Recent Posts

Discovered a Puddle? Common Reasons for Water Damage | SERVPRO of Oak Lawn

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

Water Damaged Crack in Ceiling Water damage sneaks into our homes when least expected. That's why SERVPRO of Oak Lawn is Here to Help®. Call us today!

How often do you think about the pipes flowing through your home and whether your gutter system needs some TLC? We would imagine that these thoughts don’t pass through your mind on a regular basis. You are busy enough keeping up with your busy family!

However, everything can come grinding to a halt if you come home one day to water all over your kitchen floor or a flooded basement. Knowing where to look when it comes to finding the source of the leak can help you stay in control of the situation. 


Your Trusty Appliances

We use appliances like water heaters, ice makers, fridges and dishwashers on a daily basis, and for the most part, they are reliable machines that help us accomplish our daily tasks. Unfortunately, all it takes is a single malfunction or faulty appliance to cause water to leak out of it and onto your floor.

Check your appliances and the water lines that lead to and from them regularly, and consider pulling them away from the wall to check for puddles or water spots behind each machine. In addition, you should check all the caulk lines and water connections from around tubs, sinks, toilets and showers. Even a single drip could leak gallons of water a day. 

The Force of Mother Nature

Storms can be brutal at any point in the year. The spring and summer seasons can cause heavy rain to fall that can infiltrate our homes, and the winter season can bring intense snowstorms that lead to ice dams, clogged gutters and roof damage. 

Clear out your gutters regularly during the spring and summer, and make sure they are clear again before the snow falls. While snow won’t melt down your gutters in the winter, it will eventually need to in the spring and a single clog or blockage can be disastrous for your home.

Floods can also be destructive and cause significant water damage. If your home is located in a flood zone, professionally grading your yard to slope down and away from your home can help you stay dry no matter what is going on outside. If that is not a possibility, investing in a sump pump can help keep water away as well. 

The Water Damage Restoration Process
Whether your kitchen is flooded due to an overwhelmed dishwasher or the last seasonal storm led to water leaking down your walls, we have you covered. Our team will jump into action to dry out your home and address repairs right away. The longer water sits, the higher the risk for mold growth and long-term structural issues, so we get right to work!

Our industry-leading drying equipment will remove the water while our talented team will fix warped floors, soggy walls and even tackle carpet replacement. We proudly do it all so you can get back to your regular life as soon as possible.

Got water damage? Give SERVPRO of Oak Lawn a call for immediate restoration assistance. 

Ways to Reduce Your House Fire Risk | SERVPRO of Oak Lawn

11/20/2023 (Permalink)

Burning house roof Is your home left with the devastating aftermath of a fire? Call SERVPRO of Oak Lawn immediately. We are Here to Help®.

We all love our homes and take pride in the space we have created for our families. While we are busy getting through our days and managing everyone’s schedules, it can be easy to overlook important homeownership tasks like reducing your risk of suffering a house fire. 

House fires are almost always unexpected situations, but unfortunately, most of them could have been prevented. By knowing what causes house fires, you can take steps to reduce your risk every single day. Read on to learn how to stay safe!

Your Kitchen and Cooking

The vast majority of house fires start in the kitchen—and with good reason. All of the frying, baking, broiling and boiling that we do uses heat and flame, which directly increases your house fire risk whenever your oven or burners are on.  

Stay close by whenever you are cooking, and try to reduce the number of flammable materials near your stove. Even just one kitchen towel placed too close to the burner can ignite and cause a quickly intensifying situation.

If you grill often, be sure to extend these same principles outside, while also ensuring your equipment is safe to use. If you have a charcoal grill, inspect it before each use to look for dents or cracks in the drum and lid, and be sure the vents can easily slide into place if you need to snuff out a fire quickly. 

Propane grills should also be checked for dents, and be sure the gas lines and connections are tight and not leaking. A single leaking tank can become a huge fire risk. 

Electrical Safety and Candles

Electrical fires are also a serious risk in homes. With all of the electronics and screens at our disposal nowadays, it can be easy to leave too many things plugged into one outlet. 

Only have one cord plugged into each outlet, and do not plug extension cords into another extension cords. This is called daisy-chaining and can easily overwhelm your outlets. 

Candles are a great way to make any home cozier, but they can also be dangerous in the right circumstance. Keep them out of reach for little hands and pets, and never leave a room when a candle has been lit. A single forgotten candle can quickly burn too hot and high, catching anything around it on fire in seconds.  

Where Our Team Comes Into Play

Even if you do everything right to safeguard your home against fire disasters, the unexpected can happen at any time and you could be left with significant fire damage. Call us as soon as the flames are out so we can start on your recovery plan.

We are here 24/7 to respond to your call and we will arrive at your door right away to start cleaning, removing debris, and sanitizing your space. Once your space is prepped and ready to be rebuilt, we will deodorize it and start on your repairs. We can handle everything from minor fire damage repairs to full reconstructions of rooms or sections of your home. 

SERVPRO of Oak Lawn can help you recover faster after a house fire. Call us right away.  

Preparing for Illinois Storm Threats | SERVPRO of Oak Lawn

10/2/2023 (Permalink)

dark gray cloudy sky with heavy rain droplets pouting in front of it Need help restoring your home or business after a recent storm? SERVPRO of Oak Lawn is "Here to Help" 24/7!

We are in the heart of storm season here in Oak Lawn, and we have already seen our fair share of severe weather! Storms can bring us much-needed rain and relief from a humid day, but they can also bring the potential for home damage.

Damage can come in many shapes and sizes. Three main damage threats usually accompany severe storms: wind, water and impact damages.

In the summertime, our community is at risk of experiencing severe thunderstorms, tornadoes and potential flash flooding events. By understanding these threats and preparing for them, you can reduce your risk of damage significantly.

Wind Damage

We all know when a storm is coming to town because the wind starts to pick up. Regular thunderstorms produce wind between 30 to 40 miles per hour, but the stronger the storm, the faster the wind can blow. Straight-line winds can blow up to 100 miles per hour and cause widespread damage in a single, powerful burst.

If a tornado is in the area, these winds can easily get up to 300 miles per hour and can level homes and businesses. When the wind is this strong, trees can be uprooted and thrown around your yard. Backyard equipment, children’s toys and other outdoor objects can also be easily tossed about, and shingles and siding can be peeled away with ease.

As soon as a weather watch is issued, head outside and take a look at your yard. Tie down patio furniture, clean up dead branches or limbs and try to remove as many loose objects as possible to give the wind less to work with.

Water Damage

If water infiltrates your home during a storm, it can cause significant water damage or even flooding conditions in your basement. Once the water is present, it can be hard to dry up completely, which can lead to mildew and mold growth even just after a couple of days.

A simple fix to keep water moving down and away from your home is to install a gutter system or ensure your gutters are clear and free of blockages. Gutters keep water from pooling on your roof and also from seeping down into your foundation.

If you consistently are finding water in your basement or home after a storm, your property might need to be graded to slope away from your home. This helps encourage any rain that does fall to flow away instead of backward toward your home.

Impact Damage

Impact damages may be one of the scarier forms of damage when storms come to town. They typically occur when something heavy lands or falls on your home. Falling trees, upturned trampolines and even overturned cars can cause widespread damage.

Try not to keep yard clutter out when storms are predicted, and try to tie down whatever you can before the wind starts to blow. Move your cars into the garage to help protect them from damage as well.

Severe weather is by nature unpredictable, so even if you do everything right, damage is still possible. If that happens to you, SERVPRO of Oak Lawn is here to help you recover quickly and efficiently.

Don’t let storm damage keep you down. Call SERVPRO of Oak Lawn for a fast restoration.

Water Damage Doesn't Stand a Chance When SERVPRO Is On The Job!

9/7/2022 (Permalink)

Chances are you take great pride in your property, whether you own a business, apartment complex, small business, or home.  Suppose you arrive home one evening after work and come across a burst pipe, sewer backup, or leaky water heater in your home. Whichever the case may be, a continuous trickle or a large amount of water damage can lead to a disaster and requires immediate cleanup. SERVPRO of Oak Lawn specializes in extraction and water damage restoration. 

In these situations, always try to remember safety first.  When water damage happens it can be very stressful and sometimes even dangerous.  

If not acted upon quickly, any amount of water accumulation can lead to larger problems such as mold and mildew, further damage to walls, ceilings and floors, or even the outer structure of your home or property.  

SERVPRO of Oak Lawn strives to provide the best possible service all of the time.  No matter how big or small your water damage may be, we have the proper training, equipment, and products to restore your home or business to preloss state.  

Call us today (708) 239-1444

Fire Extinguisher Importance in your Home or Business

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Office buildings need specific fire safety equipment to keep both employees and clients safe. This includes smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire alarms, and extinguishers.  

The first step in fire damage restoration is to put out the fire using the proper tools.  A first responder may use an approved portable fire extinguisher to prevent a small fire from growing and causing further damage.  

The National Fire Protection Agency publishes a series of standards and requirements for portable fire extinguishers called NFPA 10, available here.

No matter what the size of the fire, your first priority should be to get everyone out safely and call 911.  Once the fire has been put out, you can call SERVPRO of Oak Lawn (708) 239-1444 to assist with the fire damage restoration.  

Here is a link for another great resource on why you should buy a fire extinguisher for your home. 

Flooding in your Oak Lawn Business

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

The weather has been very unpredictable the past few weeks in our area.  We have experience heavy rains in a short period of time causing the sewer systems to back up and streets to flood. 

If you see there is a flash flood watch, this means that a flash flood is possible.  A flash flood warning means that a flood is about to happen or already taking place.  If a flash flood occurs, you should make sure everyone gets to higher ground as quickly as possible. 

Your business can prepare for any potential disaster, including flash floods. Keep all essential equipment and documents elevated from the floor.  Ideally, they should be stored on the second floor of the building or higher.  Back-up electronic data daily to cloud storage or to an external drive so the files can still be accessed in the event of a disaster.  

It is a good idea to have a battery-powered radio available on-site.  In case of a power outage, you and your staff can keep updated on the current conditions.  (FEMA) The Federal Emergency Management Agency provides a list of recommended supplies in the event of a disaster, such as a flashlight and first aid kit. 

You can also check with the National Weather Service to get more tips on safety during flooding

SERVPRO of Oak Lawn can help your business get back on track after flooding or other disasters.  Call us today for more information or a free inspection (708) 239-1444

Commercial Water Damage can Happen Even on Weekends

9/5/2022 (Permalink)

Usually, many office buildings are unoccupied over the weekend.  A water leak that happens on a Friday, that no one notices, can turn into a huge flooding problem my Monday morning. 

Recognizing a Water Leak

Faulty toilets or leaking pipes can escalate into something more serious if they are not noticed or repaired in time.  Here are a few tips to identify signs you may have leaking water:

  • Listen carefully for sounds of dripping or water coming from faucets or toilets.  If the water has been shut off and you are still hearing dripping, this may be a sign of a faulty and time to call a plumber. 
  • Have your employees do a quick check of the ceilings and floors in their work areas.  Wet carpet maybe a sign of a plumbing leak. 
  • If you notice a drop in water pressure, this may also be a sign that there is water leaking somewhere in the building.  
  • Check toilets regularly for any faulty supply lines. 

A water leak in your place of business if left untreated can cause substantial damage.  By catching leaks early, you can protect your business better.  If you do encounter water damage, call SERVPRO of Oak Lawn today. (708)239-1444

Why SERVPRO? We are here to help when your commercial property is damaged

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding and water damage events at Oak Lawn commercial properties are often complex with numerous issues that require a knowledgeable and flexible response. Whether we’re dealing with a relatively small water cleanup scenario or a large scale event, we work quickly to assess each unique situation and isolate the damaged area. In many instances, normal operations can continue in a temporary space while we restore your facility.

Restoring Commercial Properties Presents Unique Challenges

Our professionals are trained to be mindful of legal and environmental concerns and strive to fully restore the damaged area while working within your budgetary constraints. We understand that every hour spent cleaning up is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. So when an emergency situation arises in your business, give us a call and we’ll be there fast with the help you need.

About SERVPRO of Oak Lawn

SERVPRO of Oak Lawn specializes in the cleanup and restoration of commercial and residential property after a 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.

Fire Damage Is a Threat Year-Round, and SERVPRO of Oak Lawn is Here 24/7/365

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

While hotter summer temperatures increase fire damage risk in Oak Lawn homes relative to the other seasons, plenty can still go wrong around the home that might lead to a fire, even in the deepest winter months. With enough fuel and oxygen, fires can burn even in the coldest conditions, and even when the air is relatively humid. Here are a few typical ways fires may start in local homes this winter and early spring season.

Electrical Fires
 
In the 21st century, one of the most prominent sources of home damage is fire damage in Oak Lawn from electrical mishaps. As our homes fill with ever-increasing numbers of gadgets, devices, and appliances, more and more electrical fires occur each year. Although newer electronics are usually safer and less fire-prone than older devices, the sheer number of them present in most modern households means that disaster of some sort can often be an inevitability. Water cannot often extinguish an electrical fire, and many electrical fires are in fact caused by contact with a water source. Always use a chemical or foam-based fire extinguisher in these emergencies.

Cooking Disasters
 
American kitchens remain the most consistent points of origin of large house fires across the country. In the typical kitchen, setting can be found multiple heating appliances, electronic devices, and sources of an open flame. Any of these can be prone to malfunction or user error and start a fire. Be sure to equip your kitchen with at least one well-placed smoke detector and check its batteries on a semi-regular basis.
 
Fireplaces
 
It is cold outside, and those with a hearth may be inclined to use it in the earliest and latest months of the year. While fireplaces can be a great addition to the room and source of extra warmth, they also carry a great deal of risk with them. Always treat a fireplace with caution, and consider adding a barrier of some sort in front of its flame for added safety.

SERVPRO of Oak Lawn is ready 24/7 to respond to calls of fire damage in the area.  Contact us (708) 239-1444. 

Fire Safety in the Fall Season

9/2/2022 (Permalink)

As we enter this fall season families will be spending more time indoors. It is also the time to think about Fire Safety.  The most common causes of house fires are:

  • Failure to maintain appliances
  • Careless smoking
  • Children playing with fire
  • Unattended or careless cooking
  • Candles
  • Holiday decorations
  • Electrical circuit overload
  • Outdoor burning that spreads to the home

Any of the above can cause significant property loss, injuries, or death.  Our lives are busy with work, school, family activities and the holidays are just around the corner.  There are a few things we can do to help prevent fires from starting such as:

  • Cleaning the stove after each use to prevent grease build up.
  • Making sure we have working smoke detectors in the home. 
  • Being sure that all electronics are not left charging overnight or while we area way from the home. 
  • Checking all holiday decorations to ensure the cords are in decent shape.

Other things that can do throughout the year are:

  • Make sure to clean dryer vents.  Lint buildup can cause a fire. 
  • Replace furnace filters and remove dust from the unit
  • Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors. 

Fire Fighters suggest that you do all of these things at Daylight Savings time because it's easy to remember.  One of the most important things that a family should do is have an "Escape Plan" in place and practice it monthly so that everyone knows what to do and where to meet in case of a fire.