The month of natural readiness is September.

9/14/2022 (Permalink)

September is the month of Natural preparedness. National preparedness month was designed for The Department of Homeland Security to educate the public on the importance of disaster preparation. There is a plethora of disasters both Natural and Man-made. With this being said there are a number of strategies you maybe be able to come up with and a number of governmental websites that may help you prepare such as FEMA, and the Center of Disease Control and Prevention. 

As such SERVPRO offers an Emergency Readiness Profile for such events. In the case of an emergency in which your home suffers from things such as fire damage, water damage or mold damage etc. We’ll provide you with tips to minimize damage until help arrives and we are able to begin your mitigation and reconstruction process.  SERVPRO works with many insurance companies so many insurance companies may also have information you can use to prepare. Insurance companies encourage families to prepare for disasters because it allows them to properly evaluate if the property is insured and makes the recovery process a bit easier. When extreme weather destroys homes, families with less savings are more prone to housing insecurity.  

Are Your Ducts Dirty?

7/14/2022 (Permalink)

Air/ HVAC ducts are essential for the circulation of your home or commercial property. Your heating and cooling system utilizes your ducts to maintain temperature throughout the property. Air is circulated through the ducts multiple time a day reaching every room with the same air. This is a integral part of your properties air quality. Did you know that your ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality? Dirty Ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold, and irritating dust throughout your location.

A professional commercial duct cleaning company can reach, clean, and sanitize all the components of your duct system. Homeowners should be aware of a few things in the HVAC and air duct cleaning process. First, system access to the duct interiors should be made through existing openings when possible. This could be via return grills, duct end caps and existing service openings. Your technician will often begin by breaking contaminants loose from your system, either by hand or using a vacuum, to agitate dirt and dust. This basic step is an important one in the HVAC cleaning process.

The process begins by using patented equipment, including a roto-scraper, which automatically adapts to the duct's shape and diameter while traveling through the duct, removing debris and filth before the vacuuming begins. Next, a powerful push-pull air delivery and collection system transfers the debris from the ductwork to a container. Air is filtered through a HEPA filtration system, removing 99.97% of the particles in the airstream. Filters will either be cleaned or replaced to remove odor and dirt.

International Building Safety Month.

5/3/2022 (Permalink)

May is International Building Safety Month. This campaign raises awareness about building safety and reinforces the need for the adoption of modern, regularly updated building codes, and helps individuals, families, and businesses understand how to maintain safe and sustainable structures.

 Communities need protection from disasters like fires, weather-related events such as flooding and structural collapse. The best way to do this is by implementing Model building codes, adopted and enforced by well-trained professional code officials.

 This year’s theme is safety for all building codes in action. Regularly updated codes and a strong system of strict code enforcement ensures that individuals and communities are safe in the buildings where they live, work, and play. This campaign is supported by four core themes that will be highlighted throughout the month:

Week 1: Planning for a Safe & Sustainable Tomorrow

Week 2: Exploring Careers in Building Safety

Week 3: Understanding Disaster Mitigation

Week 4: Creating a Safe & Abundant Water Supply

To learn more about the weekly themes, check out iccsafe.org. You can help spread the word about Building Safety Month, the importance of building safety, and the role of code officials with your community! Use the hashtag #BuildingSafety365 to join the global conversation on social media. As always, if your residential or commercial property suffers from structural damage, call your local SERVPRO franchise professionals to help make it "Like it never even happened.®"

COVID-19 CLEANING & DISINFECTING SERVICES

1/9/2022 (Permalink)

We provide preventative cleaning services as well as cleaning after a probable or proven exposure to assist reduce transmission.

Protect Your Employees & Guests From COVID-19

About Coronavirus

Beginning in 2020, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention responded to an outbreak of a respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in China and spread internationally. While the virus is termed coronavirus, the sickness that results after infection is termed COVID-19.

COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, which is a global outbreak of a disease.

About Our Services

SERVPRO® of La Grange Park / N. Riverside technicians are specially trained to clean and disinfect your home or business according to CDC guidelines. We have years of experience dealing with biological hazards, and we will go above and beyond what janitorial personnel does on a daily basis. Our technicians are qualified to undertake a proactive cleanup that includes cleaning and disinfection of the business or structure. Washing porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting non-porous surfaces, cleaning, and disinfecting equipment, tools, and/or supplies used in the cleanup process, and waste disposal are all common cleanup methods.

Residential homes, small and large enterprises, schools and universities, commercial buildings, factories and plants, government facilities, and more can all benefit from SERVPRO's skilled cleaning services. COVID-19 was specifically addressed by our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned defensive cleaning program. We provide preventative cleaning services as well as cleaning after a probable or proven exposure to assist reduce transmission.

What Chemical Do We Use to Clean?

While we use a range of disinfectants to destroy hazardous bacteria and viruses, SERVPROxide is the disinfectant of choice in COVID-19 cases. SERVPROxide is a hospital-grade disinfectant that has been shown to be effective on hard, non-porous surfaces against viruses like SARS-CoV-2. The CDC has cleared it for COVID-19 cleaning.

Call us today at (708) 240-4873 if your home or business has been exposed to COVID-19

Emergency Ready Program for your business

9/29/2021 (Permalink)

Join our Emergency Ready Program today!

Are you and your clients “Ready for whatever happens?”

If an emergency situation arises in your workplace, give us a call and we'll be there as soon as possible to help. We're here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to get your business back on track! Our experience includes fire and water damage restoration, while also electronics restoration and document drying.

Our professionals are trained to be aware of legal and environmental issues while working within your budgetary constraints to repair the affected area. We understand that every hour spent cleaning is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. 

Preparation is essential for surviving any major disaster, whether it's a minor water leak, a large fire, or a widespread flood. The greatest time to prepare for such tragedies is before they occur. 

By becoming a member of our SERVPRO of LaGrange Park / North Riverside Emergency READY Program (ERP), you will get access to over 40 years of experience in lessening the impact of natural and man-made disasters.

Give us a call today to schedule your Emergency Ready Program (708) 240-4873!

National Preparedness Month

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

Be prepared!

As a business owner, insurer or property manager, you are a leader in your community! Therefore, you have the opportunity to set an example to others around you. September is National Preparedness Month (NPM), and this year we are encouraging you all to join your community in preparing for emergencies and disasters. You can do so by leading the efforts to encourage your community to become more prepared as a whole. Disasters WILL HAPPEN, and not only do they devastate neighborhoods, but entire communities including local businesses of all sizes. 

As an employer in your community, having a business continuity plan can help protect your company. It can also maximize your chances of recovery after a disaster takes place. There are 3 simple steps to take. 

1. Plan to stay in business

2. Encourage your employees to become ready

3. Protect your investment

There are many supporting resources available that can begin to prepare your business for a disaster. We here at SERVPRO can help your business with our Emergency READY Profile (ERP). Here are some of the advantages of our ERP program.

- A no-cost assessment of your facility.

- A concise profile document that contains only the critical information needed in the event of an emergency.

- A guide to help you get back into your building following a disaster.

- Establishes your local SERVPRO franchise professional as your disaster mitigation and restoration provider.

- Identification of the line of command for authorizing work to begin.

- Provides facility details such as shut-off valve locations, priority areas, and priority contact information. 

Preparation is KEY to making it through any size disaster, whether it is a small water leak or a large fire. The best time to plan is not when the event happens, but well before it takes places. No one ever plans on a disaster, but you now can plan for it and be prepared. Call us today to set up your very on Emergency READY Profile!

Village Hall!

8/9/2021 (Permalink)

Cleaning and sanitizing the Village of Hillside Community Center!

With the summer upon us, we are starting to see communities begin to open back up after the devastating of COVID. For example, the Village of Hillside has started to allow their Summer Nights of Hillside to take part again after being shut down for almost 2 years! These summer nights consists of a Car Show, Marketplace, food tents and concert area. The Village of Hillside wanted to make sure they take the appropriate steps when it came to sanitizing and cleaning the areas for the community's safety. We where instructed to clean the Village Community Center which allowed vendors to go and promote their small businesses to the community of Hillside. The police trailer was set out for the band that would be performing that night, and we made sure they also had a case of SERVPRO water. We also sanitized the main lobby of the Village Hall that allowed anyone to come in and take flyers, or any questions they may have throughout the event! It was such a pleasure to not only be able to help out the community of Hillside, but to also get out and enjoy some good music, drinks and food with some pretty awesome people we met throughout the night. We are always here to help, and love to do our part when it comes to commercial buildings in the community. 

Summertime Tips!

7/12/2021 (Permalink)

Summertime is the perfect chance for you to freshen up the outside of your commercial property, temperatures are finally starting to heat up and signs of summer are rolling in. It also marks that time of year when commercial real estate property owners and managers need ensure that their buildings are ready the seasonal changes in order to avoid unexpected issues or costs.

Inspect your roof – Summer weather leads to strong storms. Keep a close eye on your roof to make sure leaks haven’t developed.

1. Clean out gutters– Clean out any debris that’s trapped in your gutters. This is not only good for your gutters, but it also gives your business a well-maintained appearance. Summer often means severe storms, hail and even tornado activity that can put a severe strain on roofing materials. Start the summer out right by getting a professional roof inspection to determine any problems that might have occurred over the winter months. Ice and snow damage may have occurred that isn’t immediately evident. Loose tiles, damage to underlay materials and problems with gutters can lead to more serious problems as the season continues
2. Revitalize the exterior– Clean up any trash or yard debris that’s lying around your property. Plant summertime flowers to offer a fresh pop of color. Apply a new coat of paint – or even better, use commercial pressure washing to remove dirt, pollen, and grime. Don’t forget about commercial concrete stains on your drive-thrus and sidewalks.
3. Thoroughly inspect surfaces– Walk around your property and make note of any stains or damage on your exterior walls. Call us to come by and see how we can clean up your exterior with commercial pressure cleaning.
4. Window maintenance, Winter weather may have damaged the windows on your commercial property, which could lead to higher air-conditioning costs during the summer months. Thorough caulking can prevent leakage of cooled air and save more on energy bills.

 SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here to help with all your commercial property needs.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873, and ask about our Emergency Readiness Planning. 

Disaster Plan for Your Business

7/8/2021 (Permalink)

Have a plan!

When it comes to owning a commercial business, you need to make sure you have a disaster plan in place. Natural disasters don't give you a warning to get out in time, and sometimes you only have minutes to act fast. One natural disaster that most people are not prepared for are earthquakes. Here are 6 steps to prepare you if an earthquake where to take place. 

1. Assess the Earthquake Risk of Your Building

You need to get a clear picture about your business' earthquake risk factors. You need to know how ready or NOT ready your business is. It is recommended that all businesses perform risk assessments that find the strong and weak points of your plan. You should also schedule a consultation with an experienced firm to elevate the structural integrity of the building. 

2. Create a Disaster Plan

These should be created and distributed to all of your employees beforehand. It is important to include ALL of you employees as you are developing a disaster plan. This way they if they notice any signs of an earthquake, they will know exactly what to do. Some of the things your disaster plan should include are:

- Contact information for all employees

- Communication plan

- Talk with employees with disabilities and make arrangements

- Hotline or text message system

- Schedule regular earthquake response drills to practice

- Emergency kit

- Safety checklist 

3. Identify Your Building's Potential Structural Issues

Every business is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. You will need to evaluate every aspect of your business and make preparations that are unique to your building's property. You need to understand the risks and take specific actions to help prevent earthquake disasters for your business, and to also protect your staff. 

4. Bring in Expert Advisors

You can't afford to waste your time on hearsay or just anyone's word. Your business, life, and the lives of your employees and customers depends on doing things correctly and being truly prepared. Make sure you choose a reputable earthquake retrofitting contractor based on years of experience and high ranking results. This way it can translate to lives and business saved in those areas. 

5. Develop a Comprehensive Emergency Communications Plan

Keeping your business in business after an earthquake often depends on effective communication. Be sure you have a plan in place that takes everyone into account. This includes your employees, your customers and your suppliers. Make sure you set up a backup communications plan that enables you to keep lines of communication open, even if you are unable to access your building. Make sure you employees know who to contact before hand so they aren't calling people they shouldn't have to call. Maintain an emergency contact list with police, fire, ambulance, hospital and other emergency services that employees know how to access quickly. Also, have your insurance company and attorney's numbers in a secure place. 

6. After the Earthquake

Remember that it might not be readily apparent whether your building is safe after an earthquake takes place. There are usually aftershocks for hours and days afterward. Be sure to contact an experienced expert first for an earthquake damage safety assessment before you allow employees and customers back into the building. 

Commercial Property

1/10/2021 (Permalink)

Water Damage

You want your business to make as much profit as possible, but you may be losing money without even realizing it. Leaks from damaged pipes, as well as other areas, are a common source of trouble in many buildings. It is important to perform regular inspections to make sure everything is in top condition. Here are a few problems that might end up costing you money.

1. Damaged Roofing

Leaking pipes are not the only potential source of excess water. The roof is an important part of the structure of your business, as it protects you from severe weather and keeps the inside of the building dry. However, if you do not properly maintain your roof, you could end up with a lot of damage. In some cases, the structure of the building may weaken or a mold growth might develop. Make sure to regularly check the condition of your building and perform repairs as needed.

2. Broken Appliances

Another common source of water is from broken appliances. The damage here can range from a small leak to a lot of flooding. One way to prevent this is to test your equipment regularly to ensure it is in proper working condition. As items begin to age and break down, replace them to prevent any significant problems.

3. Pipes and Plumbing

Damaged pipes can sometimes be a hidden source of wasted water and money. If you are not performing regular maintenance, a persistent leak could end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra water bills. Leaks can also indicate aging pipes that could cause a lot of damage if not replaced.
Performing regular maintenance in your building is a great way to locate problems and prevent big issues from leaks or damaged pipes. If you do experience damage, however, a water restoration company can perform necessary repairs to your building and belongings.

Commercial Cleanup!

9/29/2020 (Permalink)

If you can’t summon help quickly, a fire can quickly sweep through your Elmhurst, IL, office and leave a trail of devastation in its wake. Fire damage can be severe and make it impossible for you to resume work duties in your building. Ironically, the very water firefighters use to eliminate the fire can also cause major problems. Trained professionals have the equipment and skill to clean up both types of damage.

Thorough Inspection

When you call a professional disaster cleanup crew to your office, the team won’t jump right in and start working without a plan. The company will evaluate the effects of the fire damage in order to come up with an effective strategy. The technicians will do the following:

• Make note of which areas of your building were affected.
• Determine the extent of the damage.
• Decide what areas and items you can salvage and which ones you must replace.
• Establish a plan of attack that will yield the most complete, time-effective results.

Remove Standing Water

A fire hose can pump out hundreds of gallons of water while a firefighter is battling a blaze. It’s no wonder water can wreak havoc in your office after a fire. A technician will use wet vacuums and other specialized water removal equipment to make sure there is no leftover water on your floor or on furniture or other objects. Next, the team will dry the areas with dehumidifiers and high-powered blowers.

Clean and Sanitize

Sucking up water and drying the area isn’t enough to mitigate water damage. The professionals will also use chemicals to thoroughly sanitize any areas where there had been water. This will minimize the chances of mold growth.

Fire damage and water issues go hand in hand after a fire. By understanding the process the pros use, you can have peace of mind and confidence that your office will be in good hands.

Common Causes of Commercial Building Fires

9/1/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure to check all heating sources!

We usually don't think of a fire destroying our business or office building. We are more worried about less concrete threats. This includes a downward trending economy, high customer churn rate, the struggle to retain talented employees, legal issues, etc. However, nonresidential building fires killed 65 people, injured 1,425 and created $2,461,400,00 in damage between 2004 and 2013. 

In order to prevent a dangerous and costly fire, the time of day fires are most likely to occur in your building depends on what type of business you're in. An office building is a bit different from a manufacturing plant. Ex: In an office building, fires are most common during regular work hours. Incidence of fires peaks in the early evening hours between 3-6pm. 

Therefore, the most common causes of commercial building fires are as follows. 

1. Cooking Fires

- 29.3% of nonresidential fires from 2013 were cooking related. In fact, 1 in 4 office building fires were related to cooking equipment. These types of fires do tend to account for less damage, but they are easily preventable with fire protection systems such as alarms and fire extinguishers. 

2. Intentional

- This accounts for almost 10% of fires, and tends to cause the most damage. Intentional fires also result in more civilian injuries and deaths. Unlike cooking and heating fire, it's most common for intentional fires to be started between 3pm and midnight. A few common locations to be aware of in the building are bathrooms, trash bins, garages, and open areas like a lawn or field. 

3. Careless Acts and Human Error

- 9.2% of commercial fires were unintentional results of careless acts. This is somewhat of an 'other' category. Some examples include accidentally leaving space heaters or other heat producing equipment on, carelessly discarded cigarette butts igniting fires, and plugging too many things into the same extension cord. 

4. Heating Fires

- Heating fires account for 9% of all nonresidential building fires. Central heating units, fireplaces, water heaters, and other heating appliances and systems should be regularly inspected to prevent fires. It is important to move any flammable materials and furniture away from heat sources. 

ERP for your commercial property

8/4/2020 (Permalink)

Make sure you not only have one for your commercial property, but also that it is up to date.

For a business owner, a worst-case disaster scenario involving fire or water damage can seem unthinkable until it suddenly becomes a reality. A quick response time by a disaster recovery company such as SERVPRO can help minimize property damage. Owners need to have a quick and convenient emergency disaster plan that connects them with vendors, necessary contacts, and pertinent information when disaster strikes. SERVPRO's Emergency Ready Plan (ERP) is a respected industry tool during a disaster event. It is so valuable that in the midst of the confusion and panic, an owner or manager can be provided a sense of calm and clarity in reaching out for expert help. 

There are four key parts to building an ERP. 

1. Identify your facility's greatest threats in order to assess the overall severity of the event. 

- Look at your location that you are in. Be aware if you are in tornado alley, hurricane season, or subject to freezing temperatures. 

2. Document all vital information and establish clear communication activities. 

- An ERP needs to contain critical property information that can help speed up response time after a disaster strikes the property. Make sure to include any documentation that deals with prior loss history. Also, identify and label utility shut off locations, and prioritize your key contacts. Prior loss history can provide first responders and restoration vendors with historical information on your facility's condition. Also, proper utility identification will allow for quicker response times for emergency shut off, requests and key contact information is vital to starting the recovery process. This will allow you to quickly contact key personnel and answer priority questions. 

3. Practice! Practice! Practice! There is no "textbook" event, so expect the unexpected. 

- You should always conduct practice sessions to make sure everyone is clear on the process. There needs to be clear evacuation routes in your ERP, and set a distribution chain for your disaster recovery plan amongst key contacts and various locations. 

4. Keep it updated, and have all necessary information communicated with your insurance company and emergency restoration vendors. 

- Make sure your ERP is always up to date. This is the best way for the recovery to begin. People are going to come and go, updates will be made to the facility, and utilities can change. This should be a dynamic document that changes as your business does. You do not want to fall behind when disaster strikes! 

Commercial Building Tips

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Get set up today!

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency nearly 50% of businesses never reopen after a water or fire emergency.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency also did a survey in 2015 of businesses across the US, and found that near 75% of businesses do not have a disaster recovery plan in place.  

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside can help you with that.  We offer a no cost assessment of your facility.  We come into your company and give a very detailed guide on how to get your back into your business after a disaster occurs.  

The other great thing about SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside assessing your commercial property is that our assessment will take very little time away from you and your current project, but in the event of a fire or water damage it will get your back to production much faster and efficiently.  

The best part about our emergency readiness planning is that we establish a working relationship.  We know your building, and you as a customer.  You also get to know us, and build a working relationship that you can be certain we have your companies best interest at heart. 

We also want to stay up to date with our commercial buildings, and there sanitation process throughout this COVID-19 time period. We understand that most commercial buildings have and still operating during this pandemic, so we want to make sure their staying healthy. With our new Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program, they can get all of the proper cleaning and sanitizing that is necessary to make sure they are not only staying healthy, but also still able to operate. 

Don't wait, call SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside today at 708-240-4873, and let us come assess your property and create an emergency readiness plan for you and get you set up with our Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned program. 

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned Program

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Get set up today!

We as a company have recently introduced our new program Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, and it is designed to provide our communities with a way to know that a structure has been cleaned, sanitized, and disinfected. This is also a cleaning and disinfecting program that we here at SERVPRO have to offer for our commercial property owners in order to address the current COVID-19 pandemic. We ensure that when businesses choose SERVPRO, their customers, employees, and community are rest assured that they have selected a higher standard of cleaning. 

This program is set up with 3 unique steps called the 3 C's. These 3 C's include Consult, Clean, and Certify. 

Consult deals with the process of talking to each businesses personally because not all businesses are the same. A SERVPRO professional who understands the business will create a custom cleaning program to meet their specific needs. The specific program will be developed based on a range of factors including business type, size of space, amount of high frequency touch points, foot traffic, and congestion points. Therefore, they will know that the clean they receive is customized to their unique needs. 

Clean is based on the specific needs of their business, and their location will undergo a thorough expert cleaning rooted in the pillars of People, Process, and Product. 

-People: SERVPRO professionals are uniquely prepared during this unprecedented time to clean and disinfect homes or businesses according to the protocols set by the CDC. We have years of experience in dealing with biological contaminants, and we will go beyond the scope of work that needs to be done.

-Process: SERVPRO professionals are trained to perform proactive or emergency responsive cleanups that involves facility or structure cleaning and disinfection. This would include cleaning of porous and non-porous surfaces, disinfecting of non-porous surfaces, cleaning and disinfecting of equipment, tools and supplies used for cleanup, and disposal of hazardous materials. We also recommend a frequent cleaning depending on what CAT it is in. We want to make sure that people are getting back to business as soon as possible if there is a known COVID-19 case involved. 

-Product: Our program has more than 100 exclusive professional cleaning products to meet any need. This includes our proprietary cleaning agent, SERVPROXIDE, which is a hospital-grade disinfectant that carries the Environmental Protection Agency's lowest toxicity category and is NSF certified for sanitizing surfaces in and around food processing surfaces. 

Certify deals with the our credibility as the premier biohazard cleaning company in the country to their business. This then allows assurance to their employees and customers that only SERVPRO can deliver. Once the business has been cleaned, they will gain access to propriety signage, digital emblems, and other collateral that communicates that they've selected the highest standard of cleaning available to protect their employees and customers. We also have the option to add the date, so then their guests will know that their location is being cleaned regularly. 

SERVPRO professionals have been on the front lines of proactive and reactive COVID related cleanups, and we are here to help as businesses begin to reopen and to also help them stay open!

Keeping Your Rental Home Mold-Free

1/8/2020 (Permalink)

Black mold damage in a North Riverside, IL home

Prevent Mold Growth in Your Buildings

Whether you own one rental property or several, it's important to stay on top of routine home maintenance, including mold prevention, for all residences. Stopping mold from growing in a rental home is tasked to both the tenant and the landlord, though as a landlord, you carry the responsibility of ensuring that your properties are habitable. To help prevent mold growth in your buildings, take these tips and share them with your tenants.

• Fix water leaks
  
• Control humidity levels
  
• Clean and dry thoroughly after water damage
  
  

Home Maintenance

Regular maintenance and cleaning are important aspects of keeping your North Riverside, IL, home mold-free. You should routinely inspect roofs, walls, and plumbing for leaks. If you find any issues, fix them as soon as possible. Mold thrives in moisture, so removing the water source is crucial for stopping mold. If possible, have all carpets and upholstery in the home sanitized on a regular schedule.

Air Quality

Controlling air quality is crucial in mold prevention. Mold spores live in the air and are found everywhere. When spores are trapped in areas with high humidity levels and land on organic materials, they will likely grow into problematic colonies. Keeping your air well-circulated and controlling humidity can help prevent mold growth.

Mold Remediation

If your property suffers water damage of any kind, you should immediately contact experts in water and mold damage restoration. While you can take some steps yourself to lessen the damage, you will need professionals with the correct training and equipment to fully clean and restore your property.
Take mold prevention steps early to best avoid any issues in your North Riverside, IL, rental building. As a landlord, you are responsible in the long run for ensuring safe and clean residences for your renters. Share this information with your tenants so that they can take steps to prevent mold while they reside in your property, as well.

Key Differences Between Storm Damage and Flooding

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Wind gusts can even knock over trees onto the building

It's a scenario that no business owner wants to encounter: You come to work one day and find water on the floor or dripping from the ceiling. Not only do you worry about the cost and inconvenience of cleaning it up and making repairs, but there's a chance it'll interrupt your operations. Flood damage can be severe, but incoming water doesn't necessarily have to cause widespread problems. It's important to make a distinction between a flood and damage from a storm.

Prevention Tips

There are ways you can minimize the risk of flooding in your Hillside, IL, office. Keeping water out of the building will help safeguard building materials, electronic equipment, documents and more. Look at the following safety measures:

• Install a backflow system in the plumbing.
  
• Have a sump pump in the lower levels of the facility.
  
• Check pipes and the roof for leaks.
  
• Make sure water is draining away from the building.
  
  

Storm Damage
Heavy rains and other severe weather such as thunderstorms or hurricanes can cause significant storm damage. High winds can damage the roof and tear off the siding. Wind gusts can even knock over trees onto the building. Rain can come into the office through cracks in the foundation or gaps in windows. All of these factors can destroy drywall, flooring and other building materials. Without the help of a professional disaster cleanup team, you face a lengthy recovery process.

Floods
Flood damage can come from both storms and from other causes. While incoming rain and overflowing waterways certainly pose dangers. Your office may be prone to floods from other sources such as a sewer backup, the main water line break or bursting pipes. Floods from these culprits can sometimes be more severe because you may not immediately detect them.
Whether your building has suffered flood damage from a storm or a malfunctioning system in the office, you need to act fast. Call a reliable water removal expert to make your office safe once more.

Why Hire a Certified Water Damage Expert

9/26/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage in La Grange, IL

If you have water damage in La Grange, IL, there is a good chance you need to hire a certified water damage expert to safely return your location to normal. Faulty or old pipes can ruin personal belongings and structural materials. If not cleaned up swiftly and correctly, mold can begin to grow in as little as 24-48 hours. Certain types of water also need to be disinfected. There is considerably more to water clean up than just soaking up excess water. It is important to get a certified specialist to ensure your business is restored the right way.

What They Do

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is a governing body that sets standards for the inspection, cleaning, and restoration industries. To become certified, technicians must pass a series of exams and keep up with continuing education credits. A restoration specialist performs water clean up and restores your property to its pre-flood condition. Certification assures industry-leading skills in a variety of areas:

• Microbial remediation
  
• Commercial drying
  
• Odor control
  
• Water damage restoration
  
• Structural drying
  
  

How To Know If You Need an Expert

The extent of your water damage determines if you need a certified restoration specialist. For example, if you have a broken pipe and water has leaked into the drywall, subfloor, or other structural materials, you need to hire a professional. Not only will they remove materials that need to be discarded, but they will also use special drying equipment that can air things out before mold sets in. If mold is already a problem, or microorganisms are present, a specialist will develop a plan to disinfect the area and dry it in a way that does not spread germs or mold spores throughout your building.
Your business is too important to put it in the hands of someone that is not properly trained. By hiring a certified water damage expert for your water clean up, you can trust that they will get the job done right and restore your building to its previous condition.

3 Steps for Protecting Fire-Damaged Property

8/13/2019 (Permalink)

Fire damage in Broadview, IL

After your commercial property is affected by fire damage, looters may try to take advantage of the vulnerability. There are several things you can do to protect your property and everything inside.

Secure All Openings

One of the first things you need to do is board up windows and doors. Choose exterior plywood, or marine-grade wood, with at least ¾ inch thickness. Don't simply screw the plywood into place; instead, screw the wood into place from the inside or use interior clamps. You'll need more than your security system in place because the fire and related damages could have affected the wiring, or the electricity may have been turned off.


Hire Professionals for Restoration and Security


Commercial buildings are harder to secure than private dwellings. Preventing vandals from entering the property may be harder in this situation. Contact fire cleanup and restoration professionals to address the damage; they may also put up temporary fencing and assist with the boarding up process. A temporary arrangement with a security company may also be appropriate for preventing looting and vandalism.


Store Documents and Valuables in a Secure Location


If you have sensitive information, expensive products, or specialized equipment, it's a good idea to move those items to a secure location that hasn't been compromised by fire damage. As fire cleanup efforts are underway, there may be many technicians and workers coming and going through your property. Removing valuables to a secure location reduces the potential for further losses and damages.

Prevention Equals Protection

A fire in your place of business can be an emotionally taxing experience. After the flames have died down and restoration efforts are scheduled, the need for tight security is clear. Protect your property and business belongings from vandals and looting by securing your buildings, hiring professionals, and storing valuables somewhere else. Minimize fire damage on your Broadview, IL, property by taking decisive preventative action.

How To Prepare Your Commercial Property For Winter

7/22/2019 (Permalink)

It's important to prepare your business for winter.

Winter facility preparation is so crucial to your peace of mind at your commercial property.  Having a check list of tasks is an efficient way to attack the needs of your building. Unexpected problems will always arise, but if you are prepared it makes dealing with those surprises less stressful. 

Facility roofs are a critical point of risk when it comes to winter weather. Facilitiesmanagment.com has listed some safety tips to consider during winter weather. 

Safety Tips for Your Commercial Property During Winter.

Flat roofs: Flat roofs require continual maintenance. Conduct required repairs of flat roof membranes and seams before cold weather compromises ability to do work. Be sure to identify areas where water can accumulate and where ice or heavy snow can pile up in wintertime.

Consider forming a snow and ice removal plan to prevent snow burden or ice overload from causing breakdowns in roof surface or even structural integrity. This is especially important when big snows are followed by a fast warm-up that can lead to standing water on roofs.

• Inspect roofs each week leading up to and during the winter season.
• Sweep up debris and check tar seals.
• Keep roof drains clear and be prepared if necessary to pump water off roof.
• Check that flashings are flush and secure.
• Plan for emergency snow removal in event of heavy accumulation. Identify and supply proper equipment and check it in advance of predicted snows.

Slanted Roofs: The various materials from which slanted roofs are made can present different kinds of problems. Even though water runs downhill and shingles or tiles are designed to shunt it off, slanted roofs can still leak and must be sealed correctly to prevent seepage.

• Inspect shingles and roof vents if applicable.
• Check roof-edge waterproofing and seal to prevent potential drafts.
• Install or check ice breakers to protect public safety.
• Trim back trees or branches that may impact roof integrity.

Water seepage is always something to consider in the winter as well.  Foundation seepage can reach into the interior of the building and cause mold damage.  This can cause air quality in the building to decline, which can lead to illness. Ensuring adequate ventilation and completely drying any areas impacted by moisture collection or seepage are the best ways to prevent mold growth.

 Winter Fire Safety

Fire safety involves both preventative and responsive measures at most facilities.

• Have electrical contractors run tests on “last mile” connections from input source to buildings and throughout the facility to check wiring and loads placed on outlets, panels and equipment.
• Run daily checks if necessary to prevent storage of flammable materials including cloths or other solvent-soaked items.
• Educate all people to proper fire escape and fire drill procedures.
• Inventory and check all fire extinguishers.
• Supply adequate heat to keep fire response equipment functioning safely, including value houses, water tanks, pump houses and other supplies.
• If your facility has fire protection tanks, check daily to prevent freezing.

Your commercial property is worth protecting from the winter weather.  Should you have a winter fire, mold damage, or water damage give SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside a call at 708-240-4873.

3 Common Sources of Water Damage

6/18/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage due to roof leak

3 Common Sources of Water Damage

You want your Forest Park, IL, business to make as much profit as possible, but you may be losing money without even realizing it. Leaks from damaged pipes, as well as other areas, are a common source of trouble in many buildings. It is important to perform regular inspections to make sure everything is in top condition. Here are a few problems that might end up costing you money.

1. Damaged Roofing

Leaking pipes are not the only potential source of excess water. The roof is an important part of the structure of your business, as it protects you from severe weather and keeps the inside of the building dry. However, if you do not properly maintain your roof, you could end up with a lot of damage. In some cases, the structure of the building may weaken or a mold growth might develop. Make sure to regularly check the condition of your building and perform repairs as needed.

2. Broken Appliances

Another common source of water is from broken appliances. The damage here can range from a small leak to a lot of flooding. One way to prevent this is to test your equipment regularly to ensure it is in proper working condition. As items begin to age and break down, replace them to prevent any significant problems.

3. Pipes and Plumbing

Damaged pipes can sometimes be a hidden source of wasted water and money. If you are not performing regular maintenance, a persistent leak could end up costing hundreds or thousands of dollars in extra water bills. Leaks can also indicate aging pipes that could cause a lot of damage if not replaced.
Performing regular maintenance in your building is a great way to locate problems and prevent big issues from leaks or damaged pipes. If you do experience damage, however, a water restoration company can perform necessary repairs to your building and belongings.

Why cleaning your commercial air ducts is important

5/27/2019 (Permalink)

Give SERVPRO of La Grange Park/ North Riverside for commercial air duct cleaning.

According to the NACDA—The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance, and Restoration Association, “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are.” By conducting routine air duct cleanings, you will be able to fully inspect your air ducts for leaks, HVAC effectiveness, and overall indoor air quality.

Cleaning Your Commercial Air Ducts is Important

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

By routinely having your air ducts cleaned you can significantly decrease the amount of airborne molecules in your office, all while avoiding weighty fees for other air purifying solutions.  Air ducts, like everything else in our office, collect dirt and debris. While filters may catch a lot of streaming debris, there is still a considerable amount of dust that settles within the ducts.

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

Air duct cleaning provides a beginning in optimizing your duct function while providing the opportunity for other issues to be assessed. A properly and thoroughly cleaned HVAC system, not just the air ducts, can reduce the costs associated with running your HVAC system and increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. EPA research suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems and lower the energy costs of running your heating and cooling system. In administering frequent commercial air duct cleanings, all parts of your HVAC system will be refreshed. This will allow your systems to work better, faster, and more efficiently, all while using less energy!

Air Duct Cleaning Will Save You Money

Having your air ducts regularly serviced lower your energy bill, but it will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Energy Star estimates indicate that you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 20 percent or more simply by cleaning your ducts.

If you are looking for commercial duct cleaning, please give us a call at (708) 240-4873, and let us help save your company money.

What’s the Most Accurate Way To Identify Mold?

4/13/2019 (Permalink)

Scheduling a professional mold test is the only way to determine whether black mold or any other mold is growing in a building.

It is almost impossible for untrained professionals to identify mold. Even indoor environmental professionals rely on lab testing to accurately identify the genus and species of fungi. Scheduling a professional mold test is the only way to determine whether black mold or any other mold is growing in a building in Berwyn, IL.

Observe Indications or Risks

Non-professionals can look for signs of water damage, visible mold or odors. Do not attempt to perform any DIY mold tests. There are several reasons why mold can be difficult to identify:

• There are over 100,000 types of mold
• Mold changes colors throughout the growth cycle
• Mold spores are everywhere
  

Black mold may appear green in early stages of growth, and other non-toxigenic types of mold may appear black. A musty odor indicates the presence of microbial volatile organic compounds, which are off-gases released during the mold growth cycle.

Arrange For Mold Testing

An IEP will arrive on location to take samples. He or she may use one or more of the following methods:

• Air samples
• Surface samples
• Bulk samples
  

Air samples involve capturing air from inside and outside a structure. Surface samples are practical when mold growth is apparent. Bulk samples involve testing contents from within a structure. It may take several days to process the results of a professional test.

Review the Results

An IEP will review test results with a building owner or facility manager and recommend remediation methods. Mitigation and restoration professionals trained in mold remediation can ensure that the infestation is eliminated, underlying issues are resolved and mold growth will not reoccur.

Even if a non-professional correctly identifies the genus of mold, such as black mold or stachybotrys, there are numerous species that may or may not be toxigenic. Obtain an accurate identification from an IEP and rely on a certified mold cleanup service located in Berwyn, IL.

Why should we clean our commercial air ducts?

3/27/2019 (Permalink)

A Before and After picture of a Commercial Air Duct in La Grange Park, IL, that needed professional cleaning.

Why cleaning your commercial air ducts is important

According to the NACDA—The HVAC Inspection, Maintenance, and Restoration Association, “if your ducts look dirty, they probably are.” By conducting routine air duct cleanings, you will be able to fully inspect your air ducts for leaks, HVAC effectiveness, and overall indoor air quality.

Air Duct Cleaning Improves the Quality of Indoor Air

By routinely having your air ducts cleaned you can significantly decrease the amount of airborne molecules in your office, all while avoiding weighty fees for other air purifying solutions.  Air ducts, like everything else in our office, collect dirt and debris. While filters may catch a lot of streaming debris, there is still a considerable amount of dust that settles within the ducts.

Air Duct Cleaning Conserves Energy

Air duct cleaning provides a beginning in optimizing your duct function while providing the opportunity for other issues to be assessed. A properly and thoroughly cleaned HVAC system, not just the air ducts, can reduce the costs associated with running your HVAC system and increase the useful life of your air conditioner and furnace. EPA research suggests that cleaning dirty cooling coils, fans and heat exchangers can improve the efficiency of cooling and heating systems and lower the energy costs of running your heating and cooling system. In administering frequent commercial air duct cleanings, all parts of your HVAC system will be refreshed. This will allow your systems to work better, faster, and more efficiently, all while using less energy!

Air Duct Cleaning Will Save You Money

Having your air ducts regularly serviced lower your energy bill, but it will also prolong the life of your HVAC system. Energy Star estimates indicate that you can improve the efficiency of your HVAC system by 20 percent or more simply by cleaning your ducts.

If you are looking for commercial duct cleaning in La Grange Park, IL, please give SERVPRO of La Grange Park/ North Riverside a call at 708-240-4873, and let us help save your company money. 

The Cost of a Business Interruption Is Covered by Insurance

3/14/2019 (Permalink)

Commercial fire damage in a Berwyn, IL home

The Cost of a Business Interruption

Disaster has struck. It’s a dark day in Berwyn, IL. Your business has completely shut down. Was it fire or storm damage? It doesn’t matter. There is much to be done between now and the day you can reopen. Unfortunately, there was a lot of damage and reopening is a long way off. While you are assessing the situation, your insurance agent reminds you about the interruption insurance portion of your policy and describes some of the costs that it can cover.

1. Costs Associated With Moving to a Temporary Location
If your business can operate from anywhere and your policy covers it, you can restart your business at a temporary location. This can shorten the business interruption dramatically. It will allow you to continue your operation, keep your customers satisfied and make your employees happy that they still have jobs.

2. Lost Profits But Not Lost Revenue
If your business is profitable and you can document profitability, you will be reimbursed for profit lost. Some people mistakenly believe that interruption insurance covers the insured for lost revenue but that is not the case.

3. Fixed Costs
The government wants you to pay your property taxes. Your landlord expects you to pay the rent. Behind them, there are others standing in line to get paid. They don’t care that you are temporarily out of business.

4. Training Costs
Unless you set up your business to operate at a temporary location, it’s a good bet that you will permanently lose many of your employees. New employees will need to be trained to do the jobs, and training costs money.

5. Other Expenses
There will always be other expenses that don’t fit in the above categories. There could be loan payments, utilities, association dues and contractual obligations.

A Short Interruption Is Good for Everyone
Your insurer wants the interruption insurance payments to end. You want things back to normal. If your repairs include fire restoration, consider bringing in a team of restoration experts. You will be happy you did.

Fall Maintenance Tips for Your Commercial Property

8/21/2018 (Permalink)

It’s official, fall is coming, and it’s coming quickly. School gear is being purchased in bulk, last minute vacations are being taken to squeeze out the final remnants of summer and hot weather, and fall apparel and gear have hit the stores in preparation for the cooler air and shorter days. Take the hint and start your own preparations to make sure your commercial property is ready for the changing seasons.

Check Your Gutters – The season is known as “Fall” for a reason, leaves are going to change color and fall from the trees in bulk, and that means a lot more than increased sweeping and vacuuming inside as they are tracked in on shoes. The biggest threat that comes from all of those falling leaves and debris is to your gutter system. Make sure it’s clear so that water will flow freely away from your building when it rains and pours. This simple step will go a long way towards preventing roof leaks and flooding.

Check Your Heaters – Avoid surprises by checking to make sure your heater works before the first cold snap. This means checking on the pilot light, oil levels (if applicable) and furnace filters, as well as having an HVAC expert come in for a seasonal checkup. Not only will your employees and customers thank you, but these steps can help ensure your heating unit will work better and last longer.

Check Your Water Pipes – Exposed water pipes should regularly be checked for leaks, but fall is also a good time to examine the insulation and make sure it’s prepared for colder weather. Prevent frozen and burst pipes in the winter by conducting a quick check in the fall and fixing any inadequacies.

Prevent Electrical and Fire Problems – Have an electrician come in and perform a maintenance check on your electrical system to ensure it’s prepared for the increased usage that fall demands. Shorter and colder days mean more lighting and the possible addition of space heaters, and you don’t want to blow a fuse when clients are around! While you’re at it check your smoke detectors and their batteries ideally once a month, but in the spring and fall at the least, and any emergency generators which should be started once a week so they don’t remain idle too long, transfer load tested every month and full load tested once a year.

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here to help.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873 for all your emergency preparedness needs, as well as emergency water or fire needs.  We will make it "Like it never even happened." 

Does Your Business Have An Emergency Readiness Plan?

7/5/2018 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year between 2007 and 2015. Those fires resulted in about $112 million in property damage each year, and most were in business offices.

The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States. Every business in every state is at risk of water damage from floods.  In the past 3 years all 50 states have experienced flash flooding causing damage to businesses as well as homes. 

We offer an Emergency Readiness Plan that literally puts getting help after a fire or water damage at your fingertips. The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for home and business owners, property managers, risk managers and facility management. It allows for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile™ containing critical facility information to help speed up response time. 

You need a restoration company that is going to not only help you get your company back on their feet, but also work with your insurance company. SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here for your business and commercial property. We are here to help!  Call us today at 708-240-4876 to discuss all your fire and water restoration needs or to create an Emergency Readiness Plan for your business. 

Summer Tips For Your Commercial Property

6/19/2018 (Permalink)

Summertime is the perfect chance for you to freshen up the outside of your commercial property, temperatures are finally starting to heat up and signs of summer are rolling in. It also marks that time of year when commercial real estate property owners and managers need ensure that their buildings are ready the seasonal changes in order to avoid unexpected issues or costs.

Inspect your roof – Summer weather leads to strong storms. Keep a close eye on your roof to make sure leaks haven’t developed.

1. Clean out gutters– Clean out any debris that’s trapped in your gutters. This is not only good for your gutters, but it also gives your business a well-maintained appearance. Summer often means severe storms, hail and even tornado activity that can put a severe strain on roofing materials. Start the summer out right by getting a professional roof inspection to determine any problems that might have occurred over the winter months. Ice and snow damage may have occurred that isn’t immediately evident. Loose tiles, damage to underlay materials and problems with gutters can lead to more serious problems as the season continues
2. Revitalize the exterior– Clean up any trash or yard debris that’s lying around your property. Plant summertime flowers to offer a fresh pop of color. Apply a new coat of paint – or even better, use commercial pressure washing to remove dirt, pollen, and grime. Don’t forget about commercial concrete stains on your drive-thrus and sidewalks.
3. Thoroughly inspect surfaces– Walk around your property and make note of any stains or damage on your exterior walls. Call us to come by and see how we can clean up your exterior with commercial pressure cleaning.
4. Window maintenance, Winter weather may have damaged the windows on your commercial property, which could lead to higher air-conditioning costs during the summer months. Thorough caulking can prevent leakage of cooled air and save more on energy bills.

 SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here to help with all your commercial property needs.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873, and ask about our Emergency Readiness Planning. 

Spring Maintenance Tips For Your Commercial Property

5/14/2018 (Permalink)

It’s time to spruce up your commercial property now that spring has arrived. Here are several spring maintenance tips that reduce your liability and prep your property for warmer weather.

Inspect your property for water damage. Melting snow and ice can increase water flow around your property. Inspect the entire building for water damage. Check the exterior foundation, interior walls and windows for moisture, leaks or condensation, and clear out and repair any damaged gutters and downspouts.

Check for any roof damage to the property. Winter storms can damage your roof, but you may not notice the damage until the roof starts to leak. Perform a detailed inspection of the roof and note any repairs you need to make.

Touch up the exterior of the buildings. Cold winter weather can cause paint to chip, and flying debris can dent siding. Walk around the building, note any damaged paint or siding, and fix the areas. 

Make repairs to the parking lot.  If freezing temperatures created cracks or holes in the parking lot or sidewalks, fix the problem areas. You will want to power wash the area to remove dirt, mud or other debris, repaint any faded lines and repair broken signs. With a clean parking area, you reduce liability and improve visual appeal.

Remove winter grime and buildup on the exterior and interior by washing the windows. Clean windows boost productivity and improve the appearance of your commercial building.

Open windows and air out the stuffy building if possible to boot the ventilation. You may also inspect and clean the HVAC system and install fans or dehumidifiers in damp areas as needed.

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here to help with all your commercial property needs from cleaning HVAC systems, cleaning carpets and floors, to water, fire, and mold remediation.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873.  We can make it "Like it never even happened".  

Storm Safety For Your Commercial Property

4/23/2018 (Permalink)

Severe weather is a serious threat and one that can often happen with little warning. It’s important to be thorough and proactive to ensure your business is protected. .As we start to enter storm season, it is important to take some time and inspect your commercial property to assess and identify any maintenance that can be performed to further reduce the risk of damage in the case of a storm. Some of these maintenance items may be, cutting all tree branches away from the building, weather proofing windows, making sure that all your emergency signs are visible, and in good working order, just to name a few things.

Another way to ensure your property is storm ready is to check your generators for the building.  This is exceptionally important for medical facilities, rehab facilities, and nursing homes who rely on the generator for life saving medication dispensing and to operate machines.  Making sure you have enough power to maintain the facility for at least a minimum of three days is what FEMA recommends.

It is also essential to communicate with your tenants of the property.  Making sure that you and your tenants have an emergency readiness plan in the event of an emergency is vital not only to assist keeping your tenant up and running, but for the safety of the building.  Nearly 40% of small businesses close after a disaster, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.  52% of small businesses say it would take at least three months to recovery from a disaster, according to a 2015 survey of 500 small business owners conducted by Nationwide.  Only 25% of businesses that close due to a major disaster ever reopen, according to the Institute for Business & Home Safety.

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside offers a free Emergency Ready Plan that we can assist all of the tenants of your commercial property where one call to our office and we have all the necessary information to begin a quick clean up and get your building back to full working order.  To get more information on our Emergency Readiness Plan, give us a call at 708-240-4873. 

How Preventive Cleaning and Maintenance Can Help Your Commercial Property | SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside

3/13/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to taking care of your commercial property there is routine preventive care that needs to be done in order to maintain the wellbeing of your property.  From flor care to duct cleaning SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside can help with them all.

The winter season can be extraordinarily tough on floors, ice melt and similar products cause havoc on floors and can destroy a floor’s finish. The real purpose of floor finish is to protect the floor, this means the floor may be left unprotected, subject to all types of soils and contaminants that can permanently ruin it.  SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is prepared to come in and clean your floors with our professional products and protect your floors. 

Carpets also take a beating in the winter.  People walking in and out of your business use the rugs to keep the floors from getting wet.  Moreover, the entry way rugs are a business’s first impression.  Overly dirty rugs can send the wrong message.  SERVPRO can clean your rugs onsite or bring back to our warehouse and clean them and return within a short time. 

Duct cleaning is important for the employees over all breathing heath.   Dust, pollen, and debris that builds up in the ducts and filters causing allergies to flare, and breathing issues.  SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside can help you with your duct cleaning needs.  We can arrange to clean your ducts with little to no disruption to your work day.

Cleaning not only protects human health, it protects assets.  SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside would like to help protect your commercial property.  Give us a call at 708-240-4873 for all your property preventive cleaning needs.

Is your company ready for whatever happens?

9/11/2017 (Permalink)

Creating an Emergency Readiness Plan minimizes the amount of time your company is inactive by having an immediate plan of action.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency nearly 50% of businesses never reopen after a water or fire emergency.  The Federal Emergency Management Agency also did a survey in 2015 of businesses across the US, and found that near 75% of businesses do not have a disaster recovery plan in place.  

SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside can help you with that.  We offer a no cost assessment of your facility.  We come into your company and give a very detailed guide on how to get your back into your business after a disaster occurs.  

The other great thing about SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside assessing your commercial property is that our assessment will take very little time away from you and your current project, but in the event of a fire or water damage it will get your back to production much faster and efficiently.  

The best part about our emergency readiness planning is that we establish a working relationship.  We know your building, and you as a customer.  You also get to know us, and build a working relationship that you can be certain we have your companies best interest at heart. 

Don't wait, call SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside today at 708-240-4873, and let us come assess your property and create an emergency readiness plan for you. 

Commercial Services SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/ North Riverside Can Offer You.

6/14/2017 (Permalink)

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying. We are also your business’s best resource for mold remediation. 

SERVPRO of La Grange Park/North Riverside offers professional cleaning and preventative maintenance for your carpet and upholstery that keeps your property looking its best. Our cleaning system offers a number of specialized cleaning options to match your needs. Whether your business needs a deep cleaning or a persistent odor removed, you can trust SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside, and we have the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened."  Call us today at 708-240-4873 for all your restoration and cleaning needs at your commercial property.  

When Your Commercial Property Has Damage, Who Do You Trust?

6/12/2017 (Permalink)

There are over seven million small businesses in the U.S., ranging from construction firms to grocery stores to home-based businesses. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. 

According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year between 2007 and 2011. Those fires resulted in about $112 million in property damage each year, and most were in business offices, and happened during business hours. 90% of fires were large enough to activate sprinklers, which were effective 88% of the time.

The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause, sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.

If your commercial property has experience a fire, and or water damage, ever minute you are offline is money down the drain.  Call SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside to get your business back up and running.  

50 % of Commercial Properties Do Not Reopen After A Disaster

6/6/2017 (Permalink)

Disasters strike everyday, and 50% of commercial properties do not reopen afterwards.  Is your commercial property ready?  If you have a pipe break or a malfunction with your sprinkler system, do you know who to call for the water damage?  If you have a fire, who do you call after the fire department leaves?  SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside, that's who.  There is no job too big for SERVPRO. We specialize in flooding and storm damage restoration, the cornerstone of our business. We have extensive water damage and storm restoration training that allows us to get your home back to normal quickly. 

La Grange Park, IL Flooding and Storm Damage Cleanup and Restoration | SERVPRO of La Grange Park / North Riverside

Is your commercial property ready for whatever happens?

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, as many as one in four businesses that suffer some kind of major disaster do not reopen afterward. According to the National Fire Prevention Association, U.S. fire departments responded to about 3,300 office property fires per year between 2007 and 2015. Those fires resulted in about $112 million in property damage each year, and most were in business offices.

The NFPA also has statistics specific to manufacturing facilities. According to their research, there are about 37,000 fires at industrial or manufacturing facilities each year, resulting in 18 deaths, 279 injuries, and $1 billion in property damage. Heating equipment and stop tools were the leading cause sparking 28 percent of the fires. Mechanical failure or malfunction caused 24 percent of the fires.

Floods are the #1 natural disaster in the United States. Every business in every state is at risk of water damage from floods.  In the past 3 years all 50 states have experienced flash flooding causing damage to businesses as well as homes. 

We offer an Emergency Readiness Plan that literally puts getting help after a fire or water damage at your finger tips. The Ready Plan is an emergency preparedness tool for home and business owners, property managers, risk managers and facility management. It allows for the creation of an Emergency Ready Profile™ containing critical facility information to help speed up response time. 

You need a restoration company that is going to not only help you get your company back on their feet, but also work with your insurance company. SERVPRO of LaGrange Park/North Riverside is here for your business and commercial property. We are here to help!  Call us today at 708-240-4876 to discuss all your fire and water restoration needs or to create an Emergency Readiness Plan for your business.