Extensive Damage can result from unchecked Water Leaks

6/15/2023 (Permalink)

SERVPRO® Can Clean up the Mess

Left unchecked, water can cause major damage over time to floors in your bathroom, kitchen or any other room and the ceiling of the rooms below. It warps linoleum and weakens the tile setting and causes ceilings and floors to deteriorate. It ruins your possessions and appliances. The excess water damages everything in its path. 
 
When you notice signs of water leaking, call in the restoration experts at SERVPRO® of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to handle the cleanup. We have years of experience returning your bathroom, kitchen or other room to its original condition. In fact, our customers often say it feels  "Like it never even happened.” We are proud of the fact that we focus on restoration, using replacement only when necessary. And, when replacement is needed, we have our own construction division to put your home or business back to its preloss condition! The great thing about SERVPRO is one call does it all. 
 
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC, which sets industry standards, certifies our SERVPRO team. We receive specialized training in a range of services, including microbial remediation, drying techniques, and water damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers, and the most advanced cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing agents. 

Call SERVPRO® today at: (217) 536-6655 for any water damage you are dealing with! 

STEPS YOU SHOULD TAKE IN THE EVENT OF A PIPE BURST

5/10/2022 (Permalink)

water damage raining on you?

What should you do in the event of a pipe burst in your home or business?

Cracked, broken or bursting pipes can cause a lot of damage to your home or business. Because of this, its very important to have the problem taken care of as quickly as possible to minimize secondary damage. It can be difficult to determine what to do in a high-stress situation like this, but the following steps will put you on the right path until SERVPRO arrives.

1. Contact Your Insurance Company

One of the first things you want to do when you've experienced water to your home or business is to call your insurance agent. This will allow you to get the claims process started right away. It can be a lengthy process and the money you receive can help you pay to fix broken pipes and have repairs done. Your claim can also be denied if you take too long to report the damage.

2. Locate and Document Damage

When you make an insurance claim, an adjuster will need to inspect your home to determine the extent of the damage. While you are waiting for the visit, you can start making a list and taking pictures of damaged areas and belongings. The adjuster can use this information when working on your claim. Do not throw away affected items until you have documented and inventoried them, as these can provide proof of damage as well.

3. Have Mitigation Done

A busted water line can result in flooding in your home or business and, if it is not cleaned up quickly, it can lead to a lot of secondary damage. When exposed to moisture, mold can begin to grow in as little as a day and can easily spread to large areas. Excessive water can also absorb into building materials which will then need to be replaced if you delay in mitigating the damage.
If your home or business has been damaged as a result of a busted pipe, a cleanup and restoration service like SERVPRO can perform mitigation quickly to minimize further damage. They can also make any necessary repairs and salvage many of your affected belongings to have your home looking as good as new.

We Are Always Ready To Roll to Our Next Large Scale Water Damage

1/21/2022 (Permalink)

Semi Tactor Trailer Deployment

We Are Always Prepared For the Next COmmercial Water Damage

Our Commercial Large Loss Division is always prepared to roll in the event of a large loss fire, water or storm damage to commercial or retail spaces and is composed of our best of the best in restoration industry. Our elite large-loss specialists are prequalified and strategically positioned throughout the United States to handle large scale water damages and any other size disasters that transpire.

Every large loss water job is supervised by one of our commercial operations manager to help ensure seamless communication and timely mitigation through the time we engage, start building stabilization all the way through to the completion of the project.

At SERVPRO, the difference is our ability to dispatch trained production professionals and cut costs through the strategic placement and oversight of temporary labor. Get the professionals who have decades of large loss commercial restoration, call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655. 

Do You Think You Have Water Damage?

12/30/2021 (Permalink)

A Protimeter Moister Detecting Device

Do You Suspect Water Damage?

A broken water line or other types of water damage can wreak enormous damage if undetected in your home or business. Whether it be from a burst line within a wall or a damaged or worn roof leak that has been alowing water to enter in your home running across rafters and pooling into insulation causing extensive water damage and mold. By the time you discover the problem the damage has been done! 

Water Damage left unresolved can cause secondary damage to building materials and create the need for mold remediation in your attic, basement, interior walls and crawl spaces.

At SERVPRO, we seek out moisture utizing special devices in our arsenal to combat moister:

• Moisture Sensors - alert us that water is present.
• Moisture meters - generate data on the level of how wet the materials are through data.
• Thermo-hygrometers - measures temperature and relative humidity to monitor drying efforts once remediation has been started.
• Thermal imaging/Thermal Cameras - detect cached water for removal behind structures and substraits that the visual eye cannot detect.

CALL SERVPRO:

If you detect that you may have a water damage issue call the cleanup team here at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655. Our trained Water Damage technicians will seek out the cause and implement a plan of action to rectify the problem.

Check Your Appliances / Water Damage Culprits

9/22/2021 (Permalink)

Household Appliances

Unchecked Appliances can cause major water damage

Many household appliances utilize water to operate. Dishwashers, refrigerator ice machines and washing machines just to name a few can wreck havoc if not examined and serviced on a regular basis. Let's discuss refrigerators as an example since this appliance runs continually 24/7, 365 days a year. It can start leaking at the most inconvenient time, resulting in water damage throughout your kitchen. It is important to remain mindful of situations that can cause your refrigerator to leak and catch water damage as soon as it forms.

Most Water Damage Begins Unnoticed behind the appliance.

When you are around your refrigerator, you are probably not looking for leaks. Refrigerator leaks tend to start small and gradually grow to become a bigger problem. You might experience a leak coming from the ice maker, a leaky hose, or the water hookup. 

Generally, any leaks coming from an ice maker are the result of built-up condensation and/or a faulty hookup. This can block the draining system and end up leaking through the inside of your fridge and the seals. In addition, a leaky hose can be the result of having the refrigerator pushed up too close against the wall, bending the hose and causing a break and subsequent leak. When connecting water lines to your refrigerator, make sure not to push it as far back as possible to avoid damaging the hose or line. The water hookup can sometimes spring a leak or may drip, which can go unseen for months and eventually cause  major problems including a very nasty mold situation.

Overtime, water leaks can lead to  very costly repairs. Depending on the type of leak, you can experience rotting floorboards, mold build up, or a flooded basement. A strong indicator of water damage is wood flooring that separates and warps, or tiles that become loose. It is important to repair or replace the floor quickly to prevent mold from growing in the area.

Call SERVPRO

If you suspect a water leak or notice water damage near your household appliances, call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655. We will gladly inspect and access the damage and layout a plan of action to remedy the situation.

Rapid Deployment is needed when dealing with a water damage

12/29/2020 (Permalink)

Category 3 water damage

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays in the south-central Illinois region. You need rapid response to minimize water damage so we never close and are always ready to deploy to your emergency.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service?

Call Us 24/7 at (217) 536-6655

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes:

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 through 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. We also have our own in-house construction division that can totally restore your home and business back to its preloss condition. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Great Water Damage Tips

12/18/2020 (Permalink)

Water Damage!

We are well into December and with that comes a elevated risk of water damage due to freezing temperatures that can cause a fatigued water line to burst unexpectedly in your South-Central Illinois home.

Although you just suffered a water damage, there is no need to panic although that will be your first thought. Take a deep breath and give SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston a call and we will get our trained technicians deployed and to the rescue restoring your property to it's preloss condition! Once we arrive on the scene of the damage we can quickly begin the cleanup & remediation of your property. Before we arrive, there are some steps you can take yourself to prevent secondary damage to your property and personal belongings. These steps should only be used if the water damage is caused by a clean water break. If you have suffered damage from sewer, toilet, or other contaminated water sources, stay away from the scene as it may have adverse health effects.

Here are a few tips for what you can do to prevent further water damage to your home, until our trained technicians arrive:

• Shut off the water source if it can be done safely.
• Remove any excess water by mopping or using towels.
• Remove and pop up we upholstery cushions for drying. Do not put cushion covers in washing machine.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks under furniture legs.
• Hang furs and leather goods separately at room temperature.
• Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting.
• If you have a wet/dry shop vac you can suck up any water that you are able to.
• If water damage is in the ceiling, do not turn on lights or overhead fans. And keep out of rooms where the ceiling is beginning to sag from holding water.
• When in doubt - "Don't" attempt anything! We are in transit and will access what steps need to be taken.

You can trust the team at SERVPRO to take care of all your restoration and reconstruction needs by calling (217) 536-6655.

Winter Is Coming, Avoid Frozen Pipes!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen Water Line

Winter is upon us in Illinois and with that is temperatures start to plummet. So is the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting during this season. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. Pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze also. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.

Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store according to the IBHS. So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible. Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.

Both the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do.

When winter temperatures fall below freezing our phone volume goes up at SERVPRO due to frozen water lines bursting causing quite a lot of water damage. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. As previously mentioned, pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. 

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During sub-zero temperatures, let susceptible faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is here to help with  all your fire, water & smoke cleanup and restoration needs. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Have You Checked Your Gutter System Lately?

10/27/2020 (Permalink)

Clogged Gutters

Now that we are well into the fall season, SERVPRO wants to remind homeowners about an important functioning item we tend to overlooked each year, your gutters.
Although you may not think about it, the state of your gutters can affect many other areas of your family's property, which includes your roof and foundation. If your gutters fail to function they way they are intended to do they can wreck havoc on your home or business . The most common problem that homeowners face with their gutters is that they fail to drain or channel excess rainwater far enough away from your foundation. That excess water can back up under your home's foundation or into your basement. If rain water doesn't travel through your gutters freely, it's most likely because the gutters are clogged with leaves or debris. This is especially common during this season when trees are dropping their leaves. If you have clogged gutters it can often lead to costly foundation repairs that can cost thousands of dollars. Having your gutters regularly cleaned (at least once or twice a year) can prevent a major water damage from happening to your property.

if you are concerned about your gutters not functioning property, SERVPRO encourages you to have them inspected by a qualified company to avoid any future water damage from gutters that are clogged.

When water backs up into your basement our foundation, it very well may be a gutter system that is not functioning properly. Be sure and call the cleanup team that is "Faster To Any Size Disaster" in the event water damage strikes your home or business. 

Recovering From A Water Damage

9/22/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded Kitchen

When it comes to water damage in the U.S., almost 40% of homes have incurred losses due to this type of occurrence. Most of these problems are caused by a neglected or damaged roofs, old or faulty plumbing, broken washers and water heaters. Natural disasters such a flood events or hurricanes also ruin homes and businesses with their destructive forces.

During a water damage disaster, many homeowners and businesses feel hopeless, especially if most of the structure is still under water. The situation may appear bleak, but in most cases, there is a great chance of recovering your home or business from water damage quickly. The first step is not to panic. Keep calm and figure out where to begin. This is where an Emergency Plan should be considered before an event like this strikes. Check out https://www.ready.gov/plan. Here are some simple steps to guide you to a successful home recovery after water damage.

Think Safety

The number one priority should be the safety of you and your family. If there is standing water, begin by switching off electrical power to the entire house or the flooded area. Live electricity and water are a lethal combination. Secondly, shut off the main water inlet valve to prevent any possibility of contaminating the water system. In a large flood, you may also need to cut off the gas supply also. Identify and dispose of any damaged food; this will prevent food poisoning by accidental consumption. Don’t wade through a flooded floor without proper protection, especially in murky water. Sharp objects may be lurking at the bottom of the water. Wear sturdy waterproof boots when walking in a flooded area.

Remove The Moisture

The next step is to get rid of the moisture. In a heavy flooding situation, wait till the floods dissipate before you can start drying out your house. if environment is safe to do so, use electric, gas or hand trash pumps to remove water. Locate the lowest part of the flooded floor and place the pumps there. Be careful with electric-powered pumps to avoid electric shock. You could dump the excess water into the sewage system, a tanker truck, or the backyard where it won’t cause any harm. After all the water is out, circulate dry air within the house. Open up windows and doors to let in the fresh air. If it’s safe to use the mains system, install electric fans to blow air to specific areas. Even better, if the heating system is still usable, power it up to warm the house and drive moisture away. Drying out the house can reduce mold from growing. 

Pick Up Debris

Clear out any debris brought in by the water. Flood water is especially messy; there may be sediments, leaves, tree branches and even garbage. Identify anything that can be salvaged. This could be your precious heirlooms, rugs, furniture or drapes. Any salvageable belongings should be kept in a separate dry room if possible, or away from the house altogether. Anything that is severely damaged should be disposed of and documented for insurance purposes. Clear out as much debris as possible to reveal the extent of the water damage.

Assess Water Damage

With everything out of the way and visible, you can now assess the level of damage sustained. You may need to call in an inspector with an eye for details to examine the property in its entirety. Check for damage or mold on the floor, walls and plumbing system. Get a clear picture of the extent of damage, what needs to be done to repair the damages. This may be the time to call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to put together a restoration protocol to put your home back to its preloss condition.

Call Your Insurance Carrier

After a detailed assessment of the damage, call your insurance agent or carrier to find out how much of the damage they will cover. Your insurer will probably send a claims adjuster who will document all the steps you have taken so far and the valuation of damages. According to your insurance policy, the insurer could chip in a large part of the repair and restoration costs. Contact other insurers covering assets like your car or other valuables damaged along with the house.

Repairing Your Property

Now its time to begin repairs on your home. If only some rooms of the house are damaged, your family could still live in the safe parts of the house. However, if the house needs extensive repairs, you may have to find a temporal shelter. SERVPRO can carry out all the necessary repairs to your home or business from emergency mitigation and building stabilization to complete reconstruction of your property. Most water damage repairs include floor, walls and doors repairs or replacements. Check with the authorities whether certain repairs are allowed or require a city permit, SERVPRO can provide this for you also. The restoration period depends on the extent of the damage. Floor work usually takes a lot of time, so make sure you are prepared for that. After the repairs, make a few touch ups like paint jobs and restoring any peripheral systems such as plumbing and electrical systems in case they were damaged as well. Again, SERVPRO can provide all these different services to you since we are a "Full Service" contractor.

Ready To Move Back

After all the repairs are done, the house is finally back to its preloss condition, its now time to move back in. Bring in your furniture and belongings and prepare for things to go back to normal "Like it never even happened."

If you have had the misfortune of water damage striking, relax and follow a these steps for a speedy recovery. 

Have You Checked Your Sump Pump Lately?

8/27/2020 (Permalink)

Sump Pump

A sump pump can be the difference between an expensive water damage and a dry basement. There are two types of sump pumps that you may have in your basement: “submersible” pumps are installed under the floor in your basements, while the “pedestal” pump sits above your sump basin.  Sump pumps are used to “pump” groundwater away from your home and will evacuate large quantities of water, such as flooding and sewer backups to other areas, such as storm drains. It's important to keep your sump pump in good working order, so it can keep your basement dry all year long. To learn more about sump pump maintenance, check out these common sump pump mistakes people make.

NEGLECT

Simply put, some homeowners never even check on their sump pumps until it's too late. Many homeowners simply ignore routine maintenance and checking their sump pump system on regular intervals. It's possible you may not have a properly functioning sump pump until your basement is several inches underwater.

DO IT YOURSELF INSTALL

Have you ever told yourself; "I wish I would have called a professional to do it." If you’ve never installed a sump pump, don’t risk doing it yourself. You'll end up paying a lot more for damages than for the cost of proper installation by a professional installer. Hire a plumbing professional to avoid the risks of faulty installation.

NO BACKUP POWER

During a storm or utility company power outage, your home can lose power, causing your sump pump to shut down.  Should you experience flooding in your basement, a sump pump would redirect any incoming water. Keep your sump pump working during a power outage by connecting it to a backup power source, such as a generator or battery backup system.

IGNORING THE DISCHARGE PIPE/FLOAT SWITCH

Check that the drainage pipes are tightly connected and are directed away from your home’s foundation. Also, inspect the pipe for damage and clogs. Seek help at once if you find clogs or damage. Anything that impedes the flow could result in basement flooding due to slow drainage or no drainage at all.

The float switch tells the sump pump motor to stop once the water level goes below the float. Your sump pump needs ample space around the float to both float and sink freely. This should be inspected on a routine basis.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Routine sump pump maintenance goes a long way in guarding against basement flooding. Schedule a thorough inspection with a septic tank maintenance professional or plumber twice a year. For professional water damage restoration or mold removal, contact SERVPRO.

How Long Does a Water Job Take?

7/28/2020 (Permalink)

You can trust SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston to take care of your water damage quickly and efficiently!

Many times, whilst getting started with a job, the first question a customer will ask is, “how long will this take?” We here at SERVPRO know that your time is valuable, we want to get the job done as fast as possible and make you say it looks “Like it never even happened.”

The typical timeline for a water job is 3-5 days. The first day of contact with us is all about stabilization. At this point there will not have been enough time to be in touch with insurance agents and adjusters to figure out what we are allowed to proceed with. To stabilize the situation, we set equipment and extract standing water if possible.

On the second day, contact with the adjuster has been made and we are now clear as to what we are allowed to tear out and fix. We begin that work and continue drying the affected area. Days 3-5 are dedicated to drying and monitoring your job.

After the job has been completed, the last step is for us to pick up our equipment and send the bill. That is how simple a job handled by SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston can be!

Call today if you experience a water damage: 217-536-6655

Wait! Don't Touch That Fan!

5/12/2020 (Permalink)

Before touching any set equipment, give us a call. We set our equipment with a purpose

Let’s set the scene:

SERVPRO of Effingham Mattoon Charleston has come to your home after a water damage occurred. Contents have been removed and it is time to start the drying process with to get it back to “Like it never even happened.”

The first thing that will happen is if there is an excess amount of water in the carpet, the technicians will extract that water. After extraction, the flooring will still be damp. This is where we will place our air movers or “fans.”

Did you know that we place the air movers in a specific way that speeds the drying process? The placement of our fans creates the ideal airflow that circulates in dry air from the humidifiers, which evaporates the moisture in the flooring. To the untrained eye, it may not seem that way, but we have a purpose for doing the things the way we do. If you have any questions regarding the process, it is best to direct those questions to the trusted SERVPRO of Effingham Mattoon Charleston’s team.

If a piece of our equipment stops working while we are not on site, we will need to know as soon as possible so that we can replace the faulty equipment. In this case, also call the lead on your loss from SERVPRO of Effingham Mattoon Charleston.

What to do Until Help Arrives: Sewer Backup

3/3/2020 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston has the team of highly trained professionals to clean and restore your sewer backup

A sewer backup is a nasty situation for everyone involved. It not only puts a damper on your day, it can pose health risks, and property damage.

ILLNESS

The most dangerous part of a sewer backup, which is often overlooked, is the dangers it has on your personal health. The sewer water is filled with bacteria, viruses, and other illness causing contaminants. Any contact with the water can put you, your family, and pets at risk of illness or death.

STRUCTURAL DAMAGE

The second most pressing issue with a sewer backup is the moisture left over from the water, causing secondary damage after cleanup. If the walls and floors of the affected area are not dried properly, or replaced, then mold and structural damage can occur causing more issues down the line.

CALL SERVPRO

These are the reasons why it is so important to have a professional team of experts like SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston clean and restore your home or business after a sewer backup. In the unfortunate situation that you have a sewer backup, follow these tips to keep you and your family safe.

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and contaminated items
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items
• Stay out of affected areas
• Treat all bodily fluids as contaminated
• Call SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston to properly clean and restore your property

DON’T:

• Spread contaminated water by walking unnecessarily on damaged or wet areas
• Turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air
• Use household fans to dry the structure because it will spread contaminates
• Use products of personal hygiene if they have been exposed to contaminated areas, even if not directly touched by water
• Attempt cleanup without consulting a professional
• Handle or touch any items that might be contaminated

CALL NOW: 217-536-6655

4 Phases to a Restoration Process

2/5/2020 (Permalink)

A business owner trying to save his business from a water damage. The water leak was caused by a recent storm.

Oh no, you’ve had a water disaster happen at your place of business! You’re probably asking yourself, “who do I need to call, and what do I do now?” You should call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655.

Our highly trained team of professionals has the expertise to stabilize the situation and get your business back up and running as soon as possible. During any restoration project that SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is called in on, there is a detailed, four-phase process that we follow. This ensures the project is completed in a timely manner and all parties involved are up to date as to how the project is coming along.

The four phases of the process are:

1. Project initiation
2. Project plan
3. Project execution
4. Project close out

During the first phase of the process, our team arrives on site and walks the property with the owner to properly assess the damage. We consult with the property owner on the best course of action going forward and will also lend a hand with initial services such as board-ups (in the case of fire damage) or setting up a mobile office to make sure your business can maintain operational status during this tough time.

In the second phase, we build an estimate, create a game plan, and acquire the proper permits if required. Then, after approval, we begin the restoration process which bleeds into the third phase.

The third phase is all about working on the job and properly communicating with the customer, the adjuster and the insurance agent throughout the entire restoration process.

Lastly, during phase four, the job has been finished, inspected and we send out billing.

There are many more details that are just too much to go into with one blog post. Follow us on social media for blog updates.

SEAL You Home Before The Rain Pounds Away!

4/17/2019 (Permalink)

When the rain starts your home or business is supposed to keep yourself and your belongings dry. However, some moisture can get in if your home or business has not been maintained or checked for broken seals.

What to do if you are experiencing moisture in your home:

• Re-caulk windows seals
• Re-caulk door seals
• Consider adding overhangs to doors and windows
• Check for missing shingles on the roof
• Metal roofs are expensive but last longer than 30 year shingles

Doing or considering adding exterior fixtures to your home or business will keep the moisture out, and it may even add beauty and equity to your property.

At SERVPRO of Effingham Mattoon, Charleston, we take pride in our fast and effective response team, dedicated to getting you back up and running as soon as possible. Call us at (217) 536-6655 if water finds it's way into your home or business.

Expert Help With Water Damage

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

WATER DRIPS

Have you checked under your kitchen or bathroom sink lately? Most people store a variety of cleaners, sponges, and miscellaneous clutter under the sink. It is out of the way, out of sight, but still handy. However, the team at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston knows that this can hide potential problems.

Leaks from pipes under the sink are often the source of water damage. The jumble of cleaning solutions, garbage containers, and hair, bath and shower products conceals drops of water and excess amounts of condensation, signs that your under-sink pipes are leaking. 
 
It is a good idea to completely remove everything in the area under your sink every few months. Then carefully inspect the bottom and sides of the cupboard for signs of warping or staining. If you do notice excess moisture, get the pipes checked right away. 
 
Drip by drip, water can cause major damage over time to the floor in your bathroom or kitchen, and the ceiling of the room below. It warps the linoleum and weakens the tile setting and causes ceilings and floors to deteriorate. It ruins your possessions and appliances. The excess water damages everything in its path. 
 
When you notice signs of water leaking, call in the restoration experts at SERVPRO to handle cleanup. We have years of experience returning your bathroom, kitchen or other room to its original condition. In fact, our customers often say it feels  "Like it never even happened.” We are proud of the fact that we focus on restoration, using replacement only when necessary. 
 
The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification IICRC, which sets industry standards, certifies our SERVPRO team. We receive specialized training in a range of services, including microbial remediation, drying techniques, and water damage restoration. We use state-of-the-art air movers and dehumidifiers, and the most advanced cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing agents. 

Give us a call today at 217-536-6655 for any water damage you may suffered! 

Life Expectancy Of Plumbing

4/4/2019 (Permalink)

Did you know many common plumbing components have a life span? Many of them have an expectancy much shorter than we might think. Here is a few that we see quite often. The fix is relatively inexpensive; but neglecting it can cause thousands of dollars in mitigation and drying costs.

Water heaters have an expected life span of about 10-12 years. Most of the time these fail because the rubber and metal components in side the tank are in constant contact with water which will naturally break them down over time.

Sump pumps are a vital tool for anyone with a basement or crawl space that takes on ground water after rain storms. Most of these pumps have a life span of about 7 years.

The average sink faucet has a life span of less than 15 years. Because of the flex hose design of the sprayer component, these may fail sooner. Most flex hoses fail after just 10 years. Also, included in the flex hose category are flexible supply lines for sinks, toilets, and washing machines. It is advisable to have these flex hoses replaced every 5 to 10 years. A $10 replacement hose may save you thousands down the road.

One of these plumbing components beat you to the punch? Don’t worry! We can get you back to normal again “Like it never even happened.”

Procrastination on Cleaning Up the Damage is Bad!

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

Don't Wait To Make The Call!

There are numerous reasons why experts recommend that you begin cleaning up and stabilizing a water damage within 24 hours. The first is simply about your safety. Waterlogged homes are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, mold and pathogens. Twenty four hours after a flood or water damage, toxic mold can begin to grow that puts your health and the health of your family members at risk. The odds of bad bacterial growth surge again after the 48 hour mark. It's important that you call the cleanup specialists at SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston immediately to put a halt to any secondary damages caused by a water damage.

Call SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston at (217) 536-6655. We don't procrastinate when it comes to your property damage!

Timely Mitigation Lessons the Damage

2/7/2019 (Permalink)

The less time the water has to penetrate deeply into materials, the less damage it will cause and the more effective the cleaning process will be. Not only does this mean that SERVPRO may be able to salvage more of your possessions that you’ll find hard to replace, it means you’ll have reduced replacement costs.

Those items that have porous surfaces are more likely to be effected by flood water right away. Drywall, ceiling tiles, and flooring are all usually porous and may all be saved if you get a clean-up crew in right away. The sooner we can examine these items the more likely we’ll be able to salvage them. On the other hand, items with hard, nonporous surfaces are more likely to survive a 24 to 48 hour wait. These surfaces will generally be our second priority as we clean your home.

If your home has suffered a flood, whether large or small, it’s critical to call the cleanup team at SERVPRO, so they can arrive quickly to survey the damage and develop a protocol to address it in a timely manner. This will minimize the health risks of flooding and save you money on cleaning and replacing damaged items.

South Central Illinois Flooded Basements Need a Rapid Response

3/8/2018 (Permalink)

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

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today at (217) 536-6655

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

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

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use S500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (217) 536-6655

Faster "IS" Better When Dealing With Water Damage

2/21/2018 (Permalink)

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service?

Call Us 24/7 – (217) 536-6655

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston

SERVPRO of Effingham-Mattoon-Charleston specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.