Recent Posts

Frozen Pipe Burst in Hotel Room

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

Ceiling collapses in a hotel room after a frozen pipe bursts Ceiling collapses in a hotel room after frozen pipe bursts, damaging the contents below

Below-freezing temperatures during the Midwest winters lead to rampant frozen pipes and pipe breaks in homes, schools, and commercial buildings. Frozen pipes are tricky: they can be difficult to prevent and detect, and can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. 

A frozen pipe recently burst in the ceiling of an unoccupied hotel room, with the weight of the water causing the panels to collapse onto the room below. Fortunately, our SERVPRO team was there to help.

Our crew was able to extract any standing water from the room, remove any debris and unsalvageable contents, and properly dry out the area. Furniture was transported back to the warehouse so that it could be dried, cleaned, and restored to its original condition so the hotel room could be put back to use in no time. 

Preparing for Winter Storms

1/8/2024 (Permalink)

Important items to stock up for a winter storm emergency kit. Winter storm emergency kit.

As we head into the thick of the winter season, forecasts are calling for the first significant snowstorms of the year across the Midwest. Winter storms can cause transportation, heat, power, and communication disruptions. In order to stay safe and prepared for the harsh weather conditions, it is important to take measures of precaution ahead of time. Here are some tips to prepare for winter storms:

Stay warm: Stay indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia. Avoid travel if you can, but if you must travel, stock your car with blankets and an emergency kit, and maintain over a half-full tank of gas. Wear layers of clothing: a hat, scarf, mittens, and water-resistant boots. 

Prepare your home: Weatherproof your home with insulation and weather-strip doors and windows. Stock your pantry with non-perishable food items and bottled water. Build an emergency kit that includes a first-aid kit, a battery-operated radio, flashlights, blankets, matches, and extra batteries. Bring your pets indoors.

Stay informed: Stay up to date on local news and weather reports, and share information with others. 

Stay safe!

Christmas in July (not quite)

11/8/2023 (Permalink)

Santa's Elves It's beginning to look a lot like...

SERVPRO elves got an early start this holiday season.  It's not quite July but still seems like a bot of a head start on the holiday season.

Our office staff at SERVPRO of Mt. Prospect/ North Des Plaines does an excellent job of making our workplace feel homey and welcoming. This time of year we are especially festive.  We strive to provide a family environment in the workplace in hopes of fostering the most positive team experience possible.

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our many clients on a daily basis and pride ourselves on being the best in the industry.

Our positive and passionate environment provides the necessary support system to ensure our team takes a positive attitude in to each new challenge.  

It's All About the System

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Fall Out Clean Up Aisle 7

Why SERVPRO?

SERVPRO franchises follow a standard set by our corporate office in Gallatin, TN. The franchise system places standard operating procedures to be uniformly followed in all franchises. SERVPRO's vast experience in fire, water, mold, and restoration has set precedent for some of the finest work processes in the restoration industry.

Here at SERVPRO of Mt Prospect/ North Des Plaines of office staff follows corporate procedures and guidelines in order to avoid the work office overload depicted in this photo. Clearly these office personal could have benefited from some corporate guideline assistance.

Next time, they'll avoid this mess by following the corporate office procedures and guidelines.

It should be noted that no office staff members were injured in the making of this blog. ;-)  

We've Got the Right Tools for the Job.

11/7/2023 (Permalink)

Blown Away Is there a draft in here?

Water damage restoration comes in many shapes and sizes. Whether it's a leaking faucet, broken refrigerator line, or flooded basement, SERVPRO of Mt. Prospect North Des Plaines has the right tools for the job.

Air movers are used for drying structures. We have over 300 air movers ranging from the old school "snail fans" to today's low amperage, high output air movers.  The air movers come in many sizes and can be used in a variety of drying needs.

Our SERVPRO Hero Ready trained technicians are schooled in making the correct choice of equipment for each individual job. Using the proper equipment can reduce the drying time and cost of a project. The choices can be critical to the success of the drying project.

The SERVPRO Difference

5/8/2023 (Permalink)

Containment barrier The containment barrier keeps any dust or debris from entering the unaffected areas of the home.

When disaster strikes at your home, it is important to us at SERVPRO to ensure that nothing else gets damaged when we are performing emergency mitigation services. There are a few steps we may take to protect your contents as well as unaffected areas of the home and neighboring rooms. At SERVPRO we pride ourselves on going the extra mile to ensure your home and your belongings are safe throughout the entire process. 

One thing we may do is set up a containment barrier to separate the affected area from the unaffected area. This can be done by using poles that keep the containment up or by just taping the plastic barrier to the ceiling and walls. By doing this we are eliminating the possibility of any dust or debris being blown into the unaffected area while our equipment is running. Containing the dust to only one area makes the post cleanup much easier. Another thing the containment barrier can help do is eliminate cross contamination. 

 In addition to setting up the containment barrier, we will also use plastic sheeting to cover any items that are still in the affected area such as couches, beds, entertainment centers, etc. It is common for bigger furniture items to be left on site or in the room to remove the possibility of the item being damaged while being moved. Keeping these things covered stops them from being affected by any dust or debris which eliminates the need to have the items cleaned at the end.

In the event there are books or pictures or any small items of that sort, we use boxes to store them. Putting these items in boxes gives us an easy way to remove them from the affected areas and place them in another area of the home. The boxes are labeled by room, making it easy to distinguish where the items came from. 

It's the Season For Storms! Are You Ready?

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms in the summer can cause numerous unexpected damages to your property. Whether it is flooding in your basement, damage to your roof, or trees puncturing through your windows, storm damage can happen at any time. When the forecast looks grim, it is wise to prepare in advance to ensure you and your loved ones are kept safe.

  1. Secure fences and outside furniture: Heavy winds can easily pull unsecured fencing and loose patio furniture off the ground, which could cause exterior damage to your house. Make sure your fence is properly secured, and anchor outdoor furniture or bring it inside. 
  2. Check gutters: Make sure your gutters are clear of debris and downspouts drain away from your house to help prevent interior water damage.
  3. Trim trees: Dead tree limbs near your windows could potentially get loose from heavy winds and puncture through.
  4. Protect your valuables: If you store valuables in your basement, make sure they are off the ground or secured in boxes.
  5. Review your policy: Lots of homeowners often find out too late that their insurance policy does not cover certain types of flood damages!
  6. Create an emergency kit: Make sure your emergency kit has everything you need just in case! 

When storms come your way, SERVPRO is ready and prepared to handle any size disaster!

Preparing Before the Storm Arrives

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Have you ever thought about what steps need to be taken when you know there is a heavy storm on the way? Storms can cause many different forms of damage to your home, cars, and personal belongings. Storm winds can reach up to 95 mph and knowing how to help protect and secure your home can minimize the damages. Here are some tips to help prepare yourself, your family, and your property when a storm is on its way:

  • Designate a safe room for shelter that is always from windows or outside doors like patios. Make sure you have some food and water and emergency supplies in your safe room in case of an emergency.
  • Get organized. Prepare your garage by organizing supplies so that your cars will be protected from any severe winds or debris that may be caught in the wind outdoors.
  • Close and reinforce your garage door. Making sure you garage door is closed and reinforced with support beams can help in case of extremely strong winds or debris that could come towards the garage door.
  • Anticipate a power outage. Having all your devices fully charged in case you need to contact someone in an emergency will be very helpful. Additionally, having battery powered radios and flashlights will also come in handy during the night.
  • Collect and store all yard items and equipment. Any outdoor items that could get swept away in the heavy winds are best kept in the garage.
  • Stay informed. Keeping the radio or news report on hand so you can be prepared for what is heading your way.  

Flooded Basement? That's Our Specialty!

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

It happens to everyone. Sump pumps fail, pipes burst, sewer lines back up. There is a myriad of reasons basements may flood, and we at SERVPRO have seen it all. Luckily, we are IICRC certified professionals, meaning we utilize industry-standard practices and procedures to make sure your flooded basement is properly taken care of.

After the initial assessment, a crew chief will discuss with you and (if going through insurance) your adjuster regarding the work to be performed, ensuring everything we do is pre-approved and signed off on. When done properly, your basement can be dried out within three days by following standard procedures and utilizing the most effective drying equipment available. 

24/7 Response

At SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines, we understand time is of the essence when it comes to saving your flooded basement. That is why we make ourselves available 24/7, with an on call crew ready to respond to your emergency situation and be Faster to Any Size Disaster. Call us today at 847-956-1880 to begin the restoration process!

We Can Handle Your Water Loss Damage

10/7/2022 (Permalink)

Having an accident or flood can be a devastating experience. Even a little water can lead to significant damage if given enough time. It can affect your belongings, furniture, and even the structural stability of your home. 


When facing water removal issues in your Elk Grove area home, it is important to have a trained professional on your side. You want to locate the source of the problem, get excess water out of your home, and have someone available to deal with unsuspected damages. 
  
SERVPRO has 24-hour emergency service, IICRC certified technicians, industrial-grade equipment, and years of experience providing extraction, drying, cleaning, and repair services for customers just like you. We understand how water works, making its way into cracks and crevices, leading to expensive damages. 
  
Our technicians use infrared moisture detectors to locate even the smallest amounts of water, water extractors of all shapes and sizes, along with drying and dehumidification equipment to get water out of your home in a quick, efficient manner that limits any losses you may experience.  
  
We can perform wet carpet removals, content, and structural decontamination, humid or flooded basement cleanup services, as well as complete structural drying. We even make sure that the inside of your walls remains entirely moisture-free and perform mold remediation services when necessary to help you maintain a clean, healthy home.  
  
Attempting to perform your water removal services alone leaves you with hidden pockets of water throughout your home that can cause excessive damages in the future. Without the right tools and experience, everything can get out of hand quite fast, leaving you with a huge mess and significant problems that you simply do not understand. 
  
We can provide you and your family with the services you deserve. By assigning qualified technicians, we help return everything to normal in a quick, efficient manner, after an emergency occurs.  
  
Get the help you need by calling SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines, today! (847) 956-1880.