water damage restoration

What Does Water Damage Restoration Include?

water damage restoration

Water damage can cover a wide range of issues. Everything from a leaky pipe to a flood can cause water damage to your property. Water damage restoration in Kenosha, WI, and surrounding areas can help mitigate the damage. Water damage repair is a multi-step process that can help restore your building to its pre-loss condition.

The Water Damage Restoration Process in Beach Park, IL

When water damages your home or office in any capacity, a water restoration team can begin working right away. Every step of the process is crucial to ensuring your property is safe and damage-free.

Water Extraction

In cases of severe water damage, such as a flood or sewage backup, there can often be standing water in your home or office. The first step of any water damage restoration process is to remove any excess water in the area. Technicians will use high-powered suction tools to extract standing water. Then, they’ll set up industry-standard fans and dehumidifiers to begin drying out the affected area quickly.

Inspection

The inspection is often the most important step in any water damage case. A full and thorough inspection allows workers to identify the specific damage to your property. They’ll provide you with a full list of any concerns they find, as well as a breakdown of the cost of repair. They can then work directly with you to determine if you would like to submit an insurance claim.  If so, they can handle all of the paperwork required by insurance, saving you hours of extra headaches . It also ensures your technicians have all the equipment and tools needed to get the job done right the first time around.

Junk Removal and Sanitization

Once the work is approved, technicians begin preparing the area for cleaning. This includes removing any damaged items and either disposing of them or helping you restore them. With the area cleared out, workers then perform a deep cleaning and sanitization process. Part of this process could include mold removal, as water damage is a leading cause of mold growth in most properties.

Repairs and Restorations

Now that the area is clean and free of contaminants, workers can then start any necessary repairs or restorations to your building’s structure. For many, water damage can be an opportunity to upgrade or redesign your property. While normal water damage restoration services in Wadsworth, IL, simply restore your property back to pre-loss condition, you can also hire your team for additional reconstruction work at the same time.

Where to Get Water Damage Restoration in Lake Bluff, IL

If your home or office recently suffered water damage, you need a trusted restoration team to help. At American Fire & Water Restoration, our technicians are fully trained and certified to provide high-quality water damage restoration services to clients in Lake Bluff, IL, and the surrounding areas. Whether you’ve suffered a small pipe leak or a major flood, we’re here to help. Our phone lines are open 24/7 at 847-514-9305 to respond to any emergency water damage situation as it occurs. We’ll arrive promptly on-site to begin extracting any standing water and inspecting your property for damage.

water damage company

What to Look for in a Water Damage Company

water damage company

When water damages your home or office, you need someone you can trust to help with the cleanup. But with dozens of companies claiming to be the best, how can you be sure you’re trusting your property to the right person? Knowing what to look for in a Wadsworth water damage company can make it easier to feel comfortable with the work being done in your building. When researching water restoration companies, be sure to keep an eye out for the following factors. 

Timely Response and 24/7 Service

The longer you let water damage sit in your home, the more that damage can spread and affect other rooms. A quick response from a Lake Bluff water damage company can help prevent further (costly) complications. A good water restoration company has 24/7 emergency response service and is ready to jump into action at any time water damage may strike. The sooner a technician can get onsite to start drying the area and assessing the damages, the quicker and easier the repair job will be.

Qualifications

Water damage in Gurnee can be particularly tricky to deal with. Heavy floods and burst pipes lead to more than just standing water in your home or office. With everything from mold growth to structural integrity issues, there’s a lot that needs to be considered when restoring water damage. 

That’s why it’s important that whatever water damage company you contact has technicians who are fully trained and qualified to handle any problems that may arise. The IICRC has set forth standards that all qualified technicians must follow when performing water damage services. If your company isn’t IICRC certified, it can’t be trusted to fully and efficiently restore the damage to your property.

Quotes and Insurance Estimates from a Water Damage Company

Paying for water damage restoration in Racine can get costly. And not all insurance policies cover all types of water damage. When you’re looking for a water damage restoration company, make sure you find one with experience in dealing with insurance. They can help you get an accurate estimate on the cost of repairs. Part of this process means finding a company that will perform a full inspection. They should provide you with an accurate report of the damage to submit to your insurance company. 

Need a Water Damage Company for Your Home or Office?

At American Fire and Water Restoration, we dedicate ourselves to providing quick and efficient water damage restoration services to all of our clients. As a leading water damage company in Waukegan and the surrounding areas, we have helped hundreds of properties get back to their pre-loss conditions after a variety of water damage situations. Whether you have a burst pipe, a flood, or a sewage backup, we’re ready to help. Give us a call at 847-514-9305 for a quick response from one of our trained and certified water damage restoration technicians. Our emergency phone line is open 24/7. Don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as you notice water damage on your property.

Flood damage restoration can help your property get back to pre loss conditions

How to Get Flood Damage Restoration

When your property suffers water damage, the repairs and restoration can be extensive. But flood damage restoration is an entirely different beast. Floods do more than just cause routine water damage; they can also damage the structure of your property and leave behind a hazardous mess. If your Lake Bluff property suffers flood damage, the longer you wait to clean it up, the more harm it can cause. By getting ahead of the restoration process, you can quickly and efficiently clean up your property and better prepare for future flood emergencies.

How Floods Damage Your Property

A flood is much more extensive than water damage caused by a leak. Flood water often arrives quickly and with enough force to cause damage to the structural integrity of your home or office. And since it can take some time before floods can be dealt with properly, the sitting water on your property has more time to cause issues. Water can leak into your electrical outlets and cause shortages. The extensive moisture also speeds up mold growth, which leads to toxic living and working conditions. If you don’t get the standing water taken care of and the excess moisture removed, you can find yourself with an extensive flood damage restoration project.

How Flood Damage Restoration Works in Waukegan, IL

Each restoration project will differ depending on the type of flood your property suffered and the extent of the damage. But overall, the process for repairing flood damage is the same across the board.

Cleanup

First, technicians need to remove the standing water. This helps ensure that they have a safe place to work on restorations and helps the inspectors find all areas of damage. Getting a thorough inspection is crucial if you want an effective restoration.

Restoration

Once the area is clear and the inspection finished, true flood restoration work can begin. This consists of drying out the affected areas, fixing any structural damage, removing mold, and performing any other water damage cleanup that’s needed.

Flood Damage Prevention

Once your property is properly repaired, your flood damage restoration team can also help you prevent future damage. Floods can be caused by a variety of situations, such as heavy storms or burst pipes. During your inspection, technicians can determine the source of the flood and help you prepare an action plan to avoid further disasters.

Flood Damage Restoration in Gurnee and Surrounding Areas

Flood damage can be detrimental to your property. But with the right flood damage restoration team, you can get your home or office back to pre-loss conditions as soon as possible. At American Fire & Water Restoration, we take pride in every job and work hard to make sure your property is safe from water damage. Give us a call any day, any time, at 847-514-9305 for quick and reliable flood damage response in Beach Park, IL, and the surrounding areas.

water restoration services

Do You Need Water Restoration Services?

Water is an essential part of life. But when water gets into your home and damages your property, it can be nothing but a headache. Everything from water extraction to mold removal can be necessary when you face a sewage backup, burst pipe, or flood. With professional water restoration services, however, you can get your home or office back to pre-loss condition.

Sources of Water Damage

There are many ways that water can damage your home. Some of the most common causes of water damage come from flooding due to heavy rain and burst pipes. But your property may also see water damage as the result of sewage backup or even condensation build-up in your basement. Knowing where the water damage came from is crucial if you want to fix the problem and avoid water restoration services in the future.

How to Detect Water Damage

Unfortunately, there are many cases of water damage that you won’t be able to see right away. Because pipes run behind walls and under floors, you could have a leaky pipe for days or even weeks before you notice it. Foundation cracks in the corner of your home can also let in water in hard-to-see places in your basements. Thankfully, there are a few signs you can keep aware of that may indicate a potential water damage situation. These signs include:

  • Higher water bills without extra water use
  • A musty scent in certain rooms
  • Peeling or bubbling wallpaper
  • Bowing hardwood floors
  • Cracked tiles

If you notice any of these symptoms on your property, it could be a sign of water damage, and you should call your local water restoration company as soon as possible.

What Water Restoration Services Entail

When you call a professional water damage restoration company, you can rest assured knowing that your home will soon be in working condition once again. But to get it to that condition, your restoration team will need to do a thorough cleaning and inspection. Each case of water damage is different, and your restoration team will need to analyze the situation and determine the best course of action. Examples of services you can expect during a water restoration case include:

  • Water extraction (both standing water and excess moisture in the air)
  • Industrial drying
  • Trash removal
  • Upholstery cleaning
  • Floor and wall repair
  • Foundation repair
  • Mold removal
  • Surface sanitization

Where to Get Water Restoration Services in IL

If your home or office has recently suffered water damage, there’s no time to hesitate. The sooner you call American Fire & Water Restoration for water restoration services, the better. Our water damage technicians are standing by 24/7, ready to jump in and help with any emergency water situation. Whether it’s a flood, burst pipe, or sewage backup, we are here to help. Call us today at 847-514-9305 to get your property back to pre-loss condition as soon as possible.

water restoration

How to Prepare for Flood Damage

Flooding is stressful and scary. When you hear about flooding in different areas of the country, you may think “thank goodness that wasn’t me.” However, flooding could happen to you at any moment since it is the most common natural disaster. Unlike other disasters, flooding can happen anywhere in the United States. You can experience small flooding from an appliance or flash flooding from a storm. No matter what type of flood you are dealing with, there will be damage and you will need water restoration. However, you can prepare yourself and your home for flood damage with these simple tips.

Waterproof Your Basement

There are two different options when it comes to waterproofing your basement. You can hire a professional, which can be expensive, but you will know that job is done right. The second option is to waterproof your basement yourself. To waterproof your basement, the first thing you will do is use concrete sealant on your walls and floors. The second thing you can and should do is install a sump pump.

Move Furniture and Valuables

When the news issues a flood warning, then it is time to move your furniture and valuables. You do not just want to move them away from the walls and windows, but to a safe area where water cannot reach them. You should only move your furniture if you have time. Your main concern during a flood is to get yourself and your family to a safe location. Even after flooding occurs, you need to move furniture and valuables as soon as possible to reduce the chances of flood damage.

Add Flood Insurance

You will want to check your homeowner’s insurance to see if your policy covers flood damage. Most homeowner’s insurance does not cover flooding. If you live in an area where floods are prone to happen, then it is a good idea to add flood insurance to your policy.

Elevate Electrical Units

Electricity can make your home unsafe after flooding. To reduce the chances of your home being unsafe, you should elevate your electrical units twelve inches above flooding level. Elevating your electrical units will help reduce the risk of not being able to enter your home after a flood.

Have an Emergency Plan

You may not think you need an emergency flood plan. But as we said, floods can happen anywhere in the United States. It is always a good idea to have a flood evacuation plan for both your family and your home. One step of your plan after the flood should be who to call for water restoration. If you are looking for a reliable flood restoration company, then look no further than American Fire & Water Restoration. American Fire & Water Restoration offers flood repairs, and they can also work with your insurance company to make sure that you are covered. Start protecting your home and your family by calling American Fire & Water Restoration to restore your home after a flood. American Fire & Restoration is here to help you!

Restoration Team

How to Find The Best Restoration Team

If your home has been damaged by fire or water, it is imperative to find a restoration team immediately. If you have never had fire and water restoration services done before, you may be wondering how to find a good restoration team. There are a few things you should keep in mind when you are looking for a restoration team. Here are a few tips to help you find the best restoration team in your area:

License and Certification

Fire and water restoration should only be carried out by a licensed and certified contractor. You should look for a restoration team that is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. If you want the best service, you should always look for a certified restoration team. If the restoration team is certified, you will be sure to receive high-quality services.

Referrals

There are a few ways that you can find referrals when looking for a fire and water restoration team. You can try talking to other homeowners in your area to find a highly recommended restoration team. Additionally, the fire and water damage may be covered by a policy. If so, your insurance company should have a good recommendation. Furthermore, you can also find referrals by asking your friends and family.

24/7 Services

Timing is crucial when your home is damaged by fire or water. Taking action immediately can help save you money and prevent the damage from worsening before you can get the situation under control. A quality team will be available 24/7, in case of emergencies. With 24/7 services, you will receive a quick inspection and a fast response.

Experience and Reputation

Your home is a big investment, and only the best should work on it. When your home is damaged by fire or water, you should look for an experienced restoration team with a proven track record. You can talk to other customers to find out the quality of their services or go online and read their reviews.

There are a few things you should look for when hiring a fire and water team. If you are looking for the best, then you want to make sure that they are licensed and certified. It is also a good idea to make sure that they are available 24/7 in case of emergencies. Additionally, it may help to seek referrals from other homeowners and people you know. To learn more about fire and water restoration, visit American Fire and Water Restoration.

Water Restoration

How Long Does Water Restoration Take?

Knowing how long water restoration takes can give you some peace of mind after your home has been damaged by water. There are several things that determine how long the restoration process will take. This includes the type of damage and how severe the damage is. Here are some things that will determine how long your water restoration will take:

What Repairs Need to Be Made

Before restoration experts begin repairing the damage to your home, there are a few things that they have to consider. First, they will have to determine the amount of water involved. It is faster and easier to repair minor damage than major damage. Also, they will have to consider the length of moister exposure. The longer that your home has been exposed to moisture, the long the water restoration process will take.

Furthermore, professionals will have to identify which materials were affected. Water restoration work varies depending on different structural components. For example, wood floors are likely to suffer from more damage than stone floors.

Different Types of Damage

How long the water restoration process will take also depends on the type of damage that has been done to your home. Experts must always check for mold and mildew. If water has been allowed to set to several days, it is likely that mold and mildew have began to grow. It usually takes around seven days to remove the mold and mildew.

The next thing they will look for is damaged floors. Some types of floors are more likely to suffer from damage than other, like wood and porous concrete floors. The floor replacement process can take anywhere between four and ten days.

Additionally, water damage can cause paint to peel and this will have to be restored as well. Depending on the amount of water damage, repainting a room can take up to several hours. Furthermore, it will take an extra day or two if your walls must be repaired before they can be painted.

Next, professionals will check any wood structural components. Beams and columns that are made of wood are likely to warp or begin to break down if they are exposed to water damage. However, these repairs usually only take an extra day or two.

 

There are many things that must be considered before the water restoration process can begin. Professionals must assess the damage and determine what kind of repairs need to be made. Additionally, they must determine how much and what kind of damage has been done. The length of the process will depend on the types of damage and how severe the damage is. To learn more about water restoration, visit American Fire and Water Restoration.

When You Need Smoke and Odor Removal

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Have you ever walked into a home that smells like fresh-baked cookies? While the sweet smell of cookies may be tasty lingering in the air, it eventually dissipates. Unfortunately, other harsher odors are the ones that tend to hang around for long. These types of odors are not easily alleviated with air fresheners.  If smoke, musty basements, sewage spills, dead animal remains, or anything else is producing a foul odor in your home, thorough cleaning is necessary. Here are a few things to know when you need smoke and odor removal.

Thoroughness Is Key

The only way to get rid of smoke and odor is to remove the source. Some people attempt to take care of smoke and odor problems with homemade or store-bought solutions. While this may temporarily improve the smell, it is not a permanent solution. Complete elimination of foul odors is virtually impossible without a professional cleaning. Every inch of the odor’s source and any other contaminated items have to be cleaned completely in order to get rid of the smell.

Every Situation is Different

There is no solution that eliminates all smoke and odor. Every situation is different. Because of this, it’s important to choose a cleaning and restoration company that offers a multitude of treatments and methods. Pet urine odors are removed in a completely different manner than eliminating smoke. The affected area must be cleaned and sanitized the appropriate way. That’s the key to leaving your home smelling clean and fresh.

Keep the Environment and Your Safety in Mind

While some odor removal methods may leave your home smelling fresh, they may not be good for your health. Also, there are some cleaning solutions that can do some harm to the environment. Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly cleaning solutions. These leave your home smelling fresh while keeping you healthy. Make sure you pay attention to whether the restoration company uses environmentally- and health-friendly cleaning solutions.

No one wants to have to continue to battle a smelly home. With proper smoke and odor removal, you won’t have to. At American Fire and Water Restoration, we provide professional cleanup services to ensure the job is done safely and effectively. We want to eliminate all signs of pervasive or foul odors so that you can breathe easy again. Don’t hesitate to contact American Fire Water and Restoration for 24/7 services.

Fire Damage

The Benefits of Fire Damage Restoration

A fire can be extremely damaging to your home, family and everyday life. Restoring the damage that a fire causes can be expensive and time-consuming, which is one of the reasons why you should hire a professional fire restoration company. Here are some benefits of fire damage restoration:

Professional Service

When you hire an expert for fire damage restoration, professionals will assess the damage, take tests, give you essential advice and begin the process without any delay. Experts have experience in the restoration of homes and buildings after fire damage. Additionally, an experienced fire restoration professional can provide a wide variety of services.

Tools

A fire damage restoration expert has all the tools and equipment need to successfully complete the job. This can include scrubbers, air movers and dehumidifiers, which are all used during the restoration process. Experts use additional equipment for debris and soot removal, damage appraisal, water removal, and deep cleaning. All of the tools that professionals use can restore the damage that a fire causes.

Save Time and Money

If you decide to restore your home yourself, it can be expensive and extremely time-consuming. However, when you hire a professional for your fire damage restoration, you will be able to save time and money. Experts work on a schedule and use tools that make the task easier and quicker. Additionally, you won’t have to spend all the extra money on renting tools and equipment.

Removal of Smoke and Residue

An important part of fire damage restoration is the removal of odors that smoke can cause. Professionals will be able to remove soot, repair damage caused by soot, and get rid of the smell of smoke. In addition to removing the smells, experts will be able to clean any of your personal items that were not damaged by the fire.

Peace of Mind

If you have a concern about the job getting done right, you should consider hiring a professional fire damage restoration company. You will have some peace of mind because you know that a team of restoration professionals is there to get the job done for you. A restoration company will be able to remove any sign that there was ever a fire at your home.

 

There are many benefits of fire damage restoration, including the removal of the smell of smoke and soot residue. Additionally, you can relax and have a little peace of mind because you know that the task is being taken care of by a team of experts. You will also be able to save time and money when you allow a fire damage restoration company to do the job for you. To learn more about fire damage restoration, visit American Fire and Water Restoration.

When To Call A Restoration Company

When to Call A Restoration Company

When something goes wrong in your home, the sooner you call a restoration company, the better. Waiting even a few hours after the damage occurs can make matters worse. A restoration company can prevent further damage and restore the property that has already been affected.

Water Damage

No matter what causes it, water damage quickly allows water to gather in small spaces of your home. That water can seep into wood and other materials, causing mold and mildew to grow. It only takes a day for mold and mildew to grow; any time that passes after that only gives the problem time to get worse. The longer you wait to call a restoration company, the more dangerous the problem becomes for you and your family.

Water damage can become destructive. When you call a restoration company, experts know exactly where to look for problems that you might not have noticed. Furthermore, professionals have all of the knowledge and equipment necessary to completely restore your home.

Fire Damage

A fire can greatly damage your home and property. Smoke can destroy your property and other personal items. Additionally, soot can damage walls and other items that weren’t even touched by the flames of the fire.

Fires can be devastating for you and your family. You could lose valuable items and memories. The damage can also cost you a lot of money in restoring and replacing the items that were damaged beyond repair. Calling a restoration company immediately can help to mitigate the damage. Professionals can restore your belongings that have been damaged, in addition to removing soot and the smell of smoke.

Severe Storm Damage

Storms are unpredictable and can occur at just about any time. They can also cause high winds, lightning, and flooding. Your home is also at risk of being damaged by falling trees, limbs and power lines.

Any openings in your home caused by the storm are a major threat to your home. These openings can allow animals and water to get into your home. Additionally, this also makes it easier for individuals to burglarize your home. Calling a restoration company immediately can prevent further damage. A team of professionals will be able to quickly restore your home and prevent water damage.

 

Any time your home experiences damage, it is essential to call a restoration company immediately. The longer you wait, the more severe the damage can become. Calling a restoration company can save you time and money, and also help bring you peace of mind. Water damage, fire damage, and storm damage all require the assistance of a restoration company. To learn more about when you should call a restoration company, visit American Water and Fire Restoration.