Recent Commercial Posts

Commercial Fire Damage Cleaning Services

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Cleaning after a fire damage commercial loss.

Fire damage can be very devastating for a business or commercial property. In addition to fire, smoke, and soot damage, water damage caused by firefighting efforts and fire suppression systems may occur.

Every hour spent restoring your business back to pre-fire condition is an hour of lost revenue and productivity. If you have a fire emergency, call SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines at (847) 956-1880 because we have the training, experience, and equipment to manage your commercial fire damage emergency. We will respond quickly and manage the fire restoration project through to its completion—getting your property business-ready.

Whether your need is removing an odor problem or deep cleaning flooring or carpets, you can depend on SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines to get the job done right the first time. We’ll respond promptly and make your workspace look its very best.

Your commercial property’s appearance speaks volumes to your clients. So when the need arises for professional cleaning or emergency restoration services, SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines has the training and expertise to help make it “Like it never even happened.”

We are available 24 hours a day to get your business back up and running. Our expertise includes restoration services for fire and water damage, including electronics restoration and document drying.

5 Basic Steps to Fixing a Leaking Toilet

1/10/2022 (Permalink)

A bathroom leak can be an intimidating and costly repair, Call SERVPRO for help.

How To Fix A Leaking Toilet In 5 Easy Steps

A leaking toilet can be more than just an annoyance, as the water that seeps into the flooring or the subfloor may cause mold, swelling or weakening. If your toilet leaks every time you flush, it may be coming either from a faulty seal beneath the toilet, or from the water supply line. If the problem is coming from the seal, here are some basic steps to fixing the problem. If you are not sure, or it is from valves or the water supply, you may be wise to get professional help in Mount Prospect, IL.

1. Disconnect Water Supply

If you are sure the wax seal is the culprit, remove the bolt caps and tighten the bolts gently, so as not to crack the porcelain, and see if that helps. If not, the ring likely needs replacing. Close the shutoff valve and disconnect the water supply. Drain the tank and bowl.

2. Remove Toilet

After draining the toilet, remove the floor bolts. Gently rock the toilet, to prevent damaging the base or flange, until it comes loose from the old wax ring. Lift the leaking toilet out of the way, grabbing it by the bowl only. Place it on old newspapers or cardboard. Dry and clean the area and check the subfloor for damage.

3. Replace Wax Ring

The old wax ring should be scraped away thoroughly, making sure the flange is not cracked or broken. Use a metal repair strap if required. Position the new wax ring so that it centers on the closet flange. Screw closet bolts in place, using wax from the old ring to hold them in a vertical position.

4. Replace Toilet

Hover the toilet above the new ring and align with bolts, lowering into place. Press the toilet into the new wax ring, using force to form a seal and prevent a bathroom leak. Gently tighten bolts until they hold when placing pressure on the toilet, and then replace caps.

5. Connect Water Supply

Reconnect the supply tube to the shut-off valve and fill the tank. Flush and check for a leaking toilet or supply line. This step is usually critical to ensure that the correct repair has been done.

A bathroom leak can be an intimidating and costly repair, and the damage can be extensive if allowed to continue. Acting quickly and using a professional in Mount Prospect, IL if needed, can prevent a disaster and give you peace of mind.

The 6-Point Cheat Sheet to Commercial Mold

12/22/2021 (Permalink)

If you have mold in your business, call SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Planes!

Commercial Mold: A 6-Point Cheat Sheet

You’re running your business in Mount Prospect, IL, when you suddenly spot a discoloration that is no trick of the light. You’re concerned it’s black mold and wants to protect your building and employees, but you’re not confident enough to call in a specialist. So, what do you do? Refer to this cheat sheet and go from mold novice to savant.

1. It Doesn’t Discriminate

Don’t limit your mold concerns to the bathroom; in actuality, mold can be found anywhere, both indoors and outdoors. Outside, it can grow on roofs, siding, pavers, wooden structures, and more. Inside you may find it in (yes) bathrooms, along with kitchens, laundering service areas, and anywhere else moisture is common.

2. It Has Unlimited Mobility

Mold, a microscopic member of the fungi family, can easily spread via spores that find their way through windows or doors, are sucked in and redistributed via HVAC ducts, and even can be carried on the clothing of you or your employees.

3. It Needs Moisture

Mold loves moisture, which is why it’s often found in damp area. Mold spores thrive and multiply when exposed to water for long periods of time.

4. Its Origin Should Not Be Ignored

When you perform mold cleanup yourself rather than calling in the experts, you may not be able to identify its source. When the source remains, the black mold will simply continue to grow and spread, regardless of your cleaning efforts.

5. It Has a Tell-Tale Scent

If you or your employees have noticed a musty smell in an area prone to moisture and humidity, that may be mold you’re smelling. Many people liken the odor to rotting wood, paper, or even cedar.

6. It Loves Humidity

The likelihood of a mold issue occurring inside your building greatly increases during humid months. That’s why it’s recommended to keep the inside humidity of your building no higher than 45 percent.

Now you’re well-versed on the ins and outs of black mold, but you’re still unsure if your building has it. Don’t take the risk; call SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines today to ensure a clear tomorrow for you, your business, and your employees.

SERVPRO offers Specialty Cleaning for your Business

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines offers specialty cleaning services for your business.

As our communities get back to business, we all have a new sense of what it means to be clean.  At SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines, we’re dedicated to inspiring confidence in communities across the Chicagoland area as we find our way to a new normal. And we’re doing just that with Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Dees Plaines Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

So how does it work? It’s grounded in our unique 3 C’s:

  • Consult: Not all businesses are the same, so we’ll tailor a bespoke cleaning program based on the unique needs of each facility.
  • Clean: Based on the agreed plan, an expert deep clean is initiated using our proprietary EPA-Approved Hospital-Grade cleaning solutions and always adhering to the leading level of cleaning and decontamination standards set by the CDC.
  • Certify: You’ll know a business is Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned by the shield posted on their front window. Along with digital emblems and other collateral, this beacon represents their commitment to the comfort and security of their employees, customers, and community.

When you see the Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned shield, you can walk in with confidence.

If you have questions or want to learn more about Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned, call us today at 847-956-1880.

Cleanup in Aisle 2 - Call SERVPRO

12/2/2021 (Permalink)

When a disaster strikes your retail facility time is crucial to saving your business.  SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines are available 24 hours a day to help remediate any damage, no matter the cause of the loss.  We are experienced in limiting business interruption, working after hours and around the clock to isolate the damage and restore your space so that you can continue business as usual.

 Types of Facilities:

  • National Chain Stores
  • Supermarkets
  • Shopping Malls
  • Department Stores
  • Specialty Retailers

Whether it's a supermarket or department store, and whether the cause is a fire or a burst pipe, our team will work quickly to assess your cleanup needs and isolate the damage.  SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines are experienced in working with retailers to ensure that all surfaces, displays and merchandise are restored to preloss conditions so that you can re-open your doors as soon as possible.

Our Experience Includes:

  • Total Project Management
  • Inventory Control and Documentation
  • Facilities Cleaning and Restoration
  • Flooding and Water Damage Cleanup
  • Vandalism Cleanup
  • Air Ducts and HVAV Cleaning
  • Odor Removal
  • Mold Removal
  • Smoke and Soot Cleanup
  • Document and Records Recovery
  • Electronics/Equipment Restoration

If you experience an emergency at your retail facility, please call SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines at 847-956-1880.

Keep Your Commercial Buildings Free of Mold

12/1/2021 (Permalink)

Mold and mildew don’t need very much encouragement to grow. Once it starts, it can spread very quickly. Not only can it cause damage, but mold can cause health effects.

Mold can grow on a variety of surfaces, cloth, carpets, drywall, and wood. With a large commercial building keeping everyone cool or warm, condensation can form and provide the mold the moisture it needs to spread.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Commercial Building Free from Mold

Regular cleanings and maintenance inspections will help keep mold from taking over the building, in particular, areas that are not often used.

1. Deep Cleaning

Start with your HVAC system. Getting it cleaned, changing or cleaning the filters, and keeping it in great form will help stop the spread of mold spores. The vents, ducts, and the rest all need to be maintained.

When the air is not moving through the vents, dust and mold can just sit there, so when you turn it back on, the room fills with it all. Any amount of hair, dust, dirt, animal hair and waste, and mold can be in the vents.

The mold can get inside these areas and grow. There are times when you don’t need the system, so have it maintained in the spring and fall, to be safe. Reducing the movement of the mold will help considerably.

2. Dehumidify

Condensation can form during the hot months, during the cold months, at any time. A commercial building will have a lot of people, and people can cause condensation.

A dehumidifier will help draw moisture out of the air. It can make a big difference in a building that is very populated and turning off the heat or air conditioning is not an option.

Put them in areas when moisture is prevalent. Basements, upper floors, kitchens or cafeterias, shower rooms, laundry rooms, and anywhere that has excessive moisture. They are available in different sizes.

3. Make Repairs

Fixing small problems will help them from becoming big problems. Leaks in the roof or foundation, cracks in the walls or foundation, gaps around windows, taps or pipes that drip, or leak, and faulty thermostats.

These can all allow heat and cold air in or out, which means it makes it harder to control the humidity inside the building. Damp patches or pooling water, or a recent flood, should all be taken care of right away. Hire a professional.

4. Regular Checks

Building maintenance should be looking for anything suspicious on a regular basis. Keeping an eye on areas that have higher concentrations of moisture or humidity for signs.

Dark spots, fuzzy patches, musty smells, can all appear anywhere. Carpets, walls, ceilings, floors, under sinks, behind walls in shower rooms, laundry room, bathrooms, and kitchen areas.

5. Regular Inspections

It’s a great idea to have your maintenance team take care of regular checks and repairs, but hiring a professional to inspect the building can be a great help. They can spot areas that may be developing mold that you are not aware of.  They are also great at finding areas of potential mold, too, so you can stop it before it gets a chance to start.

We Do Commercial Cleaning

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

We treat and remediate all COVID-19 pathogens.

Commercial Building Cleaning Services

When the dirt, odor, and moisture challenges go beyond the scope of your regular janitorial staff, you need SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines. You can depend on us to get the job done right and get it done quickly. Our highly trained technicians use top-of-the-line equipment to make your business shine again.

Certified: SERVPRO Cleaned:   Our new defensive pathogen cleaning program, goes way beyond standard janitorial cleaning practices. This is proactive viral pathogen cleaning. With over 50 years of experience in biochemical spill remediation and decontamination, you can trust SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines Professionals to bring a higher standard of clean to the places we gather.

All of our cleanup practices are in accordance with the guidelines provided by the CDC and local authorities.  SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines offers proactive disinfecting to help minimize the spread of viruses such as COVID-19. 

Document Restoration: In the aftermath of a disaster, some of your most valued contents could be lost forever. As a leader in the restoration industry, we know that timely mitigation is the key to recovering damaged possessions. With years of experience and state-of-the-art technology, our restoration professionals will help you recover your paper goods before it’s too late.

Vandalism:  Vandalism and graffiti can be very upsetting. It can range from relatively minor pranks to malicious destruction of property. Often simple acts of vandalism, like breaking a window, can cause significant water and mold damage if not addressed in a timely manner.

Learn more about our commercial cleaning services by contacting us at 847-956-1880

4 Things Business Interruption Insurance Covers After a Fire

1/7/2021 (Permalink)

Protect your investment against fire by acquiring business interruption

4 Things Business Interruption Insurance Covers After a Fire

When fire emergencies happen in commercial buildings, the cost of damage can be extensive. In addition to facing destroyed property and equipment, business owners must also deal with wage losses and ongoing rent costs. For this reason, many have business interruption insurance to protect their investment against fire damage. If you are unfamiliar with this kind of insurance, it can be a good idea to learn if you have it and what it covers before you need it. Often, it is part of your overall property insurance and includes:

1. Lost Sales and Revenues
One of the most financially difficult parts of a business fire is the loss of income that comes with the inability to work as normal. The good news is, most policies cover the period of time when business owners cannot make regular profits due to a fire.

2. Temporary Relocation
After a fire, professional fire damage restoration experts will have to assess, clean, reconstruct and repair your building. Since this process can take some time, it is common for business interruption insurance to cover costs associated with the temporary relocation of your business.

3. Ongoing Rent and Utility Costs
Rent does not stop just because you cannot use your commercial property while it undergoes fire cleaning. Along with relocation, this kind of insurance usually pays for ongoing rent and utility costs throughout the fire damage restoration process.

4. Other Reasonable Expenses
While most insurance policies offer similar types of coverage, the details are not always the same. Many policies will also cover other reasonable expenses related to a business fire, but the specifics of what your insurance company considers "reasonable" will depend on what your policy says.
In a nutshell, business interruption insurance covers the period of time when a fire causes financial interruptions for a business. If you have questions about what your policy covers, take some time to better familiarize yourself with what you have before an emergency happens. Preparing now can prevent stress later.

Why You Need to Replace Polybutylene Pipes

12/10/2020 (Permalink)

Polybutylene piping is common in older buildings

Know When To Replace Them

Polybutylene piping is common in older buildings. You may have heard it referred to as poly b plumbing. However, these pipes have caused a lot of damage that can only be fixed by a qualified restoration company. This is because they can fail without warning signs. Therefore, if you find poly b pipes in your building, you should know when to replace them with new plumbing.


When Should You Replace Your Pipes?
Several things can indicate it is time to replace your polybutylene pipes. The most common signs include:

  • The pipes have started to break down
  • The pipes are starting to flake
  • A piece breaks
  • You are located in an area that doesn't allow poly b pipes
  • You want to purchase property insurance
  • You want to sell your home


What Maintenance Can Delay Replacement?
When you discover polybutylene pipes in your building in Mount Prospect, IL, you will probably want to replace them. However, if you do decide to keep them, there are ways you can maintain them so they last longer. For instance, you can hire a plumber to replace the fittings with brass or copper. This limits the breakable parts on your plumbing.
You can also protect your pipes by checking the metal bands that keep them in place. If any become too tight, they can cause the pipes to fracture and water to leak. To avoid this, you can check and loosen any overtightened bands. You should also monitor the pressure reducing valve that protects your pipes. Keep the water pressure in your building under 60 psi for the best results with poly b pipes.
There are certain steps you can take to maintain your poly b pipes. However, you will want to change these eventually. This is because the pipes can break without any warning signs. This can lead to a lot of water damage to your building. Replacing these pipes quickly will reduce this risk.

Restoring Your Commercial Property After A Water Damage Event

11/21/2020 (Permalink)

We are water removal experts and will restore your property to pre-damage conditions

Flooding and water damage events at Mount Prospect or Des Plaines 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 Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines

SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines 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.

Your Guide to Category Two Water Damage

11/9/2020 (Permalink)

Category two water damage in North Des Plaines, IL

A broken pipe is a common cause of commercial water damage, but not all pipe breaks are the same. Experts classify floodwater into three categories: Category One, sometimes called “clean water”; Category Two, also known as “gray water”; and Category Three, referred to as “black water.” Categories Two and Three require considerable decontamination efforts in addition to ordinary cleanup and water pipe repair.

Sources of Gray Water

Category Two water is water that is mildly to moderately contaminated. It may contain chemicals, bacteria or other organic materials. Some examples of Category Two water include:

  • used water from a washing machine or dishwasher
  • water from a malfunctioning sump pump
  • water from an overflowing toilet that contains urine, but no feces
  • water from a fire sprinkler system

Frequently, Category Two water is actually water which was Category One clean water at the time of the pipe break or other event. Clean water can turn into gray water if it becomes contaminated through contact with dirt, chemicals, and/or bacteria in the environment, such as on the floor of your business. Consider a failed water pipe repair on an upper floor that seeps down to a lower floor. The water could be considered Category One upstairs, but Category Two downstairs, since it becomes contaminated as it passes through the floor, subfloor, insulation and ceiling material.

Gray Water Cleanup
Because Category Two water contains contaminants, it is considered a health hazard to humans and animals. To ensure that the area is properly and thoroughly decontaminated, call a reliable water restoration company in North Des Plaines, IL. Restoration technicians have the equipment and training necessary to completely remove all contaminants and hazardous materials. Be sure to contact these professionals as soon as possible, as Category Two water can become Category Three water within hours.
Never attempt to perform a water pipe repair in a business flooded with Category Two water. Leave any cleanup work that involves hazardous conditions to experienced professionals.

5 Steps To Recovering From Contaminated Water

11/8/2020 (Permalink)

Commercial water damage

Here Are Five Steps You Can Follow To Ensure Your Business Is Safe

Flood water is considered to be contaminated water. It can pick up viruses, bacteria, sewage, debris, chemicals, and other contaminants that lie in its path. Contaminated water can cause damage to a business and impact its bottom line. To get your operations back to normal as quickly as possible, there are five steps you can follow to ensure your business is safe for customers and employees.

1. Perform Water Extraction
Contaminated water can creep or rush into your building. It can soak everything in its path including furniture, building materials, paperwork, walls, and flooring. The first step to cleaning up the mess is removing the water. Professional water remediation companies use water extraction devices to remove the water quickly.

2. Clean Debris
Flood water can carry debris and leave it scattered on your floor. Any debris left over will need to be cleared away. Materials that are not salvageable will also be removed during the cleaning phase.

3. Dry the Area
You will want to get the water cleaned up as quickly as possible because the longer the water sits, the more time it has to cause damage to your building. Professionals often use industrialized blowing machines to dry the area quickly.

4. Clean and Sanitize
A biocide or bleach solution can be applied to the area to kill off any lingering organisms. This step is absolutely necessary after a flood or toilet overflow.

5. Restore the Building
Once the area has been cleaned and sanitized, the restoration team will begin restoring your business to its original state. Depending on the level of damage, the experts may replace drywall or install a new carpet.
Flood water contains many contaminants, but with proper cleaning and disinfecting, you can return your business in Mount Prospect, IL, to its pre-flood condition. Call a professional water remediation company to make your building appear "Like it never even happened."

How To Treat injuries From a Fire

4/22/2020 (Permalink)

A burn is a special type of wound and requires a specific treatment protocol

How To Treat injuries From a Fire

A business fire is a scary event even when only property is involved. Fires often happen with surprising swiftness and the fire damage can easily cost thousands of dollars. In the best of outcomes, no injuries occur, but this is not always the case. Open flames, high temperatures, smoke inhalation, and falling materials create a dangerous atmosphere for people. As soon as possible, all people should vacate the property quickly. Any major injuries should be treated by healthcare professionals. if you are pressed into service to treat a burn injury, make sure to stay within your level of training.

Tips for Burn First Aid


A burn is a special type of wound and requires a specific treatment protocol. It is important to understand the difference between a major burn and a minor burn. A burn is considered major if it is deep, large, covers the hands, feet, face or groin area or involves gross discoloration of the skin. Until advanced medical personnel arrives, the treatment options for a serious burn include the following actions:

  • Protect the person from further harm
  • Remove tight items such as jewelry
  • Elevate the burned area
  • Monitor the person for signs of stress
  • Cover the burn with a cool, moist bandage

A building with fire damage might also cause minor burns in employees or customers. These wounds can often be treated with basic first aid such as pain relievers, cold water, bandages, and lotions that contain aloe vera.

Tips for Fire Restoration


When fire damage happens to a company in Mount Prospect, IL, a fire mitigation franchise can be called to address the situation. An experienced company will perform an inspection and assessment and then develop a plan of action for recovery. Removal of any water, as well as soot and smoke damage help to return the building to good shape again. The final steps involve a complete restoration of damaged areas of the building.  

Effective Ways to Prepare for a Flood

3/9/2020 (Permalink)

Sandbagging can be a good way to block water from coming into your building

In your organization, you will hopefully have some emergency preparedness procedures in place. These efforts can protect you and your co-workers from harm. Proper planning can also minimize the amount of damage your building suffers. Flooding is not uncommon in North Des Plaines, IL, so your company should be ready in case a disaster occurs. There are some steps you should follow to keep the problems at a minimum.

Know the Problem Areas

Flooding can occur at any time and in just about any place in your office. If you can identify common culprits, you can cut down on the chances of this incident from occurring. Here are areas where a flood is likely to start.

  • Leaky or broken pipes in walls or under sinks
  • Leaky appliances such as water heaters or refrigerators
  • Backed-up sewers or a broken main water line
  • Poor drainage or ineffective rain gutters and downspouts

Move Them on Up
Flood damage often starts on the lower levels of a building. As soon as any water starts to invade your office (or before, if possible), move items such as furniture, electronics, and documents to higher levels. If your workplace is all on one floor, get these materials off the ground as soon as possible.

Fill Those Sandbags
Sandbagging can be a good way to block water from coming into your building. This method can also reduce storm damage. If you don't currently have any sandbags, make sure you get some. It's best to place them around windows and doors.

Check Your Roof
A well-built roof should last for 30 years or more. You should still inspect it regularly to make sure there are no weak spots or damage. Floods often start from water coming in through leaky roofs. Inspect yours and repair it promptly if you find problems.
If you keep these tips in mind and use them, you can save your building from a catastrophe. If you have flooding, implement these ideas quickly and call a professional disaster relief company.

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Rental Unit

1/20/2020 (Permalink)

Mold damage in a Mount Prospect, IL apartment

How To Prevent Mold Growth in Your Rental Unit

While owning a rental home in Mount Prospect, IL, may provide you with an additional source of income, it can also mean additional responsibilities. You will need to engage in all sorts of building maintenance, which also includes mold prevention. While the assistance of mold cleanup specialists can be helpful, you can prevent the extra expense by enacting the following practices.

Control Water and Humidity

Water damage and high humidity in general are the key instigators of most mold contamination cases, since mold spores are everywhere and need water to feed. Reduce excessive water by ensuring the plumbing system functions well and looking for signs of malfunction.

  • Puddles by toilets and sinks
  • Water shortages
  • Irregular water activity
  • Stained or soft drywall

If you or a tenant see any signs of plumbing issues, call a professional. The sooner the problem is resolved, the more you can mitigate potential damage and prevent mold growth.

Regulate the HVAC System

The HVAC system provides valuable heating and cooling throughout the building. However, it can also thwart your mold prevention plans. Even though proper ventilation stops moisture from leading to mold development, it can also distribute mold spores everywhere, resulting in massive spread and damage throughout the entire building. Control the temperature to decrease ventilation cycles, thus preventing additional spore travel.

Mind the Tenants' Plants

Another major source of mold is any plant life maintained by the tenants in the rental unit. The moisture and soil inherent in small gardens and even potted plants can invite mold in the rental unit. You have the authority to forbid plants inside the apartment and avoid the risk. If you are not that strict, you can recommend anti-mold measures such as combining Taheebo tea with regular plant water, which can discourage mold.
The upkeep of the rental units is one of your major responsibilities as a property owner or manager. Mold prevention tactics are important to keep your property intact and your tenants happy.

How to Protect Your Commercial Building this Flood Season

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Barricade the perimeter with sandbags

How to Protect Your Commercial Building this Flood Season

While not tied to any season, most flooding occurs during the spring and fall months in Mount Prospect, IL. As a commercial property owner operating in this area, it is necessary to keep those seasons in mind and to prepare a plan for how you are going to handle any potential crisis. Thankfully, flood mitigation experts are available to help you design a plan specific to your facility's needs. Any plan you come up with, however, will likely use at least three steps or parts.

  • Barricade the perimeter
  • Secure exterior furniture and art
  • Protect integral equipment

Barricade the Perimeter
The essential element used to defend against possible flood damage is a barricade. However, as you are dealing with water, you need to use a source material that is heavy and somewhat absorbent, which means that sand is typically the best choice. While you may not be able to afford to stack sandbags all the way around your property, it is essential that you create walls to protect entryways and vulnerable points, like doors and windows. Also, make sure that the bags are stacked higher than the expected water levels.

Secure Exterior Furniture and Art
Next, flooding does not just create a concern for water levels and problems; it also creates a concern for property loss caused by floating debris and furniture. Therefore, if you have benches or other furniture outside of your building, either remove it and store it someplace safe or secure it to the concrete and weigh it down. The same goes for sculptures, statues or other garden art.

Protect Integral Equipment
Last, to prevent storm damage and floodwaters from affecting any merchandise or sensitive equipment, be sure to move everything of value to a higher level in the building. Also, it is likely wise to keep everything unplugged just in case water levels do rise inside your property, reaching the electrical outlets.
Flooding can happen any time of the year, and if your commercial facility is in an area prone to such disasters, then make sure to take the appropriate precautions. If unsure how to plan ahead, then contact a flood mitigation expert to advise you on proper steps to take.

Importance of Sprinkler Systems in Commercial Properties

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Sprinkler systems can help make your business safer in multiple ways

Whether you have purchased a commercial property or are in the process of building a commercial building, before a new company can open for business; it must be in compliance with local, state and federal fire safety standards. As a commercial building owner or property manager, one of your biggest concerns is protecting the investment you've made in your business and the people who work there.

Sprinkler systems can help make your business safer in multiple ways. Sprinklers work by detecting the heat from a fire and automatically turning them on. While the spray from the sprinklers is not always enough to put out the fire, it goes a long way to suppressing the fire and allowing more evacuation time until the fire department can get there. 

Fire and water damage not only affects the structure of your building and it's contents but also your emotions. Don't take on the stress of dealing with this on your own, Call SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines at 847-956-1880 and let us make this "Like it never even happened."

Biohazard Cleanup Services

11/19/2019 (Permalink)

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can cause serious health issues

Recognized as a leading fire and water cleanup restoration provider by hundreds of insurance companies nationwide, SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines professionals offer fast, reliable biohazard cleanup and restoration services to residential and commercials properties.

Exposure to biological and chemical contaminants can have serious health issues for building occupants, employees, customers and owners. Our professionals are trained to safely, effectively and discreetly remove biohazardous substances and prepare it for proper disposal according to OSHA, EPA and state and local health regulations. Our services include:

  • Bloodborne Pathogens
  • Crime Scene and Suicides
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Urine and Feces
  • Rodent Droppings
  • Vandalism
  • Extensive Hoarding
  • Sewage Backup

SERVPRO of Mount Prospect/North Des Plaines can help turn unsafe environments into clean, safe properties and make a difficult or personal situation easier to handle. We are here for you in your time of need. Call 847-956-1880

Tenant and Owner Responsibilities After a Fire

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

Fires in an apartment building aren't fun for the landlord or the tenants

Whether you've experienced an apartment fire, a commercial fire or a fire at a rented home in Mount Prospect, IL, the effects can be devastating to both the tenant and the landlord. It may not be clear who is responsible when it comes to the fire damage. Depending on the circumstances, liability can be divided up very differently. Let's look at some particulars.

Landlord Responsibilities

Generally, the landlord is responsible for hiring the restoration company to repair structural damage after a business, house or apartment fire. Damage may include:

• Structural damage to:
o Walls
o Floors
o Carpeting
o Pool Houses
o Sheds
• Damage to fixtures and appliances:
o Cabinets
o Countertops
o Plumbing
o Electrical wiring
o Supplied appliances such as dishwashers and refrigerators

Tenant Responsibilities

In most cases, the tenant is responsible for any damage done to his or her personal property. The tenant will have to go to his or her insurance company to recover the loss of items such as:

• Clothing
• Furniture
• Computers
• TVs
• Tenant-owned appliances
• Video game consoles
• Musical instruments

Liability Claims

Sometimes, there is a question of who is liable for the damage. If the landlord is proved to be responsible (for instance, due to negligence regarding the property's electrical wiring), he can be made to pay for damage to the renters' personal belongings, wages lost, costs related to finding another place to stay, and more. Conversely, if the landlord can prove that the renter was somehow negligent, the renter may be responsible for any costs related to repairing the property. If the landlord is unable to prove this, he will be liable for any structural repair, as it's the landlord's responsibility to see to it that the property is in a livable condition.

Be Prepared

Whether you are a renter or a landlord who's suffered a commercial fire, apartment fire or house fire, you will need to make sure that you have immediately contacted your insurance company, have made a detailed list of any property that's been damaged, and taken pictures of any damage to the structure and property, as well as any evidence of negligence. That way you will be prepared for any subsequent questions from the insurance company, and ensure that you're only incurring cost for the fire damage that you're actually responsible for