Water Damage Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

WATER DAMAGE IS A HUGE PROBLEM WHEN LEFT UNATTENDED 

When a pipe breaks, or a leak occurs, damage can be extensive.  Not only is it a hassle trying to get the area mitigated and repaired, but it can be very costly.  Choosing the right water damage restoration company is in proper order.  In most circumstances, the homeowner feels the need to get help as soon as possible.   They’d like a professional water damage company to come out and dry the affected area and to begin repairs.  Nobody wants to wait and let mold grow and a musty smell fill the air.

There are so many water damage companies popping up that the task of finding a good one in short order might be overwhelming.  Some rely on the fact that the homeowner is panicked and take advantage of their need for urgent repairs.  Once the bill arrives, there are all kinds of surprises, and there’s no going back.  Find out what is being provided and what is not before signing.  Sometimes, this might be difficult if you are out of town.  As water damage problems don’t wait for us to return home before they strike.  Ask for references.  How long has the company been in business?  Are they a BBB affiliate or registered with the BBB, or other local chambers of commerce?  Do your homework.

The insurance carrier will only pay what they deem reasonable.  If the fire and water damage restoration company bills an unreasonable, excessive amount, guess who gets stuck with the balance, and the water damage company could potentially file a lean on the home.

As an example, certain materials might not be billable or redeemable by any particular insurance company.  Thus, knowing how your policy reads, and the intricate by-laws that pertain to water damage loss may be of benefit, as each insurance carrier has different policies in print.  As the old saying goes, read the fine print before signing.

In order to avoid being caught in a similar situation, the homeowner should contact their insurance company’s claims department right away.  They will provide the necessary information to help you file the claim properly and know what to expect when hiring a professional restoration company.

Once a water restoration company is decided upon to help in your emergency, the insurance carrier will resolve all payment directly, and the homeowner as well as the restoration contractor, will avoid possible conflicts in payment resolution if these matters are considered up front and out in the open.

Most water damage contractors secure a down payment of some sort to ensure that the homeowner is serious about getting the work done and there are upfront operating costs to get any water damage loss started.

If you experience water loss in your home, don’t panic.  Contact your insurance carrier’s claims department, get the necessary paperwork, claim number, contact information and find a good, reputable water damage restoration company that will get your home back to normal by industry standards and you will rest assured that your work will be done correctly.

Mold Remediation Chicago 773-885-8528

Basement Mold Removal

Since moisture is a leading cause of mold it is very important to keep it at a level, if possible, where it does not start to breed unwanted bacteria.  We commonly call it mold. One of the areas in the home that gets more moisture normally, than any other area of the home, is the basement.  Basements also typically have the worst ventilation of the entire house, so moisture usually has no way to escape, leading to mold contamination. Thus, basement mold can be caused by a few of the following issues:

§  Condensation in the basement can cause mold. Moisture condensates on the outside of pipes because of the cool temperatures. If this moisture collects, mold will form.

§  Flooding water that is not taken care of and removed immediately will lead to mold buildup. Dangerous molds can grow in your basement if it is not dried, quickly following a flood or any other type of water damage.

§  High levels of humidity in your basement is yet another way for mold to grow in your home.

§  Leaking pipes, cracks in the home’s foundation, and leaking gutters can all bring more moisture into the basement. If these leaks are not addressed immediately, mold will build up rapidly.  And while this list is not exhaustive, there are so many more ways that moisture tries to find a hiding place in the home.

Mold produces dangerous spores that can harm many people. People with allergic reactions to mold and those with vulnerable immune systems are especially susceptible to mold exposure. Other more dangerous types of mold, such as toxic molds, can cause damage to anyone, even if they are perfectly healthy. The CleanUP Guys are experts in Illinois and particularly the Chicago area and suburbs well mold removal, mold remediation, and mold damage services are needed.  During the rainy seasons, homes, businesses, hospitals, industrial facilities, and commercial properties all can get mold from excess moisture.  The CleanUP Guys are certified, trained professionals that kill mold spores, mold bacterium, mold infestation, the right and proper way.  Eliminating it for good!  So whether you have basement mold, attic mold, or crawlspace mold, we take care of it for you!

Water Damage Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

Preventing Water Damage In The Basement

More than a few of us grew up in houses with basements that flooded regularly, usually the result of a drain just outside the basement door that was always clogging up. If there were a large number of trees around the home, it would be very difficult to keep the drain open, and the basement water headache would never fully go away.

The CleanUP Guys understand the basic problems that are inherent to basement water damage, most notably mold, and are prepared and equipped to handle even the most severe water and mold damage issues that may occur as a result.

If you have a basement, be of good cheer; 98% of basements will suffer some form of water damage at some point in their existence. Basements are low lying areas by their very nature, and as such are prime targets for water to accumulate.  Water loves to run downhill….so you do the math, which in this case means 2 + 2 = a flooded basement.

So how do you defend your home against this problem? We believe that you start early on, making your best defense a good offense, and taking action before things start getting damp.

A waterproof basement is probably not realistic, but you can make regular inspections, looking for cracks in your foundation wall, broken window seals, leaky pipes...anything that might let water in. On the outside, check and make sure all drainage vents, gutters, and downspouts are unclogged and working properly, and check to see if your surrounding landscape is sloped away from your home (as it should be). Improper landscape slope can send water flowing the wrong way very quickly.

You can also protect what is in your basement. Basements tend to be storage spaces, and as such, a lot of valuable family possessions can be kept there. Find some way of elevating them, keeping them off the floor, either by using shelving or blocks. Remember it only takes an inch or so of water to cause hundreds or thousands of dollars in damages.

The addition of a sump pump or sump pit can go a long way towards preventing water damage, draining water out away from your home before it has the chance to accumulate and become a problem.

If all else fails, contact your local, IICRC certified waterdamage restoration company, the professional service providers at The CleanUP Guys. We are available 24/7 and able to serve all of your repair needs.

Cause Of Water Damage 773-885-8528

Cause Of Water Damage:

Water damage is caused by water covering, permeating so causing the decomposition of the materials it comes into contact with. Mold growth will begin, wood rots, steel rusts and plywood falls apart. Once these things happen, you should take the situation seriously and give us a call.

Our  #waterdamagerestoration   services,  #moldremoval   and #sewagebackup   cleanup as well as our flooded basement restoration services are some of the most effective in the whole Chicago.  And that we do our best to determine the source of the damage from water, the size of the area affected, so we begin water damage drying through #waterextraction   and water removal.

Making sure that everything is deodorized and cleaned thoroughly in all affected areas is very important as well. We make sure it all gets done as part of our commitment to excellence in serving you. 

There are so many ways water can infiltrate a structure.  One of the ways shown above is through a burst pipe from serious plumbing issues.  Fortunately, this is a visible scenario of what can take place.  Oftentimes, the water damage can take place behind the walls and go unnoticed for weeks, maybe even months before detected.  If this happens then mold remediation might become a sure necessity, and not just simple mold removal.  This is where it could get costly.  As not only is there a need for plumbing repairs, but a need for water damage restoration, possibly professional mold remediation, and damage restoration of the walls, flooring and other areas because of the inundation of excess water.

Our senses go into action fast when it comes to water infiltration issues.  Hearing dripping water, or running water, smelling the moisture or bacterium activity from the excess water, touching the areas with our fingers might denote wetness, dampness and excess moisture.

If any of these symptoms occur in your basement, attic, crawlspace, or any other room in the house, call The CleanUP Guys right now and let us give you an assessment of the problem and what needs to be done to restore your structure to normal.

Water Damage Chicago 773-885-8528

Types of Water Damage

The water damage in your home or business needs to be addressed according to the type of water involved. There are various levels and severity when it comes to water damage, each one requiring its own unique approach when it comes to drying, cleanup, and restoration.

Water damage is basically broken down as follows:

Category 1 Water – Also known as Clean Water, this is water that is fairly uncontaminated from the source (faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.) and poses little to no threat if ingested by or exposed to humans or animals.

Category 2 Water – Also known as Grey Water, this is water that may contain some contaminants which may cause some illness or discomfort if ingested by or exposed to humans and animals. Sources of Grey Water include dishwasher and washing machine runoff, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but no feces.

Category 3 Water – Also known as Black Water, this is water that is highly contaminated at the source and may cause serious illness or discomfort if ingested by or exposed to humans and animals.  Black Water is almost always the result of sewage backup or overflow, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support microbial growth.

It is important to keep in mind that while none of these categories of water will improve on their own, it is possible for them to become more severe. Category 1 Water may become a Category 2 if allowed to remain standing and untreated for a given period of time (usually around 48-72 hours).

Whatever level of water damage restoration you may be dealing with, it is imperative that you contact a qualified, competent, and certified water damage restoration provider, someone with the training, tools, and techniques to eliminate the water damage threat in your home or business.

Water Damage Chicago 773-885-8528

Does Insurance Cover Water Damage?

 

The topic of insurance and water damage is a touchy one. Some are convinced that homeowners’ policies cover this type of problem, while others say “Don’t count on it”.  The answer lies somewhere between the two. We will try to break it down.

Basically, if there is any way that it can be proven that the water damage was the result of negligence on your part as the property owner, then your claim will most likely be denied.  This means that if you have water damage due to burst pipes, the question will become, “did you perform proper maintenance and regular inspection to make sure the pipes were in good working order?” 

The good news is that the damage to the home as a result of the burst pipes may in fact be covered. Does this make sense?  No?  Well, it doesn’t to us either, but this seems to be the way the rules are written in most areas.

Washing machines are the cause of 50% of all water damage restoration issues, usually due to a leaky supply hose.  Insurance will examine the age of the machine, the last time the hose was replaced, amount of wear and tear…in many cases you will end up making payment for repairs out of your pocket.

You may also be surprised to learn that storm and flood damage is not covered in most homeowners’ policies. So if your roof gets ripped off during a typhoon, you’re on the hook. The good news is that in many areas, coverage for this sort of disaster is available; either through private insurance or the United States Government…the bad news is that they tend to have fairly steep deductibles.  In coastal areas that are susceptible to this sort of damage, flood insurance may be mandatory, if you are to have any flood cleanup work to be done.

Your best move would be to act now, while everything is dry and the skies are clear. Sit down with your insurance provider and talk water, specifically water damage repairs. Find out for certain what is covered and what isn’t, and add coverage that is available and that you deem necessary. Doing so now will spare you numerous headaches when disaster does finally strike.

It is this careful planning that can save a lot of headache, time and expense when the basement floods, so that unnecessary energy isn’t channeled in a direction that would be counterproductive to completing the important task of water restoration.

Water Damage Restoration Chicago 773-885-8528

Types of Water Damage

The water damage in your home or business needs to be addressed according to the type of water involved. There are various levels and severity when it comes to water damage, each one requiring its own unique approach when it comes to drying, water cleanup, and water restoration.

Water damage is basically broken down as follows:

Category 1 Water – Also known as Clean Water.  This is water that is fairly uncontaminated from the source (faucets, toilet tanks, drinking fountains, etc.) and poses little to no threat if ingested by or exposed to humans or animals.

Category 2 Water – Also known as Gray Water.  This is water that may contain some contaminants which may cause some illness or discomfort if ingested by or exposed to humans and animals. Sources of Gray Water include dishwasher and washing machine runoff, flush from sink drains, and toilet overflow with some urine but no feces.

Category 3 Water – Also known as Black Water.  This is water that is highly contaminated at the source and may cause serious illness or discomfort if ingested by or exposed to humans and animals.  Black Water is almost always the result of sewage backup or overflow, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflow with feces, and stagnant liquid that has begun to support microbial growth.

It is important to keep in mind that while none of these categories of water will improve on their own, it is possible for them to become more severe. Category 1 Water may become a Category 2 if allowed to remain standing and untreated for a given period of time (usually around 48-72 hours).

Whatever level of water damage you may be dealing with, it is imperative that you contact a qualified, competent, and certified water damage restoration provider, someone with the training, tools, and techniques to eliminate the water damage threat in your home or business.  

Each phase of water damage at the different levels can be handled if done right.  The key to handling any water intrusion incident is to act quickly.  The faster you get the professional services you need, the faster your structure can be saved from further damage and unnecessary costs.

Water Damage Restoration 773-885-8528

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION

Many home owners don’t realize, until a flooding issue occurs, even 

considering right lawn drainage. Water naturally can move from the 

route of least resistance to some lower height. As a result of this 

fact, issues may happen once new building blocks of soil cause the 

unique movements in the foundation.  Sometimes instructions were 

inadequate to start with. Water restoration companies can help 

eradicate the problem.

Discharge of water and wrong sloping in your home may cause the

water to finish up in as well as where you don’t want, like under

foundations, near sidewalks and the basement. Even a broken pipe

or a flooded basement, or water damage can be a challenge that 

may cost hundreds to correct, but might be avoided by considering 

a few precautions.

There are two ways of providing water to subsurface, a garden and 

area. The subsurface approach to water supply doesn’t permit the 

water to get further because of the soil pressure beneath and areas 

the water underneath the topsoil. Also known as the “water table”, 

this level of water is in most dirt at various depths based on the 

area. A lot of water at first glance may enhance the water table 

when it permeates the dirt and trigger flooding and trouble spots.  

When this happens, a water damage cleaning or flood repair 

company should be called immediately to prevent the need for mold 

removal or mold remediation.

Water Damage and Hot Water Heaters

HELP TO KEEP YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM MOLD FREE!

If you think neglecting your water heater’s care is acceptable, you might want to think again.  Many homeowners repeatedly commit the sine of not observing necessary water heater upkeep.  Ensure your water system stays in peak condition by keeping in mind the following recommended maintenance tips.

Drain hot water system at least once a year

Draining your tank from the bottom helps get rid of debris and sediments that are accumulated due to constant use.  It also helps maximize heating efficiency and prevents rust and corrosion.

Check the temperature and pressure (T and P) relief valve

The T and P relief valve is designed to ensure your tank does not become too hot or overly pressurized.  While not many people realize it, the importance of looking after this valve cannot be overstated.  When neglected, you can end up dealing with all the hassles and inconvenience a ruptured tank can bring.  In thin with this, having it checked at least once a year is deemed ideal.

Insulate your tanks’ water pipes

Many homeowners not only fail to regulate their water heater’s insulation materials, they also commit the major mistake of not insulating the heater’s water pipes.  The necessity to insulate cannot be overemphasized as it provides energy and money-saving benefits.  Apart from a dramatic reduction in heat loss, insulation can also effectively enhance the water’s temperature.  Consider yearly insulation upkeep if you wish to take full advantage of the benefits it has to offer.  Also, if you intend to purchase a new heater, opt for one with a thick insulation, so you are guaranteed it will last for a long time.

Inspect for any leakage

A hot water heater leak can cause more damage than most homeowners anticipate.  Leaks that are left unattended are not only detrimental to your property, it can also pose serious health risks.  Case in point, the presence of moisture encourages mold growth, which can trigger numerous health issues, like asthma, allergic reactions, and other respiratory problems.  To further ensure leaks are kept at bay, check the drain valve and see to it that it’s tightened properly.

Observer routine upkeep regimen

Just like other pieces of machinery, your water heater can surely benefit from regular and expert care.  If you do not have the spare time or the necessary expertise to look after your heater, the help of a plumber will surely come in handy.  While plumbing fees can come off as an unnecessary expense you can do without, nothing can be farther from the truth.  Keep in mind that regular maintenance can reward you back in the form of lower bills, increased efficiency and reduced risks.

Reset or replace the thermostat

The inability to produce hot water after it has been turned on is a clear indication something is amiss with the thermostat.  In cases like this, cleaning the thermostat or replacing it (whichever is applicable) are two options you have at your disposal.  Also, it is best to remember that this job is best left in the hands of a professionals, so have a qualified technician help you out.

Call a plumber if your water begins to smell

If you notice a light sulfuric smell in your water, it is a foolproof sign there is something wrong with your system.  A sulfuric smell is often the result of a decline in water pressure so having this checked right away is mandatory.  Enlist the help of a professional so damaged hot water parts can be checked and replaced when necessary.

Call a water damage restoration company

If you should get water in your basement because of neglecting the above, don’t hesitate to call a water damage restoration specialist who can get the water out of your basement fast.  This is important for obvious reasons, such as mentioned above, mold can develop quite quickly in a basement.  Water damage allowed to sit too long can precipitate mold spore growth and thus, a need to have mold remediation services done as well.  Many homeowners have neglected taking care of water extraction immediately and have paid the price in time, resources, and finances because of neglecting water in the basement, and subsequently mold removal.  Don’t let it sit there.  Do something about it fast!