage it did and how extensive it is. However the water can have many hazards involved with it as well as more damage than you were expecting from things you may not have thought may be in the water.

Problems and Hazards

• Electrical wires and sockets that may be in the water creating an electrocution hazard
• Chemicals and cleaning agents that were in the basement now in the water
• If water has come in from outside it may have brought in dirt and grime
• If the sewer backed up there could be biohazards such as fecal matter
• Possible mold from the high moisture levels
• And many other possibilities depending on what you keep in your basement that is now in the water

Our Water Restoration Services

Each flooded basement or water damage situation will be different because we are all different. Our water restoration specialists have been trained to handle all these different situations and restore the damage and get your life back to what it was before the unfortunate circumstance happened. 

Water Damage Concerns? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900 

Avoid some common water damage issues

10/20/2017 (Permalink)

We All Need Water

We all need water to survive. In our houses we get so used to everything working we don't think about it until it breaks. We use our toilets, take our showers, wash our dishes and laundry without much thought about our water until we see the water where it shouldn't be. There are a few things that we can do to help prevent water damage.

Take Precautions

• Get your water pressure checked. Too high and hoses can burst
• Caution with cold temps. Cold outside wrap your pipes(especially those in mobile homes).
• Disconnect hoses outside. It can create an ice dam that can bust a pipe. Newer spigots have some safety features to help avoid this.
• Replace older and cracked washing machine hoses before they break.
• Know your plants and trees before you plant them. Some have powerful and extending root systems that can cause basement and foundation issues

Water Damage Questions? Call us at SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Keep water from causing mold issues

10/18/2017 (Permalink)

A stitch in time saves nine

It's  an old saying but is very often true in many circumstances. If you can do something now it may keep you from more troubles with it down the line. This is very true when you have water damage. The water naturally flows wherever it can go and thus will end up all over our floors or basements or wherever it is we have water issues. When it does this it naturally comes in contact with other items in the area. As we all know from personal experience water absorbs into most things pretty readily. You get a drop on your shirt it soaks in before you can brush it away. If you spill a glass of water on your carpet (unless you got some type of spill protection on it) it will quickly soak in and you are pressing a towel on it to get out as much water as possible. When there is water damage it is usually much more water than a glass. It gets soaked into all those areas and now it is important to get the water out as quickly as possible and get all those things dry before mold can start forming with all that extra moisture. This is where it is important to have water restoration specialists come in and remove the water quickly as well as dry out all the other areas quickly and check for mold that has already started or get it dried to prevent mold from starting.

About Our Water Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Dekalb County specializes in water cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly removethe water quickly and safely.

If You Have Water Damage, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

Workplace Safety

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

Our common goal

We all want workplace safety. An injury is no good for anyone. The employee that is injured has their life affected by the injury and is possibly out of work for a while. The employer loses a valuable employee that is needed to complete jobs at work. The more hazardous the job the more important the safety. Many businesses will put up safety posters and slogans to encourage safety. 

A reward for safety

A good idea for job safety is to reward employees that come up with valuable safety ideas. Being each job is different makes it hard to cover all the bases with posters etc. so we can utilize a resource we already have. An employee sees the weak points in safety every day and has possibly almost been injured by something. Well rewarding them encourages the free thinking about safety. People may watch themselves but it would be better if all employees were benefiting from it. It may be an escalating scale so the bigger the idea the bigger the reward. Or just a flat rate item if the idea gets used you get the reward. Some possible reward ideas

• monetary
• leave work early on a Friday
• gift card for a local restaurant
• or something applicable to your area

 Our Commercial Services

One thing that always helps with safety is the cleanliness of the work environment. A dirty area can be a fire hazard and should you experience a fire we do offer fire restoration services. Should you have a person get injured we offer biohazard services as well in case their was blood or bodily fluids that ended up on surfaces. We also offer our full commercial services including hvac and duct cleaning, carpet cleaning, odor removal and vandalism restoration. If you have need any of our services here at SERVPRO of Dekalb County please feel free to contact us.

Have Questions about our Commercial Services?
Call Us Today – (815)758-3900

Be careful to not spread mold throughout your house

10/5/2017 (Permalink)

If you see visible mold, do not disturb it. You can inadvertently spread the mold infestation throughout your home. When mold is disturbed, the mold can release microscopic mold spores which become airborne and can circulate inside your home.

What to Do:

• Stay out of affected areas.
• Turn off the HVAC system and fans.
• Contact SERVPRO of Dekalb County for mold remediation services.

What Not to Do:

• Don’t touch or disturb the mold.
• Don’t blow air across any surfaces with visible or suspected mold growth.
• Don’t attempt to dry the area yourself.
• Don’t spray bleach or other disinfectants on the mold.

About Our Mold Remediation Services

SERVPRO of Dekalb County specializes in mold cleanup and restoration, in fact, it’s a cornerstone of our business.  Our crews are highly trained restoration professionals that use specialized equipment and techniques to properly remediate your mold problem quickly and safely.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – SERVPRO of Dekalb County (815)758-3900

importance Of Cleanliness

10/4/2017 (Permalink)

Carpet Cleaning at an area business to maintain the look.

Personal experiences

We've all been traveling and had to make a quick pit stop. We walk in to use the bathroom and grab some snacks and we walk into the bathroom and it is so bad we want to run away screaming or we go in and find it is absolutely spotless. We will remember it for each of these two reasons one to avoid and one that we know this is a place with a really nice restroom. And you mind when it is bad goes right to if its that bad in here what about the rest of the store?

Things people notice

• Is the outside clean because they may not come in if its not
• Is there a nice pleasant aroma or is it stale, smoke filled, dirty smelling 
• Remove clutter that will get in the way of people in your business. Dress the business for success
• Just being clean helps employee safety as well as customer safety by the eliminating possible trip hazards etc.
• Most of us have been in a business and noticed the dirty floor and it affected our opinion of that business. When clean we don't think much of it but a dirty floor and we notice it.
• Number of customers. 2 similar businesses side by side and one is packed and one is empty so people will wonder why the empty business - is it because of cleanliness?
• They notice dirty glass, counters and other shiny or reflective services

And most of these things are cumulative or in other words build on one another. Someone may let one thing go but then they see another and another and you may have lost a repeat customer.

Our Commercial Restoration Services

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need. So whether it is tile and grout cleaning, carpet cleaning, biohazard, or other cleaning you need or it is restoration from a disaster like water or fire damage we at SERVPRO of Dekalb County are here to help. 

Have Questions about our Commercial Services?
Call Us Today SERVPRO (815)758-3900

When you have Storm Damage

10/2/2017 (Permalink)

WInd damage to roof, windows, and trees from a recent storm .

Tips

• Put safety first!
• Contact your insurance agent or company
• If a tree fell on or near your property be cautious around it as the tree can still shift
• Look up at the trees to make sure of no broken limbs just hanging there that could fall down injuring someone
• Be aware of power lines as they may be down in the area creating a hazard
• Listen to the radio for further news reports on the storm and damage
• Check on your elderly or disabled neighbors
• If you leave in your car do not drive through flooded streets. You do not know how deep it may be.
• If you smell gas shut the gas off and contact your gas supplier.
• Again safety first! Look before you act.

Our Storm Damage Restoration Service

Storms can come up with little warning about how powerful and destructive that storm may be. Regardless of the type of storm SERVPRO can handle any disaster. We have the equipment, expertise, and experience to restore your storm damage.  We will also treat your family with empathy and respect and your property with care.

Have Questions about Storm Damage?
Call Us Today SERVPRO (815)758-3900

Our Highly Trained Restoration Specialists can restore your DeKalb County Home

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of DeKalb County is an IICRC firm. The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) creates the standards for the restoration industry and provides training and certification to restoration companies. IICRC Certified Firms have the right to display the IICRC Certified Logo.

IICRC Certified Firms must

• Present accurate information to consumers and conduct business with honesty and integrity.

• Require a technician on all jobs who has been formally trained and passed all required tests.

• Require a continuing education program to keep technicians up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry.

• Maintain liability insurance to protect all parties in the event of an accident.

• Maintain a written complaint policy and agree to Better Business Bureau or similar arbitration to resolve disputes, and accept the conclusions and recommendations of arbitration.

The IICRC Develops The Standards For The Restoration Industry

The IICRC has been the driving force in establishing the main industry standards and reference guides for professional carpet cleaning, water damage restoration and mold remediation. These IICRC standards take years to develop and require the coordination of experts in the field: manufacturers, industry organizations, insurance professionals, training schools, contractors, and public health professionals.

Every five years, the standards are reviewed and updated. The water damage restoration field changes rapidly with advancements in technology and science, and therefore the standards must evolve to keep pace.

About SERVPRO of DeKalb County

SERVPRO of DeKalb County specializes 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 and we are an IICRC Certified Firm. We believe in continuous training: 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.

SERVPRO of DeKalb County helps local school children have a fun filled afternoon

8/30/2017 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of DeKalb County owner Steve Bryant and Marketing Representative Tricia Herrera stepped out of the office for an afternoon to help local Central School students have a fun filled carnival. Central School has a large Hispanic number of students and this event was put on thru the Rochelle United Methodist Church to make all students feel important and interact together. The staff at the church had been communicating with this students weekly thru messages posted on the windows of the church, The students became so excited to read each new message weekly that it so became the high lite of their Monday morning. The church staff and volunteers decided that a school carnival with games and prizes was a great way to celebrate this year long relationship. Steve and Tricia helped to man the games and spent the hour having just as much fun as the kids! SERVPRO of Dekalb County is involved in many community activities and believes that involvement is as important as ever. 

Does your Dekalb County Home have a Mold Problem?

6/21/2017 (Permalink)

Microscopic mold spores naturally occur almost everywhere, both outdoors and indoors. This makes it impossible to remove all mold from a home or business. Therefore, mold remediation reduces the mold spore count back to its natural or baseline level. Some restoration businesses advertise “mold removal” and even guarantee to remove all mold, which is a fallacy. Consider the following mold facts:

• Mold is present almost everywhere, indoors and outdoors.
• Mold spores are microscopic and float along in the air and may enter your home through windows, doors, or AC/heating systems or even hitch a ride indoors on your clothing or a pet.
• Mold spores thrive on moisture. Mold spores can quickly grow into colonies when exposed to water. These colonies may produce allergens and irritants.
• Before mold remediation can begin, any sources of water or moisture must be addressed. Otherwise, the mold may return.
• Mold often produces a strong, musty odor and can lead you to possible mold problem areas.
• Even higher-than-normal indoor humidity can support mold growth. Keep indoor humidity below 45 percent.

If your home or business has a mold problem, we can inspect and assess your property and use our specialized training, equipment, and expertise to remediate your mold infestation.

If You See Signs of Mold, Call Us Today – 815-758-3900

My flooded basement

6/16/2017 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your DeKalb County basement could flood, including:

· A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe

· Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home

· Storm sewer backup

· Sanitary sewer backup

· Foundation drainage failure

· Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure

· And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today – 815-758-3900

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of DeKalb County and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

· We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week

· We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies

· We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About

· Our Technicians are Highly-Trained in Water Restoration Techniques

· We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards

I had know idea where to start

6/5/2017 (Permalink)

I recently had a fire in my home. I had no idea that so many decisions had to be made after such a traumatic event or that I was going to be asked so many questions. I admit as everything was happening around me all I could hear was noise and was totally overwhelmed. When the local fire department suggested to me to call the local SERVPRO franchise I said yes without even really knowing what I was saying yes to. Well boy am I glad that I called them and can say with absolute certainty that they stopped the "noise" for me and my kids. It was like the commercials. The trucks pulled up and as the crew chief was speaking with me, his crew was already in work mode. I think back and realize how many questions I answered and how much info I gave him without even realizing I was even doing it. They put me at easy as much as was possible for the tragedy of the day. I cant thank the whole staff for the ease at which the entire claim was handled. I highly recommend SERVPRO of DeKalb county and cant thank them enough.

SERVPRO took my worries away

9/29/2016 (Permalink)

I am the owner of a multi unit residential building. In spring of 2016 we had a fire in one of the apartments. Not only did SERVPRO of DeKalb county take care of my building they put my other tenants at easy by working with them. They made things go so smoothly and worked with them when some didn't even have insurance coverage. They helped them out and made it all work for all involved. I would highly recommend SERVPRO of DeKalb County for any disaster. They made sure to follow up with me and offered a FREE Emergency Ready Plan to help me save time and money in the event that something like this would happen to any of my properties again. Thank you SERVPRO of DeKalb County.