Clean Water vs Contaminated Water

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Please be aware of the differences between clean water and contaminated water.

Damage from Clean Water:

• If necessary, turn off the water supply or contact a trained professional to do so.
• If access to the power distribution panel is protected from possible electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the house.
• Using a mop and a blotting motion, remove as much excess water as possible.
• After removing lamps and tabletop pieces, wipe excess water from wood furniture. Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.

Damage from Contaminated Water:

• Avoid any interaction with sewage and sewage-contaminated products and do not walk through contaminated areas because you can spread damage to unaffected areas.
• If there is a risk of spreading dirty air, do not turn on the HVAC system.
• Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow may disperse pollutants. If exposed to polluted areas, discard any food and/or items for personal hygiene and cleanliness.

SERVPRO® of Quincy has the answers to all your water questions. Never hesitate to give us a call! 217-223-2993

Undiscovered Leaks can Damage Your Business and Home

6/28/2023 (Permalink)

Undiscovered leaks and moisture build-up can cause damage to the floors, walls and ceilings of your business, leading to soft dry wall, stained ceiling tiles and other more serious problems. Although the damage may go unnoticed for an extended period of time, proper cleanup is vital to the restoration of your property and equipment.

Thermal Imaging equipment can detect even the smallest amounts of moisture in your home or business. After locating the water damage, SERVPRO of Hannibal professionals are trained in water extraction and drying to help get you back in business.

Maintenance Tips:

• Inspect ceiling tiles regularly for discoloration or leaks. This could be a sign of leaks in the HVAC unit or piping.
• Check waterlines in coffee makers, refrigerators, and water filtration systems for kinds of leaks, annually.
• Remove standing water with a mop and seek professional assistance for complete drying and restoration.

You can trust the heroes at SERVPRO of Quincy to make it “Like it never even happened.” Call us at 217-223-2993!

Ice Dams are Bad

10/28/2022 (Permalink)

Protect against Ice Dams

Coming into the winter season here in Missouri and Illinois, we want to talk about Ice Dams and what they are, and how to prevent them from forming at your home or business. 

Ice dams form on the lower edge of building roofs preventing melted snow water from being able to run off the roof’s surface.  When melted water gets trapped and can’t escape, it can penetrate under the roof's shingles and run into the home possibly causing wet walls, ceilings, and insulation.

These ice dams are formed when warm air inside one’s home travels into the open roof cavity and warms the roof sheathing.  This warm air can escape from our homes through unsealed openings around light fixtures, wall sockets, chimneys, and ventilation systems.  When the warm air rises, the snow melts at the peak of the home and runs down to the cooler edges of the roof, this causes the dam.  When ice dams are visible, it’s a sure sign that a person is having heat loss in their home.

There are a few ways to prevent ice dams from forming.  Snow removal can be done with a rake or with salt.  Either of which you must be careful not to damage the roofing.  The best preventative measure is to make sure your ceilings are as airtight as possible.  The insulation should have a minimum R-value of 50.  If an ice dam forms, it can be removed by a professional with steam-powered equipment.  Getting up on your roof and chopping at the ice is dangerous and can also be damaging.

If you need help, please call SERVPRO of Quincy or SERVPRO of Hannibal, so we can help with the damage.  217-223-2993 or 573-231-0056.

SERVPRO of Quincy and Hannibal is Locally Owned and Operated.  We are your full-service Cleaning, Restoration, and Construction Team in Missouri and Illinois. 

“Best” is our Standard.

Oh Well...

6/6/2022 (Permalink)

Oh Well, it's a Window Well again

Recently, a nearby business owner had trouble at his home with water that had come in through a window in his basement. It seems that the window well's drain had been clogged with years of accumulation. So, he used a submersible pump to clear the water from the window well, but not before the water had breached the window casing and entered his finished basement area.  

We were able to use our Stand-on Rover Water Extractor to extract the water from the carpet and pad. Then we were able to float the carpet by pulling back a corner and blowing air under it. Dehumidifiers were used to capture the water from the air as it was released from the materials.

Well..., we Can and Will take care of any type of water loss!

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

The River Rises

6/1/2022 (Permalink)

The Mighty Mississippi

The "Ole Man", the "Ole Miss" is a beautiful sight to behold when it stays in its banks. But, when the spring rains come, and oh how they come in our area, the banks cannot hold it all back.

Levies will be shored up with extra sandbags, pumps will be inspected and tuned and drainage districts will be on high alert. But the rain still comes and the water has to go somewhere. Homes and businesses along the Mighty Mississippi will brace for impact. It is best to be prepared for all scenarios. Sump pumps should be checked for proper function, making sure that the floats are not sticking. Contents in the basement or lower levels should be up off the floor or moved to higher levels. Any electrical appliances or tools should be unplugged and moved as well.

If you do end up fighting the Big Muddy this spring and it is an unwelcome guest in your home, please give us a call, we can help you clean it all up. 

We Can and Will handle whatever the River hands out and take care of any size of water loss!

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

SERVPRO of Quincy - Average Water Loss Costs

5/12/2022 (Permalink)

AVERAGE WATER LOSS COST - BY CATEGORY OF WATER 2022

CAT 1  (Clean) :  Approximately $ 4.50 sq ‘   *(see Note)

The average cost of simply drying out your property from a “clean” water leak with no further damage done or restoration needed on an avg loss area of 1000 sq’ is around $4,500. While the average cost of drying out this same area of your home and repairing any damage done to drywall and carpeting/flooring is around $11,500 or $11.50 sq’. Costs can continue to go up from here depending on the source of the water, how much water, if the Water Category changes and how great the damage.

CAT 2  (Grey) :  Approximately  $ 5.25 sq ‘   *(see Note)

The average cost of simply drying out your property from a “grey” water leak with no further damage done or restoration needed on an avg loss area of 1000 sq’ is around $5,250. While the average cost of drying out this same area of your home and repairing any damage done to drywall and carpeting/flooring is around $13,300 or $13.30 sq’. Costs can continue to go up from here depending on the source of the water, how much water, if the Water Category changes and how great the damage.

CAT 3  (Black) :  Approximately  $ 7.75 sq ‘  *(see Note)

Simply drying out your property from a “black” water leak is not possible. Just to extract “black” water from an avg loss area of 1000 sq’ would be around $7,750. Because of the damage done and the restoration needed, there are more factors to be taken into consideration with a “black” water loss. Cleaning up the “black” water, drying out your home and repairing any damage done to drywall (which will need removed), removing and replacing carpeting/flooring and sanitizing is around $19,500 or $19.50 sq’ on an avg loss area of 1000 sq’. Costs can continue to go up from here depending on the source of the water, how much water, and how great the damage.

*Note: The Approximate Costs listed are National Averages.

All are subject to change and can vary by location.

We Can and Will take care of any type of water loss!

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

Different Categories of Water

11/19/2021 (Permalink)

CATEGORIES OF WATER - You Need to Know

Category 1 (Clean) Water - Refers to a source of water that does not pose a substantial threat to humans and is classified as "clean water". Examples are broken water supply lines, tub or sink overflows, or appliance malfunctions that involve water supply lines. If this water moves through certain building materials, it could change the category.

Category 2 (Grey) Water - Refers to a source of water that contains a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contaminants and causes discomfort or sickness when consumed or even exposed to, known as "grey water". This type carries microorganisms and nutrients of microorganisms. Examples are toilet bowls with urine (no feces), sump pump failures, and water discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.

Category 3 (Black) Water - Known as "black water" and is grossly unsanitary. This water contains unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria, and fungi, causing severe discomfort or sickness. Type 3 category is contaminated water sources that affect the indoor environment. This category includes water sources from sewage, seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water, or standing water. Category 2 Water or Grey Water that is not promptly removed from the structure and/or has remained stagnant may be re-classified as Category 3 Water. Toilet back flows that originate from beyond the toilet trap are considered black water contamination regardless of visible content or color.

We Can and Will take care of any type of water loss!

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

Years of Build Up = Water in the Basement

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Yearly Maintenance is So Important

Yearly maintenance around your home is so important to keep unwanted water out of your home. One overlooked place at your home may be your window wells.

Recently we responded to a water loss after a huge rainstorm. The homeowner no longer lived at the residence but his children were checking on the home. They found water standing in the basement and could not figure out where the water was coming from. After inspection, at least one problem area was found to come from full window wells. It seems years of accumulation of dirt and leaves had built up in the window wells and was above the bottom window line. Water would collect in the well and then with no other place to go, took the path of least resistance through the aged window casing. The water came in and down behind wooden paneling and bookshelves.

So, this fall when you are prepping for winter and doing maintenance in and around your home, don't forget to check those window wells and clean them out. At a minimum, clean dirt and leaves down at least 6" below the bottom window line. The best scenario would be to dig down 12" and put in 6" of rock. Then get an appropriate window well cover to keep out excess rain, snow, and leaves.

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

Gutter Done!

11/17/2021 (Permalink)

It's Time to Clean those Gutters... Gutter Done!

It is that time of year again. The leaves are falling and filling up your gutters. You need to clean out those clogged gutters and do it safely. 

If more home and building owners and property managers knew the proper way to clean their gutters, there would be a lot fewer injuries and death. Not to mention, less property damage. As the rainy and snowy seasons approach, it is the best time to clean out your gutters in preparation for winter. If rainwater and snowmelt do not drain properly through your gutter and downspout system, costly repairs could occur because the water has run down along your foundation. 

Eight Gutter Cleaning Tips

1. Let someone know you are cleaning your gutters
2. Use a safe and secure ladder
3. Rake leaves and other debris off the rooftop first
4. Wear rubber-soled shoes when walking on the rooftop
5. Use a plastic gutter scooping tool
6. Wear gloves and proper eyewear
7. Unclog downspouts
8. Watch out for hazardous power lines

More info can be found here: CLICK HERE

You can count on us if disaster strikes.

SERVPRO of Quincy, IL is always HERE TO HELP.

We can be reached 24/7 at 217-223-2993

Hardwood Doesn't Like Water

6/21/2021 (Permalink)

Water and Hardwood - Not Friendly Companions

Hardwood floors are beautiful. They make any room stand out and grab your attention. But, when a leaky supply line adds a steady amount of water to those floors, it can be disastrous.

If the water is removed immediately and not allowed to set on the flooring or soak through to the subfloor, things should be okay. With proper extraction and drying, these floors should be good to go. And even if the water has found its way to the subfloor, with the proper equipment such as drying mats, specifically made for wooden floors, everything should be fine.

But, in the case water has gone undetected for an extended period of time, things get a lot worse. The wooden planks begin to warp, buckle and cup. At this point, there is nothing that can be done to save the floor. It will need to be replaced.

If you have water on your hardwood floors, call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Quincy immediately! We will help make your water problem... "Like it never even happened." And keep your hardwood looking great.

217-223-2993

SERVPROQuincyIL.com

Unseen Water

6/8/2021 (Permalink)

Water that is Unseen

There have been many instances where a customer does not know they have a water leak until they walk on their carpet. They may take a quick look at the basement and everything looks normal... but then the musty smell alerts them. Something is not right.

So, they decide to do a walk-through and find the reason for the musty smell. The water forms perfect footprints everywhere they step. The water has been hiding in the pad under the carpet. And now every step leads them closer to the source. They may find that the water heater has been leaking from a hole in the tank. Or that the air conditioner drain tube is clogged or a sump pump has failed. Whatever the cause may be, it now needs to be repaired and the water dried up.

That is where SERVPRO of Quincy steps in and takes over. We can dry the carpet out if the water is from a clean source or remove the carpet if it happened to come from a backup or sump pump failure.

Whatever the cause, we are Here to Help!

Call us 24/7/365

217-223-2993

Water: Silent Destroyer

5/24/2021 (Permalink)

Out of Site - Out of Mind

There are many that do not use their basements like they used to. Sure, the basement may be fully furnished and fully completed and just waiting for the day it will be utilized. But checking your basement on a regular basis is sort of put out of mind if we do not plan to use it regularly.

So, you can imagine the horror of walking down those basement stairs and stepping into water after months of being closed off from the world. Then finding a gaping hole in the basement ceiling, where water has been slowly eating away at the drywall and paint. Leaving behind wet carpet, damaged contents and worst of all, mold.

Water can be silent, but it can destroy you life and peace of mind. If you have a basement, make sure you are checking it on a regular basis. Add it to your calendar and do a walkthrough at least once per month. Checking for any leaks and signs of moisture or mold growth.

If you do find any leaks or water spots or mold, call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Quincy, IL to take care of the issue right away.

SERVPROQuincyIL.com

217-223-2993

Freezing and Your Foundation

12/3/2020 (Permalink)

Freezing and Thawing

Freezing temperatures have arrived here in the midwest. We must be prepared for the freezing and the thawing. It is time to think about how winter weather can affect your home.

Freezing and thawing water in the soil around your home's foundation can cause the foundation to crack. Concrete foundations are porous, so when ice and snow freeze in the pores of the concrete, it will cause it to expand. Then when the ice and snow melt, it will cause those areas to contract. Over time this can deteriorate your foundation by causing small cracks. As time passes, those cracks can get bigger and bigger, causing more problems with your foundation.

Once these cracks breach the wall, they can let groundwater and snowmelt into your home, causing a variety of problems. The best way to prevent this is to make sure you have adequate drainage around your home. Properly installed drainage tile around the outside of your home can help prevent the water, snow, and ice from ever reaching your foundation.

If you do experience the unwanted intrusion of groundwater into your home this winter, you will need to call the Local Experts in Water Damage Restoration.

SERVPRO of Quincy

24/7/365

217-223-2993

SERVPROQuincyIL.com

Source: AdvancedBasement.com

Disconnect that Frost-Free Spigot

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Frost-Free Spigot: Disconnect

So, your frost-free spigot is supposed to be just that, frost-free. You should not have to worry about it freezing and causing you water problems if you do not unhook the hose during extreme cold.

But even if it is "frost-free", you still need to disconnect it during the winter months or you are taking a risk of your water pipes freezing and bursting. Why? Because water expands when it freezes and takes up about 10% more space than the same amount of liquid water does. Unfortunately, there is no room for expansion in your water pipes. And even though your frost-free spigots should allow for this expansion, is it worth taking a chance with your home?

Don't Dose... Unhook the Hose!!!

If you do forget and the water lines break, call the Local Area Experts to dry it up and make it... "Like it never even happened."

Call us 24/7/365

217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com

Snow + Metal Roof (could) = Disaster

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

To Snow Guard or Not to Snow Guard

Do you have a glossy metal roof? If so, and you live here in the midwest where snow and ice are commonplace during the winter months, you will want to install snow guards on that roof.

Are snow guards necessary?

Yes. It is necessary to control the release rate of winter precipitation (ice and/or snow) on your sloped metal roof where there may be people moving and where property damage could occur. 

Where should snow guards be placed?

Properly placed snow guards should be at the lower half of the roof plane. They can be placed in multiple rows or in single lines.

How many snow guards do I need?

You will need 2 guards per valley on every 8 feet of roof. Starting at 6 inches from the bottom edge of the roof, place 2 equally spaced apart in the valleys. Again, you can use a straight line or staggered pattern across the entire roofline.

A common occurrence without snow guards could be the heavy ice or snow pushing your gutters away from or off the house. Leading to water running inside the home.

More questions? Call us at 217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com

Fathers Day was No Picnic

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

No Picnics for Father's Day

Father's Day 2020 brought something other than a picnic or outdoor gathering for the Quincy, IL area. Around midday on Sunday, parts of Quincy experienced unprecedented amounts of rainfall. Several places reported anywhere from 4 - 6 inches of rainfall within just a 2-hour period.

City storm sewers in places were not able to keep up with the massive amounts of H2O. Many homes as well as businesses experienced major flooding and sewer backups. 

Our phone lines at SERVPRO of Quincy seemed to be on continuous ring, as we took call after call from residents and business owners experiencing some sort of water emergency. Our crews worked well into the night battling the losses until all that needed help got some attention.

When you experience a water emergency call the ones that can get it done...

SERVPRO of Quincy

217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com

Use Everything then... Call for Reinforcements

7/3/2020 (Permalink)

Drying Equipment lined up for deployment.

Use everything...

Over the last several weeks, the Quincy, IL area has experienced massive rainfall within small timeframes. Starting with Father's Day rainfall of up to 6" in just 2 hours to the once again massive rain of this past weekend. With the ground already saturated, the water had nowhere to go except into otherwise dry basements.

The calls to the areas trusted leader: SERVPRO of Quincy came so quickly and steadily, that for the first time ever, we ran out of equipment to place.

So, what happens when you run out of the tools needed to help people?

Well... you...

Call for Reinforcements!

We were able to call another franchise and they were able to send us over 100 pieces of drying equipment. This equipment was then loaded and quickly dispersed to needed locations.

So, when you experience a water loss, call the ones that will find a way to get you taken care of: SERVPRO of Quincy.

217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com 

SERVPRO of Quincy - 24 Hour Water Damage Service

6/1/2020 (Permalink)

24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

SERVPRO of Quincy is available 24 hours a day for water emergencies, large or small. When you are dealing with water damage, immediate action is crucial. A delay of just a few hours can greatly increase the severity of the water damage.

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today:  217-223-2993

We understand that when you call us, you may be feeling confused, stressed, and vulnerable. You need an expert to guide you through this crisis. SERVPRO of Quincy has the specific water damage training and experience to help you through this tough time. We specialize in water damage restoration—in fact, it's the cornerstone of our business.

What to Expect

When you call, we will ask several questions regarding your water damage emergency. These questions will help us determine what equipment and resources to bring, including how many trained SERVPRO Professionals may be needed.

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

• Your name and contact information
• Your insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

About SERVPRO of Quincy, IL

SERVPRO of Quincy 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. We are... Here to Help.

Pipe Insulation

12/9/2019 (Permalink)

Benefits of Pipe Insulation

Besides keeping your pipes from freezing, proper pipe insulation has many benefits. You can actually improve your home's safety and efficiency.

Pipe insulation goes a long way toward preventing frozen pipes. Pipe insulation can help keep the water in your plumbing system from turning to ice and expanding and in turn bursting the pipes and causing extensive and sometimes expensive damage. But pipe insulation also performs several far less dramatic roles in the home. These not only help the homeowner save money on utility bills, but also make everyday life a little easier.

Minimizing Heat Gain and Loss

Among the unsung benefits of pipe insulation, its ability to minimize heat gain and loss may be the most important. As water travels along the plumbing lines in a home without pipe insulation, hot water tends to lose heat and cold water tends to gain heat. Introduce pipe insulation, and you greatly diminish these otherwise inevitable inefficiencies.

Controlling Condensation
When the surfaces of plumbing pipes are cooler than the surrounding air, insulation helps control the condensation that, if left unchecked, would slowly corrode the pipes and their fittings, eventually leading to a massive failure.

Selecting Your Insulation
There are several types of pipe insulation, each made of different materials and capable of insulating to a different degree.

• Conventional foam insulation
• Self-sealing foam insulation
• Spray foam insulation
• Fiberglass pipe covers

If you have not yet insulated your pipes, we recommend that you do so because of the problems that may arise. In the event you have burst or leaking pipes and need Expert Help in cleaning up the mess, call the Professionals at SERVPRO of Quincy. We can be reached 24/7/365:     217-223-2993

For further source Info on this please visit:

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-insulate-pipes/

Frozen Pipes

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO pic of frozen pipes.

Water + Cold = Problem

We all need water and most of us here in the Midwest will soon be experiencing freezing or sub-zero temperatures. Add these two together and you could have a problem. You see, water has a unique property in that it expands as it freezes. Expanding water can cause pipes to break. No matter the material they are made from, including metal or plastic.

Recommendations to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Keep exterior doors closed to any area where the water pipes are located.
• Keep bathroom and kitchen cabinet doors open to allow warmer air to circulate.
• Let cold water drip from faucets, moving water is much harder to freeze.
• If you will be gone for an extended period, set the temperature to no lower than 55° F.

If you should experience frozen pipes this winter, please turn off the main water supply and call the Experts in water cleanup and restoration...

SERVPRO of Quincy

Available 24/7/365

217-223-2993

Clean those Gutters

12/2/2019 (Permalink)

Fall Leaves and Water Damage

Don't Fall for Procrastination

The seasons may have skipped right over Fall this year, but do not "fall" into procrastinating on cleaning those gutters.  Although it may not seem like it should be here, winter is here and those leaves in your gutters are not going to clean themselves. But if you do choose to "leave" it for later, you may have water problems to deal with now.

If your gutter becomes clogged it can lead to the water finding an alternate way to drain from your roof. Water taking a different course can cause many issues, such as: 

• Leaky Basement - water that cannot drain properly from your roof can collect around your basement or crawlspace and will eventually find its way in.
• Cracked Foundation - this occurs when water is absorbed into the foundation and over time with the change in temperatures will expand and contract, causing cracks.
• Wood Rot - water that is constantly coming into contact with the wood on your home will eventually rot the wood.

If you are already experiencing the effects of Fall Procrastination, and need help cleaning and restoring your home or business, call your Local Professionals to make it... "Like it never even happened."

SERVPRO of Quincy

217-223-2993

Faster to Any Quincy Area Water Disaster

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Quincy is Faster to Any Size Disaster

Water Emergencies Don't Wait

Water emergencies do not wait for regular business hours. They seem to occur at the most inopportune times. SERVPRO of Quincy provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home or business and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more.  We arrive quickly and start 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: 217-223-2993

SERVPRO of Quincy 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.

Seepage = Not Covered

7/5/2019 (Permalink)

The Team Behind the Clean!

Why isn't this Water Damage Covered by my Insurance?

With the recent large amounts rainfall and flooding in the area, many homeowners and business owners alike have been dealing with unwanted water.

Many are finding out, some for the first time ever, that their insurance does not cover "Seepage". That is, water coming inside through porous material, small cracks, or holes in the foundation. Most insurance policies cover broken pipes, busted water heaters, drain back up and even sump pump failure if the proper endorsements have been added to the policies. But with the record amount of rain and flooding in the area, many are experiencing "Seepage" which is Not Covered under any policy. This falls under the category of "Maintenance", of which the homeowner or business owner is responsible.

We can Help...

Even though you may not be covered for this type of damage, we can still help. Regardless of coverage, you will still need to dry and clean your property properly to prevent further damage. We can assess the situation and give you an estimate on what it will take to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Free Estimates on your Water Cleanup

24/7/365:  217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com

Water is Great if it is your home, but not in your home.

6/7/2019 (Permalink)

Finding your basement is now a pond.

Water is great if you are a duck, it is your home. But, not so great if it is covering your basement  floor and ruining your stuff. With all the recent heavy rains in our area, many people are finding this a very real problem.

What should you ask yourself if you find this situation?

1. Do I know the source? Has the source been stopped?
2. How bad is the damage?
3. How long has the water been sitting? When was the last time you remember it was dry?
4. What type of water are you dealing with? Clean? Outside? Sewage?
5. What type of flooring and contents have been effected?

If you answered any of these questions with an "I don't know.", you need to call the experts at SERVPRO of Quincy. We are trained professionals in the water cleanup and drying process. We will access the situation and determine the best course of action dependent upon the answers to these questions. If you do have the answers to these questions, this will help speed up the process and help us come to your home or business properly equipped and ready to help you make it... "Like it never even happened."

Call us today and leave the water to the ducks.

24/7/365:   217-223-2993

Winter Weather WORRIES

12/28/2018 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery road and a sidewalk to shovel. If you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. 

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air circulate near the plumbing
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposed pipes
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night

Ice Dams

Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.

Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, "check for waster stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication than an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane."

Removing an ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melter. 

If winter weather causes water damage to you or your insured's property, SERVPRO of Quincy is only a call away, 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition. 

What Are You Doing to Prevent Water Damage in Your Quincy Home?

12/24/2018 (Permalink)

We here at SERVPRO of Quincy are experts when it comes to water damage. With over 10 years in the restoration industry, we’ve seen it all. Though our specialty is restoring your home to preloss conditions after you suffer water damage and making it “Like it never even happened,” we have some tips for how you can prevent any future water damage to your home.

1. Watch Your Water Bill

   • So often, homeowners don't realize there's a leak until major damage is done. If your water bill seems unusually high, there may be something going on behind the walls or beneath the floorboards. Monitor your bill closely to catch any potential leaks early.

2. Investigate Leaks Promptly

   • If there is a water leak in your home, it is imperative that you take care of it quickly. Moisture in your home that is left untreated can result in mildew or mold and even structural damage to your property. Additionally, water damage that isn't treated within 48 hours could potentially become contaminated.

3. Be Careful Where (And What) You Plant

   • Some plants, such as willows, elms, and maples, have invasive roots that could cause problems for your property. Before planting a tree, find out about its root system. Never plant a tree less than 10 ft. from your home's foundation; trees with invasive roots may need to be even further (25 to 50 ft. away) in order to ensure the roots don't damage your water and sewer lines.

4. Ensure Proper Drainage

   • Clear your gutters regularly to make room for rain water. Downspouts from your gutters should be directed at least 5 ft. away from your home. It is best to have the water flow onto a hard surface (such as a driveway) or to have a splash guard designed to spread the water and keep it from puddling on the ground.

5. Check Home Appliances Regularly

   • Oftentimes, flooding in the home is caused by a leak from a fridge or dishwasher, etc. Check and maintain your home's appliances regularly, and follow the manufacturer's directions to fix any possible leaks. It is also a good idea to regularly replace the hose for your washing machine. Leaky hoses are a common cause of residential water damage.

Of course these are just some ways to prevent water damage. Unfortunately, not all forms of water damage are preventable. Disaster can strike at any moment, no matter how prepared you may be. We hope it doesn't happen to you, but if it does, call SERVPRO of Quincy and we'll make it "Like it never even happened."

217-223-2993

What to Do if Your Basement Floods

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Storms & Flooding - Quincy, IL Area

With the recent storms and flooding, many homes throughout the Quincy area may have suffered from the unfortunate event of a flooded basement. There is nothing so frustrating as looking down your basement stairs and discovering that your basement is now underwater along with all of your belongings. So, now what do you do?

Be Careful - Water and Electricity Do Not Mix

If there is standing water in your basement, do not go near it. You should not assume that the power has been cut off by the home’s circuit breaker. If your home’s circuit box is located in a dry area of your home, then you should check the breaker box to see if the circuits powering the basement have been tripped and are off. If you have a hot water heater or furnace in the basement, they should be powered off also from the breaker box.

If you are unsure if all of the power is off in the basement, then wait until the water has completely resided or call an electrician or professional flood cleanup company. They will know what to check or who to contact to ensure there is no power going to the flooded basement.

You Don’t Know Where That Water Has Been

The second danger with a flooded basement is that you don’t know where the water originated. While it could be rainwater that has pooled up once the sump pump went out, it could also be from the municipal sewer system backing up. When the local sewer system floods and backs up, it heads to the lowest points first, which are basements. Some home’s main sewer pipes have check valves to prevent the sewer system from backing up into their basements, but many homes do not.

If your basement has a floor drain or bathroom, the sewer system may back up into your basement. Obviously, you don’t want to get anywhere near that water as it can be harmful to your health. Since you don’t know where the water has come from, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Wait until the water has resided and try to avoid any skin contact with the water. Even if it isn’t sewage water, it could contain other chemicals and contaminants from your basement or the floodwaters outside your home.  

So What Should Be Done If A Basement Floods?

As you can see, there are a lot of dangers from basement flooding. The best thing to do if your basement has flooded is to call a water damage cleanup company, like SERVPRO of Quincy. They have the expertise, equipment, and tools to remove the water, dry the basement, remediate any mold, and restore your basement.

Once the water in the basement subsides or has been pumped out, then it’s a matter of removing all the water-soaked items like furniture, storage boxes, area rugs, and more. If there is carpeting in the basement, it will probably need to be commercially vacuumed to extract the water. If there is drywall in the basement, then it may need to be removed or at least partially removed. Drywall can absorb the floodwaters and if not removed or dried right away, it can lead to mold growth. All wood and porous surfaces must also be treated to prevent mold from growing. There are a lot of areas in a basement where the water can seep into and lead to extensive mold growth and damage.

Don’t Risk Further Damage. Contact the Water & Mold Damage Cleanup Professionals.

A flooded basement can be a huge mess that can quickly turn into an even bigger mess. That is why you should trust the professionals at SERVPRO of Quincy to clean up your flooded basement and return it back to normal. You can count on us to make it, "Like it never even happened."

Contact us 24/7/365:

217-223-2993

SERVPROquincyil.com

Stagnant Water

12/3/2018 (Permalink)

Stagnant water, also known as standing water, is a body of water that does not flow or go away in a timely manner. This can be a small puddle in your backyard or a puddle in your crawl space. They both can result in problems for you and your home. The puddle in the backyard can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the puddle in your crawl space can result in damaging mold growth.

Stagnant water can come from any source. It can be clean water from a leaky water pipe or faucet. It can be from rainwater which is likely with the stagnant water in your yard. Or worse, it can be from a sewer line in your home or a sewer backup in your neighborhood. While the sewer water or black water, as it is known, can be the most dangerous to one’s health, they can all lead to mold growth, bacteria growth, and mosquito problems. The clean water can mix with debris, bacteria, and organisms and result in mold growth and other problems.

The Hidden Dangers of Stagnant Water

One of the problems with stagnant water is when it is hidden from our daily view. This could be some standing water hidden behind a woodshed that we never see or stagnant water that sits undisturbed and unseen for months in our crawlspace or basement. It is that time that can ultimately lead to extensive damage to your home.

The longer stagnant water sits in your crawl space, basement, bathroom, or garage; the more time it has to promote mold growth in your home. Once the mold has begun, it usually won’t stop growing until it is found and remediated by professionals, like those at SERVPRO of Quincy. Given a little bit of time, mold can grow quickly on the floor joists, ducts, floors, walls, insulation and other surfaces nearby. Given a few months, mold can lead to structural damage to your home and spread throughout the home through the air or ducts.

What to Do If Stagnant Water is Found

If you find stagnant water right away, you may be able to remove the water without much damage. You need to vacuum or pump out the water and completely dry the area. You also need to remove any materials that got wet including clothing, furniture, carpet, padding, insulation, and drywall. Once all of the damaged materials have been removed, you can sanitize the area to ensure that mold and bacteria don’t grow. While this may be good enough, many times it doesn’t work completely. Days or weeks later, the homeowner discovers mold or bacteria growth where they thought they had dried and cleaned everything.

The Best Thing to Do If Stagnant Found is Found

The danger of water getting into your subfloors, drywall, and structural beams is that they aren’t easy to get dry. They tend to soak up the water which can lead to mold growth in a day or two. That is why it is always best to call water damage experts to professionally remove, dry, clean and repair your home from water damage. Professionals, like those at SERVPRO of Quincy, have seen and dealt with all kinds of water damage and know exactly how to handle your situation to ensure all the damage is removed and restored completely. This can include bringing in commercial dryers, dehumidifiers, and other equipment to completely remove all the water and moisture from the area. They also have industrial cleaners and tools to check and remove all the water and remediate any materials with mold growth.

It Doesn’t Take Much Water to Do Damage

It only takes a little puddle of water to create a lot of damage in your home. It’s always a good idea to check for standing water in your crawl space, basement, garage and other areas where it may occur on a monthly basis. You also want to make it a habit of checking inside, under and around your home after huge rain showers have rolled through your area. Not only may you spot trouble areas inside your home, but you may find trouble areas around your property where the water can lead to a mosquito infestation or stream back into your foundation and into your crawl space.

If you do find stagnant water inside your home, you can try to remove it as quickly as possible or call SERVPRO of Quincy to remove it for you. Not only will we remove the water but we will be able to evaluate your property for any damage or potential damage from the standing water. We will be able to keep your small problem from turning into a much bigger problem down the road.

When They Call You, Call Us.

7/10/2018 (Permalink)

When they have water damage, your policyholder or property owner looks to you to handle the situation. You collect information and provide reassurance everything will be returned to normal. SERVPRO of Quincy understands your priority is helping restore the property and the insured's or owner's peace of mind, while minimizing the loss on a claim. 

The first 24 hours following a water incident are the most important in preventing secondary or permanent damage. Within four hours of loss notification, SERVPRO of Quincy will be on-site to help ensure a water damage is handled properly by completing the following steps. 

Inspection

SERVPRO of Quincy will inspect affected areas of the property to determine the extent of damage. they will also review the inspection with you, your insured, or property manager and answer any questions before beginning work. 

Emergency Services

Next, SERVPRO of Quincy will take immediate steps to protect the home or property and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing for drying. They will also review the inspection with you, your insured, or property manager and answer any questions before beginning work. 

Emergency Services

Next, SERVPRO of Quincy will take immediate steps to protect the home or property and personal belongings from further damage by extracting the excess water and preparing for drying. They will explain in detail the needed emergency services step-by-step.

Monitoring

To help ensure your insured's or owners home and personal belongings, or property are dried to appropriate industry standards, SERVPRO of Quincy will monitor the drying process. The results will be consistently communicated to you throughout the monitoring process. 

Restoration Services

SERVPRO of Quincy will replace structural materials such as drywall and baseboards, reinstall carpets, and clean affected areas of the property and belongings. A final walk-through of the jobsite will be conducted with you, your insured, or owner to help ensure their property was returned to preloss condition when possible. 

Service Response Guidelines

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

Have you heard of SERVPRO's Service Response Guidelines?

Within ONE hour from notice of loss, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will contact you to arrange for service. 

Within FOUR hours of loss notification, a SERVPRO Franchise Professional will be on-site to start mitigation services. 

Within EIGHT business hours of on-site arrival, a verbal briefing of the scope will be communicated to you by a SERVPRO Franchise Professional. 

What can SERVPRO Franchise Professionals do for you?

• Fire smoke and Soot Cleanup and Restoration
• Water Removal and Dehumidification
• Crime Scene, Biohazard and Vandalism Cleanup
• Mold Mitigation and Remediation
• Contents Claim Inventory Service
• Air Duct and HVAC Cleaning
• Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning and Car
• Stain Removal, Stain Resistance Applications
• Odor Identification and Deodorization
• Upholstery and Drapes: Wet or Dry Cleaning Methods

Contact SERVPRO of Quincy today at 217-223-2993 for your water restoration needs!

What to do until SERVPRO Arrives!

6/22/2018 (Permalink)

If you have a water damage from a clean source such as water supply lines, sink overflows, tub overflows, or appliance malfunctions, here are some things to do before SERVPRO arrives.

• Shut off the source of the water.

• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if the access panel is safe from electrical shock.

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting

• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items

• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying

• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting

• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture.

• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors

• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors

The Science of Drying

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? The knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Quincy will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet, to help prevent secondary damage from happening. 
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment.

What exactly does "speed up Mother Nature" mean? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material - but only if the air is, indeed, drier. The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. For this reason, SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals have been trained to use top-of-the-line equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. 

SERVPRO of Quincy also uses state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

DryBook Documentation

SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals use the latest technology to help ensure your property is dried quickly and efficiently. 

DryBook is a proprietary tool that:

• Manages industry drying requirements.
• Provides real-time documentation on the drying process.
• Validates that services are executed to standard. 
• Reports to all stakeholders involved. 
• Allows real-time updates through DryBook Mobile integration. 

This improves results and restores your property at a faster rate, getting you back in your home or business sooner. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals have the training and equipment to help make it "Like it never even happened."

Dangers of Extreme Cold

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

According to the National Weather Service, $2.84 million dollars of property damage was caused by extreme cold in 2015. 

Even scarier? Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold the same year. 

It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. 

Hypothermia is when your body temperatures falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If somebody's body temperature is below 95 degrees F, seek medical attention immediately. 

To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry. 

Worries of Winter Weather

12/20/2017 (Permalink)

Winter weather can bring about more issues than just slippery roads and a sidewalk to shovel. if you live where temperatures sink below freezing level, you are also at risk for frozen pipes and ice dams, which can create a major disaster at your home or property. 

Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are often those exposed to the cold weather, such as those outside your house, or in cold areas such as basements, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. 

A frozen pipe can burst at the point where the ice blockage inside the pipe is located, but typically the rupture is caused by the backflow pressure between the water source and the blockage. A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. 

To prevent pipes from freezing, here are a few steps you can take, according to The American Red Cross:

• Be sure to completely drain water from swimming pool and sprinkler lines, as well as outside hoses. 
• Open kitchen cabinets to let warm air near the plumbing. 
• When the weather is extremely cold, let water drip from faucets that may come from exposes pipes. 
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night. 

Ice Dams

Ice dams can be a little-known, but major problem during the snowy season. They form when heated air melts roof snow downward into water dammed behind still-frozen ice. When the trapped water cannot safely flow or run into the gutter system, it can backflow under the roof's shingles and into the structure's interior areas, as well as causing gutters and shingles to move or fall.

Icicles can be an initial sign of an ice dam, according to Travelers.com. To spot ice dams inside, "check for water stains or moisture in your attic or along the ceiling of exterior walls of your house. Water stains or moisture may be an indication that an ice dam has formed and water has penetrated the roof membrane. 

Removing and ice dam as soon as it is found is vital to helping prevent damage to your property and can be done using heated cables, a roof shovel, or calcium chloride ice melter. 

If winter weather causes water damage to your or your insured's property, your local SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professional is only a call away, 24/7, ready to restore to preloss condition. 

The Science of Drying

7/20/2017 (Permalink)

Did you know there is actually a science behind the process of drying? Having the knowledge of psychrometrics is essential to restoring a water-damaged structure to its preloss condition. While your initial reaction may be to grab a few towels to mop up the mess and place a fan or two around the damaged area, SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals are trained in the science of drying and follow strict industry-approved standards to help lower the chances of any secondary damages. If your business suffers a water damage, SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals will:

• Inspect the building to detect every component that is wet to hep prevent secondary damage from happening.
• Measure how much moisture is in wet materials and monitor whether the materials are drying properly.
• Speed up Mother Nature by using professional drying equipment. 

What exactly does it mean to help "Speed up Mother Nature"? A wet building can often dry naturally because the environment always seeks equilibrium. When materials are wet, moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material - but only if the air is, indeed, drier. 

The only problem is, nature often takes too long and secondary damages may occur while the building is drying out. 

Your SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals have the tools and equipment to help Mother Nature along, including equipment to help dry hardwood floors, tough-to-reach spaces inside walls, and much more. Your SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals also use state-of-the-art monitoring equipment and a proven scientific process to help speed the drying of your home or business. 

It's not only the equipment, but the technology too. SERVPRO has developed DryBook, a proprietary tool that provides real-time documentation and updates on the drying process and helps ensure industry drying requirements are met. With DryBook Mobile, you have the ability to know exactly where your property is in the drying process. 

The bottom line? SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals have the training and equipment to help make water damage "Like it never even happened."

Like it never even happened.®

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Imagine it's 8:00 p.m. on a Sunday, and you walk into your home after a relaxing vacation expecting to switch on the lights, put the kids to bed then get some rest yourself.

The only problem? A water pipe burst over the weekend, dumping thousands of gallons of water over your hardwood floor, your carpeted living room and your cement utility room. You realize this problem is far beyond the reach of your shop vac. What do you do now?

When it is your home or business that is underwater, mitigation cannot wait. You need mitigation to begin immediately. If water damage strikes you or your customers, give SERVPRO of Quincy a call, any time, any day. 

The cost of water damages can increase exponentially with time. Wood floors warp, dry wall soaks in moisture and mold develops in hard-to-reach areas of your home or business.

The benefits of rapid mitigation offered by SERVPRO of Quincy are two-fold: Your costs go down as potential hazards may be avoided, and your peace of mind goes through the roof. 

If the unthinkable happens to your home or business, allow SERVPRO of Quincy to help quickly turn your "before" into a "happily ever after."

Help I Have a Flood in My Home

6/13/2017 (Permalink)

Water damage can cost homeowners thousands of dollars to fix. When water gets into a structure and it is dried incorrectly, the wood can rot and mold and mildew can form making the occupants extremely ill. Trained and certified to the highest standards in the industry, our professional production team responds immediately - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - to mitigate loss and meet every challenge with professionalism, reliability, compassion and respect. Our technicians identify the full extent of moisture damage, both obvious and unseen, by using sensors such as moisture detectors and state of the science technology.

Meanwhile, we help homeowners overcome their feeling of helplessness by explaining the process in a way that they can understand what is happening, what to expect, and what they can do. SERVPRO of Quincy's commitment to customer excellence includes insurance professionals, which means that insurance agents and claims adjusters can expect effective, ongoing communication and reporting. We understand insurance industry requirements. Our professional production team will provide a complete estimate, including photos, to the agent or adjuster within 24-48 hours. 

Call SERVPRO of Quincy and get quality water damage restoration services, fire and smoke damage restoration, mold and mildew removal and if your home, business or insurance customer needs one of our large selection of biohazard removal services, we are ready, trained and equipped to provide you with any clean up, mitigation and restoration service. Call us today at 217-223-2993.

It's The Water You Don't See

5/26/2017 (Permalink)

Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. 

The key to avoiding costly future restoration is to handle every water problem as a real threat to your property. SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals have the equipment, training and experience to find and dry unseen water before secondary damages occur. The proper equipment makes a measurable difference in reducing the damage expense during a fire or water loss. When time matters, technology and equipment must be counted on to perform. Your local SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals will answer your call with rapid action and a full arsenal of drying equipment. Here are a few of the tools used by your local SERVPRO of Quincy Professionals:

• Moisture sensors are used to detect moisture in carpets, baseboards and walls.
• Moisture Meters are used to determine the actual moisture content of various materials. The moisture tester provides accurate readings, allowing SERVPRO Franchise Professionals to monitor the drying process. 
• Thermohygrometers measure temperature and relative humidity. When armed with this information, SERVPRO of Quincy Franchise Professionals can calculate and create an environment most conducive to drying. When facing a contaminated water loss, it is not only important to dry the structure, but the structure must be disinfected and often deodorized. 
• Ultra Low-Volume (ULV) Foggers will atomize liquid deodorizing agents, producing a fine mist that can easily penetrate the site where odor-causing residues may accumulate. This device can also be used to inject fungicides and disinfectants into wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas. 
• Thermal Foggers dispense solvent-based products by creating a dense fog. The fog consists of tiny particles of deodorant solution that attach to and neutralize odor-causing particles. 

The bottom line? Your local SERVPRO Franchise Professionals have the training and equipment to make it "Like it never even happened."

Preventing Rain Damage

4/3/2017 (Permalink)

Here at SERVPRO of Quincy we are not strangers to the damage that can be caused by rain. Here's our recommendation for preventing what could become a huge headache because of rain. Have your roof inspected once a year!!

Far more can happen and go wrong than a couple of ugly water stains on your ceiling. If you don't catch the leak, it could begin to rot the frame of your home. When wood gets too wet and ultimately damaged by water, it has to be replaced. So basically what could start as a little bit of water from a little bit of rain can spread causing unnecessary and expensive water damage and/or eventually mold damage costing you much more than the price of a simple inspection.

What To Do Until Help Arrives - Water Damages

12/5/2016 (Permalink)

Water Damage From Clean Water

DO

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source. 
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building, when access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. 
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying. 
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting. 
• Remove to a safe, dry place any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. 
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors. 
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors. 
• Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature. 

DON'T

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards. 
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors to cause staining 
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner. 
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors. 
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet or enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water. 

Water Damage From Contaminated Water

DO:

• Avoid all contact with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. 
• Wash your hands thoroughly after contact with contaminated items. 

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 and spread contaminants. 
• Use products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

It May Not Look Like Much Water, But The Cleanup Can Be Over Your Head

12/2/2016 (Permalink)

Trained and Equipped to Quickly Dry and Protect Your Home and Belongings

A mop and common household cleaning products may not be enough for black water intrusions. SERVPRO of Quincy is trained to safely clean and restore your home, utilizing the following procedures:

• Identify the Source/Type of Water
• Measure Temperature and Humidity for Drying Analysis
• Survey the Extent of Damage and Inspect the Premises
• Perform Emergency Water Extraction
• Move and Block Furniture
• Provide Floor Service
• Inspect Carpet Pad/Carpet and Provide Service
• Apply Necessary Treatments (Disinfectants/Deodorization)
• Utilize Dying Equipment and Monitor Drying
• Dispose of Refuse

Emergency mitigation means that under normal circumstances, SERVPRO of Quincy is on-site within four hours to begin drying and decontaminating your home and restorable contents. SERVPRO of Quincy is trained and understands how to manage the drying process. By utilizing the proper equipment and moisture measuring devices, a structure is quickly and thoroughly dried, which helps prevent secondary water damages. 

Safety First

Abiding by OSHA guidelines and all applicable health regulations, SERVPRO of Quincy removes moisture, sewage, and contaminants, disinfecting and deodorizing as they safely clean your home and restorable belongings. 

Any water damage in your home is bad. Especially when the water contains potentially harmful bacteria that can affect the health of your family and the value of your home. Toilet overflows, sewage backups and other dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly messes; these biohazardous damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into a home, as well as the moisture necessary to support their growth. 

SERVPRO of Quincy understands how disruptive black water damages can be for your entire family. For this reason, SERVPRO of Quincy offers 24-hour emergency response, and, under normal circumstances, will have trained, uniformed technicians on-site of a water damage within four hours to begin emergency mitigation services. By responding quickly with a full line of water cleanup and restoration services, SERVPRO of Quincy can help you regain control quickly while drying, deodorizing and protecting your home and belongings. 

So, before you risk your health by attempting to clean up the mess yourself, call your local water damage cleanup and restoration experts at SERVPRO of Quincy. 

Understanding Water Types

11/7/2016 (Permalink)

When your home or business suffers a water damage, understanding what type of water you are dealing with is critical to ensuring proper cleanup. There are three types of water. Clean water is water from a broken pipe, or other water source. The term gray water is when it is left untreated allowing bacteria and other contaminants to begin growing, making the water hazardous. Black water is highly contaminated and filled with fungi, bacteria, chemicals and more. Black water is typically caused by sewage damage, flooding or any type of natural disaster. Black water should always be handled by trained professionals. When you have a water damage, don't leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO of Quincy at 217-223-2993. Consider taking the following precautions to help minimize damage or prevent further damage while waiting for help to arrive. 

Damage from Clean Water

• Shut off the water source if possible or contact a qualified professional to do so.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas of the building if access to the power distribution panel is safe from potential electrical shock. Do not enter rooms with standing water, as electrical shock hazards may exist. 
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting. Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items. 
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions to allow even more drying. 
• Move any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other valuable items that may be sensitive to moisture to a safe place. 
• Do not leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors as they may cause staining. 
• Do not use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water as there is potential for electrical shock or causing damage to the vacuum cleaner. 
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet; do not enter rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water.

Damage from Contaminated Water

• Avoid all contacts with sewage and items contaminated by sewage. Wash your hands thoroughly if you come in contact with contaminated items. 
• Do not walk through contaminated areas, as you could spread damage to unaffected areas. 
• Do not turn on the HVAC system if there is a possibility of spreading contaminated air. Do not use household fans to dry the structure; air flow could spread contaminants. 
• Discard any food and/or products for personal hygiene and cleanliness if exposed to the contaminated areas. 

12 Unit Apartment Floods

2/16/2016 (Permalink)

The amount of water from the burst pipe collapsed the drywall ceiling and had 2 inches of standing water.

A water pipe froze and then burst in a large apartment complex causing 12 apartments to flood. SERVPRO of Quincy responded with a full crew to the loss site, an hour away, at 1:00 AM to start the water extraction and mitigation process. The large amount of water from the burst pipe caused the ceilings to collapse, leaving two inches of standing water throughout the building. Our crew worked diligently over the following days on the mitigation. Even with the massive size of the job, we were able to completely dry the structure and return it to the owners within two weeks. No matter when or where, SERVPRO of Quincy will respond to help you put your life and property back together "Like it never even happened".