The CleanUP Guys in Chicago Dangerous Water Damage 773-885-8528

Water Damage Restoration in Chicago IL

Evidence of Water Damage

When something fails, such as a high-pressure fresh water source to your toilet… or perhaps a leaky drain pipe underneath the kitchen sink… no matter what it may be, you usually know what to do.
You know the drill… clean it up, get it dry, and call a professional water damage restoration company to ensure all is good and there is no possible way mold can grow. You want peace of mind, and this is the way to get it.

However, sometimes you just don’t know when things happen, when things leak or when water intrusion occurs — because it can be slowly invasive and build up over time.
There are several steps to determining if you have an actual water damage situation and when you must call a pro — and when you can do it yourself. Remember, you can’t be too cautious with the well-being of your loved ones.

The nose knows

Damp and wet areas affected by water intrusion demonstrate themselves after a day or two with a very easy to detect odor. It will just smell wet, musty, and unhealthy. If you detect anything like that, it’s time to do some serious investigating. You may not actually see the water intrusion, but no doubt it is probably there.

Water Damage Restoration Chicago IL

Surface damage

You can often see swelling materials, such as the particle board under a sink, providing evidence of water intrusion. When things buckle, even if you notice it after the surface has dried, there is potential of subsequent water damage, because if it leaked once… it will again!

Stains

You can usually see this in the ceilings and areas around water sources. Sometimes it is around windows. If you detect water marks (think of a carpet under a water fountain in a building) then you need to put your investigative hat on and figure out if it is a big deal or not — and most likely, it will be a big deal.

Water Damage Restoration Chicago IL

The evidence of water damage can be easy to see, and sometimes it hides and continues to affect surfaces and your health until it becomes a serious issue. If you have any water damage issues or questions, do the right thing. Call your favorite water damage professional company The CleanUP Guys today. After all, it pays to call a pro!

Flood Damage Restoration Oak Park, Il information shared by The CleanUP ...

Water Damage Repairs in Lincolnwood IL 773-885-8528

Be Careful When Doing Your Own Water Damage Repairs

We all know that some of the most catastrophic things that can happen to a person is flooding and water damage to your living area. The reason for this is that water just ruins things, and things usually have to be replaced instead of repaired. This can take a lot of time to get things back to normal and can really give you a massive headache. We have written this article to help you know what you should or shouldn't do if you plan on doing your own damage repair.

We cannot stress this enough, but please be careful when doing your own water damage repairs Lincolnwood IL. If you have a flooded basement please take these necessary precautions before entering the flooded area. Wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, a mask, and waders if possible. The reason for this is that if you had a pipe break or have had a sewage back up there are some extremely dangerous things in the water. Airborne illnesses, corrosive cleansers, and other dangerous hazards can be found in flooded areas. After you are properly protected the first thing to do is get the water removed from the area.

Renting a pump system would be the first thing to do if you are doing your own water damage repair. Once you have pumped out all the water from the area, give the area an immediate 24 hours to dry. Once the area is dry the real work begins. Obviously if a pipe has burst shut off the house water and buy the proper piping pieces to repair the damage. If you have sewage back up, you will need to call the city to come out and assess the problem so they can fix things on their end.



The next huge thing is to prevent and kill mold that has already started growing. Mold is the most dangerous thing when an area floods. Mold can turn deadly within a extended period of time. Use mold killing agents like Killz and other products on the the market. Be extremely thorough with this process. If the water flooded above the dry wall line, you MUST remove the dry wall to make sure you can replace insulation and dry wall which mold naturally is attracted to. Painting a Killz primer on the concrete is a great idea before installing new carpet and drywall. This will ensure that you have prevented future mold growth and will also ensure the safety of your family.

The Water Damage Repair Guide [http://waterdamagerepairguide.net] is the authors' personal web site and where he discusses all kinds of water damage repair procedures including home and vehicle water damage repair, as well as hurricane water damage repair [http://waterdamagerepairguide.net/hurricane-water-damage-repair/]. Remember, there are people out there that can help make your life easier don't be afraid to turn to them.

To get more information on water damage repairs Lincolnwood IL please click the link below:
https://www.thecleanupguys.com/water-damage

Water Damage Causes Mold Issues Highland Park, IL

Water Damage Leads to Mold Remediation

Water damage, on any level, whether noticed or unnoticed, can be equally damaging to your property and as severe as flooding.  Damages that occur from water can cause issues for anything sitting inside the property.  From papers to furniture to appliances and anything else that gets inundated with water. Something as tiny as a water spot, can cause substantial damage to your property. Water causes mold to occur.  Some indications are discolorations on the wall or floor base, moisture spots, Highland Park IL black mold developing and these could be the early stages of toxic mold growth.

Water damage in Highland Park does not necessarily have to be visible and overwhelming. Therefore, it is always a good idea to have a professional Highland Park IL water damage restoration company to test areas that are especially susceptible to moisture buildup and condensation. Some of the common places you are likely to find initial signs of water damage are:

The roof of your property, which is subject to wear and tear due to various reasons like weather extremities, continuous hitting from tree branches, old or poor-quality roof tiling etc. Water dripping down any part of the roof is a sign of a mold remediation need.  It doesn’t take long for the bacteria to develop and starting spreading into other areas like the attic.

Water can penetrate through doors and windows, in case they are not installed properly, and can cause considerable mold repair. Moreover, water intrusion can also damage the insulation system within your property. Pay close attention to doors and windows carefully during rainfall and other weather changes for possible signs of mold damage and/or mildew intrusion.

Blocked or overflowing gutters and drains can be a substantial cause of water damage in your property. During heavy rainfall, if the gutters are clogged, proper water flow cannot occur from the roof, resulting in large amounts of water accumulating near the base of your property. Such accumulations are harmful for the foundation of the property, causing moisture to penetrate into the foundation area, and into basements and sub-flooring.

Appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, dryers, refrigerators, etc. should be regularly checked and regulated for proper maintenance and prevention of possible leakages, which might be a cause of water damage, as subtle as it may be.

Sewage overflow along with floods, can be factors when it comes to water damage.

Whatever may be the cause of these damages, and however minor or severe their projections may be, they need to be taken care of as soon as they attack. It’s always the best idea to get in touch with a Highland Park IL mold remediation repair service, or water damage restoration company on an immediate basis. Experts know how to solve your mold damage problems through required equipment and expertise. 

The tools they use for helping with water damage are:

• Measuring equipment like hygrometers and moisture detectors to identify the exact level of mold remediation caused.
• Sensors like infrared camera to detect water penetration even in remote corners, where mold retention can cause substantial damage.
• Highly powerful gas-pumps to pump out high levels of water.
• High-quality Dehumidifiers for adequate drying of the area or objects.
• Superior products for deodorizing and disinfecting the affected location or objects.

These professional services are reliable and available 24 hours and 7 days a week. They are quick to reach you within about an hour or so, which is extremely important during periods of emergency water intrusion or water damage from flooding, or sewage.

Burst Pipes in Oak Park IL

WHAT CAUSES PIPES TO BURST IN COLD WEATHER?

Pipes that have burst can cause extensive water damage in Oak Park to a home or business. Furniture, priceless possessions, and important documents can all be destroyed with flood water. The water damage can also lead to Oak Park IL mold and mildew problems. Many property owners file insurance claims each year because of the damage caused by broken water pipes in Oak Park IL. In most cases, homeowner's insurance will cover the damage but maybe why it happened will not be covered. In order to prevent water damage caused by burst pipes, one needs to know what can cause a water pipe to break.

The following are some common causes of damage to water pipes:

Frozen Pipes: If the temperature falls below the freezing point, there is a risk your pipes could freeze. Frozen pipes will crack and then burst spilling large amounts of water all over the floor.

Corrosion: If you have old pipes that are corroding, there is a risk that the pipe will crack and then burst. Corrosion can be caused by soil and water that corrodes the exterior metal and eventually works its way into the pipe leaving it weakened.

Old Water Pipes: As water pipes age their strength and durability are diminished. They become more brittle and more prone to fractures. The older the pipes, the higher the likelihood they will break.


Physical Damage: If one is having construction work or renovations done in the home or on the property, and a water pipe is accidentally hit by a piece of equipment or tool, there is a chance the pipe could break open.

Too Much Pressure in Pipes: If your water pump is not functioning properly which leads to a build of pressure within the water pipes, it could cause the pipes to rupture and break.

Improperly Installed Water Pipes: If pipes are not installed properly, the result could be a break in the pipe. Professionals will make sure the pipes are correctly installed and the joints are tight and sealed properly.

Poor Quality Pipes: If you install pipes that are of a poor quality, there is a good chance that over time, they will breakdown and burst. A defective product will also result in a pipe breaking.

Long Term Crack: If there is a small crack in the pipe that is leaking over a long period, it will eventually expand due to water, pressure, and corrosion. The water in the pipe will eventually break through the crack resulting in a burst pipe.



If your pipes to break, enlisting the services of a Oak Park IL professional water damage restoration contractor to repair the damage pipes would be the wisest decision. You will most likely have to hire a clean-up company to come in and remove all of the water from the property.

To avoid a water pipe damage in Oak Park causing flooding of the home, it is important to be aware of all the conditions that can cause a break and then take the necessary measures to minimize the risky conditions. Always make sure that your pipes are never exposed to temperatures below the freezing mark. They should also not be exposed to constant temperature fluctuations. In addition, you should have your pipes inspected by a qualified professional plumber to make sure they are in good working condition and are not too old.

Flooding caused by water pipe damage can be a very stressful and messy experience. Not only can it involve a great deal of expense, but you could lose valuable family keepsakes. Taking the proper precautions and calling a professional in the event of pipe damage will make repair, clean up, and water damage restoration in Oak Park IL, much easier and less stressful.

Water Damage and Mold, the One-Two Punch Against A Healthy Property in Oak Park IL

Water Damage and Mold, the One-Two Punch Against A Healthy Property!

WATER DAMAGE AND MOLD DILEMMA

When you experience water damage that leads to mold, it can cause all sorts of problems for you and your property. Nothing seems to be the same afterwards. Until the matter is resolved of course. It is one of the greatest one-two punches since Batman and Robin. Since Muhammad Ali. Since Laverne and Shirley. OK, to the real stuff here. It’s not a laughing matter when mold strikes a property because of the perpetrator water. Water is a great thing when it is kept running in its proper place. When it behaves like you want it to. Like, in a tub or a sink, or a bucket, or a hose that has a spigot attached. But, when water gets on the loose, uncontrolled, that is when it can wreak havoc on any property, its surroundings and beyond! Water damage can be very costly. As the chart depicts, if we check our properties’ water lines, our flushing and drainage systems regularly, we might be able to prevent a nasty water intrusion, like sewage backup.

One of the most fatal of these can be a burst pipe. Burst pipes can cause water to hit a property in all directions, damaging carpeting, padding, vinyl flooring, baseboards, walls, trims, insulation, studs, etc. You name it. If it is in the path of the overflowing water it will get damaged for sure. Many customers do not want to remove damaged materials when they have water damage or flooding. It is imperative to prevent the one-two punch, that is, water damage and mold removal, to get at the source of the problem immediately. The drying process needs to take place right away. Otherwise the bacteria we know as black mold and other species of mold can develop and quickly.

SAFETY ALWAYS!

We must not panic and remember to handle first things first.

1. Shut off the water supply to the home.

2. Turn off the electricity if possible in the area or location of the damage

3. If you must leave the electricity on, please do not use appliances or power tools in that area.

4. Do not use electrical outlets in or around the damp and wet areas.

Taking these necessary precautions came keep you from making a fatal mistake until help arrives. Get Help Fast! Don’t delay in getting professional help from a trusted disaster recovery service company that knows water damage, flooding, wet basements or dealing with rising water issues. It’s not worth the headache or the expense to try to do it yourself. Remember, you are dealing with the “one-two punch”, water damage that can and usually leads to mold. Get wet items out of the way as soon as humanly possible. Be careful not to grab too much at one time, as this can be back-breaking, exhausting and counter-productive.

When help arrives, the professional water damage and mold restoration company, they will start to extract the water from the area as quickly as possible. This may mean setting up submersible pumps if the water is too high. Of course, if it is not then a water extraction machine of some sort will do the job!

Moisture readings should be taken at regular intervals once all the wet items, damp carpet and padding, wet furniture, clothing etc are removed from the area.

Once this is done, it may be necessary and on many occasions it is, to have the baseboards popped off, and have the drywall possibly removed from 2 feet up to 4 feet high from the floor. Sometimes just to drill a few holes at various intervals would suffice to let air flow assist in drying out the space. Therefore, a good supply of air movers to circulate the air space is necessary. The water damage restoration company will employ commercial drying equipment such as a dehumidifier to lower moisture and humidity levels to prevent your property walls, doors, trims from buckling and because of excess moisture, if they have not already reached that stage upon their arrival. Here is where the expertise of the water damage contractor comes in. If you have not waited too long to call and the restoration process starts immediately, mold prevention can take place before the bacteria has a chance to get started in its saturated environment. If the call to get help after water damage, or water intrusion takes place beyond a 48 to 72 hour period, then the second part of the “one-two punch” has license to start establishing itself in your property and it will start to devour, or feed on as much of your porous materials as it can.

BLACK MOLD CAN WREAK HAVOC!

The average customer waits a bit too long to do anything about their water intrusion to their property. Then there are the ones that do act right away, you know, the do-it-yourselfers! Now while there is nothing wrong with doing it yourself, to save some money, there is a problem with not doing the job right. And let’s face it 85% of the time, the customer does not handle the job right. How do we know they didn’t? Because they start to see that nasty stuff up above on their walls, baseboards, trim, doorways, etc. It is a tell-tale sign that something wasn’t implemented right, or overlooked. It means that there was moisture that was missed somewhere. Moisture is the catalyst that allows mold to grow. And mold needs to eat. So it searches out areas where it can feast on materials that are helpless. Old clothing, old shoes, tablecloths, drywall, wood, furniture made of wood products, curtains, anything that it can devour, it will devour.

BLACK MOLD AND YOUR HEALTH

When Stachybotrys mold is growing on wet material, the spores do not disperse as easily because the spores are held together by a sticky/slimy coating. When the material dries out or is disturbed, the spores will spread through the air.

The main concern of mold remediation professionals is to prevent the spread of the black mold. This is accomplished through containment, which is the process of creating a poly barrier around the area where the Stachybotrys mold is growing.

This procedure is so important because Stachybotrys spreads by releasing spores. Mold contaminated materials must be removed and disposed of because this mold does not just grow on the surface of the material; it has root-like tendrils called mycelia, meaning it is able to penetrate the surface.

Typically Stachybotrys mold grows in clusters at the end of stem-like structures known as hyphae.

Stachybotrys produces a mycotoxin (i.e., poison from a fungus) named trichothecenes.

Stachybotrys black mold is a health concern because animal studies have shown that one of the major effects of trichothecenes is immuno-suppression.

In fact, even low level exposure can suppress the immune system resulting in bacterial and viral infections, coughing, skin irritation, and other allergic reactions, and there is some speculation that it may even cause cancer.

Therefore it is of the utmost importance to get rid of the deadly strain as soon as possible.

Now while there are many companies out there on the internet and in your neighborhood that claim to deal with mold, here is where caution is necessary. You must do your due diligence. Do research on the company you are considering. Find out what they know, how long they have been in business, do they have references. Maybe pictures of their work. What is their reputation on the internet? Is it solid? Let’s face it, every company receives complaints. They wouldn’t be a service if they didn’t. Complaints are not terrible in themselves if they are handled properly and the company in question sought to the best of their ability to resolve the issue. You want a company that is proactive. One that communicates like they are a part of the family. One that understands the pain you are feeling inside as you search for answers to your many concerns about the “one-two punch”, water damage and mold.

DOES YOUR WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION COMPANY QUALIFY?

Now that you have finally hired someone to get rid of your problem, are you going to be happy with the outcome? Well, you won’t know until they get underway, and the finished product sits before you. Let’s face it, having some strange people enter your home can be a bit unnerving. But life is a gamble, isn’t it? So you did all your research and you finally decided I’m going with Company B. You like Company B. They handled your call. They were professional at the front end. They followed up. They were on-time. Why, they even made you feel when they arrived that you made the right decision and you can finally put this matter to rest. They are good communicators. You can ask questions, without feeling like you’re going to be given a deadly look, you know, the “go away lady, I’ve got work to do look.” You’re laughing. Sounds like you’ve been there. Well, with Company B, you feel good, that you are getting your questions answered and you know why they are spraying “that stuff” on your wood, or floor, or walls. You know how long it needs to sit. You know what those big pieces of equipment are. You can relax because Company B is on the case. Good service costs money, doesn’t it? If you want to get Bentley service and you pay for a Smart Car. Guess what you’re going to get. You’re smart, if you said Smart Car service. Now while there is nothing wrong with a Smart Car. When you think of volume, size, and cost compared to a Bentley. There is a reason the pricing is different. It is the quality, the name, the service, and everything else that goes behind owning a Bentley. It is no different with your water damage and mold removal “two-punch.” The old adage, you get what you pay for. In fact, if it is not done right the first time, you end up paying more anyway. The Bentley, and that Smart Car, you really didn’t need. LOL

Isn’t it wise just to go ahead and get the job done right the first time so you can move on with your life? Yes it is!!

Here’s the Deal! We follow the appropriate steps for Proper Mold Removal:

1. Setup and containment of the damaged area(s)

2. HEPA vacuuming of all exposed or infected surfaces

3. Proper removal and anti-microbial wipe down of hard surfaces including furniture with mold cleaner

4. Removal of infected porous materials if necessary (known as demolition)

5. Negative Air Machine (NAM) or Air Scrubber operation

6. Properly bagging and discarding contaminated items for removal from premises

7. Antimicrobial treatment and Biocide application

8. HEPA vacuuming again to ensure complete removal

9. Encapsulation sealant process

The CleanUP Guys are mold removal and mold remediation specialists! At the service in the entire Chicago area for more than 21 years!

If you need help with your mold project, be it commercial or residential service, please give us a call at (773) 885-8528 or email us direct at sherm@thecleanupguys.com.

You will find us to be just as good if not better than Company B!

Water Damage Forest Park IL The Cleanup And Repair Procedure

For Water Damage Restoration Forest Park IL.  Water damage can be quite disastrous as it can cause extreme damage to the building. During a flood many unwanted things can come into your home like sewage, debris, chemicals, mud and other types of contaminants. All these unwanted materials are dropped and left behind as the water recedes.

Even if the water damaged is caused from a source of clean water like bathtub overflow, an unattended faucet or a refrigerator water line break, the water mixes with the dirt and other substances on the floor and carpets of your home.

Shorted-out electrical systems, ruined carpets and soggy drywall are common after-effects of water damage, making the matter even worse. If the cleaning work is not done in a proper and swift manner, then the mold will likely sprout and cause more damage to your home.

Whatever the cause of the flood, you must ensure that the affected area is quarantined as soon as possible.

Safety Should Be Priority

Where there is water damage the safety of your family should be given high priority. Ensure that all the main power switches are turned off and are not in contact with the water. It's recommended that you should leave affected until the water is removed completely.

Stop the Water Flow

Once you are sure that the area is safe to enter again it's important that you stop the flow of the water. If the water is still flowing then of course any cleanup effort will go waste. You should shut down the water mains if the water damage occurred due to a mishap while plumbing.

If nature and weather conditions are the reason for the water damage then you will have no choice but wait for the conditions to improve. Damage can be minimized by doing emergency, quick repairs. Wherever it is possible try to limit the amount of water coming inside your house. You can use buckets, tarps, storm shutters, sandbags and other tools to limit the water flow.

Cleaning and Drying

Mopping and drying your home is very important. The sooner it's done, the better. If neglected, the water will soak into the carpets, walls and floors making it an ideal environment for mold to flourish. It's advisable that you use proper protective clothing like gloves and a breathing mask. This should be done to avoid spreading disease due water contaminated with sewage or chemicals.

Depending on the level of damage caused, you may need to remove the carpets or furniture. For insurance purposes be sure to list any goods you have to dispose of. You must clean all items in your home that have come into contact with water. Electronics devices might not work properly again so it's better if you replace them.

It is recommended that you hire professionals who are expert in handling all types of water damage. The professionals will use various tools and techniques to clean your house in the right way. If you are searching for professional expert in handling water damage repair.

For more information on Water Damage Restoration Forest Park IL follow this link:

https://www.thecleanupguys.com/water-damage