SERVPRO Knows the Science Behind Drying

8/9/2019 (Permalink)

SERVPRO has special equipment and advanced techniques to get your property dry quickly and efficiently.

You have a water damage and you need to act quick. Your first instinct may be to grab towels and set up fans. But it isn't always that easy; in fact, additional damage is very likely if a structure is not dried quickly and properly. At SERVPRO, we understand that there is a science to drying. Having an understanding of psychrometrics is the key to the drying process. Our staff is highly trained and well versed in the industry standards to facilitate a quick and effective process.

You may notice that, for instance, your basement is not getting dry even though oyu have several fans going. While moisture will naturally move to drier air at the surface of the material, this only occurs if the air is drier than the material. Therefore, if your basement air is moist, the moisture in your carpet or walls will not come out. This is why you need to dry the air in addition to attempting to dry the materials.

When we get to your home or business, we will first inspect the structure to pinpoint all wet areas. We then want to measure the amount of moisture within the wet materials to ensure that they are drying properly. All the while, our professional, state-of-the-art drying equipment will be running in the background. Having our machines present will speed up the natural drying process, which will help you avoid secondary damages to your structure. The faster the water is dried, the less damage that will occur.

Boating Safety Tips

7/11/2019 (Permalink)

Have peace-of-mind this boating season by employing proper safety precautions.

The flooding on the Mississippi River has finally gone down. The rain has stopped (mostly) and the weather has been warm and sunny. For many of us here in the Quad Cities, this means it is time to get our boats back on the water. However, before you "dive in" to this year's boating season, it is important to be prepared in order to ensure you and your passengers are safe.

Before launching your boat, always make sure to check the weather. If the water is going to be rough and choppy, it can be unsafe for boating or swimming. Once swells pick up with high winds and currents, it becomes much easier for your boat to capsize. Also before launching, make sure that friends and family are aware of your trip, where you will be going, and what time they should expect you to return.

Once you check the weather and inform others of your trip, you are almost ready to go. But, lastly, you need to make sure you have the essentials onboard in case of an emergency. The following is a list of safety items you should carry in your boat at all times:

• Life jackets
• Life-saver flotation ring
• Horn or other sound-producing device, such as a whistle
• Fire extinguisher
• Flares
• Navigation lights for night boating
• Radio
• First-Aid kit

Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, and Milan Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

2/8/2019 (Permalink)

 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Coal Valley, Sterling, Rock Falls, or Moline basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (309) 797-1199

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (309) 797-1199

Water, Water Everywhere

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

1/25/2019

Water and moisture can cause both structural and content damage when unnoticed.  Even a small leak, left untreated, can lead to big loses. 

Because mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours, water damage should be handled by trained professionals who have the equipment and knowledge to treat the situation, regardless of the size.

If you experience a water situation there are some things you can do until help arrives;

• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas when access to the power distribution panel is safe from shock.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture and remove from the wet area, if possible, otherwise place aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove from walls are wet area all items that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. e. – Paintings, art objects, computers, documents, etc.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet flooring.

If you have experienced water damage in recent months, call the professionals at SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island to access your situation and provide fast, effective clean up.

Steps to Help Prevent Frozen Pipes

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

1/25/2019

You wake up on a cold winter morning, head into the bathroom or kitchen, turn the faucet and … a trickle. Or, nothing at all.

You have a frozen pipe. What do you do now? Better yet, how do you avoid this messy, potentially expensive situation in the first place?

Here are some ideas to help keep the water flowing inside, even as the freeze sets in outside:

Before It Gets Cold

• Drain water supply lines to your sprinkler and swimming pool. Don't put antifreeze in the lines; spills or leaks can threaten pets, wildlife and landscaping.
   
• Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses before putting them in storage. Place an inexpensive foam cover over the faucet. Better yet, close the inside valves that supply water to the hose bibs. Then open the outside hose bibs to let any remaining water drain out, and leave them open.
   
• Insulate water pipes with pipe sleeves, heat tape or heat cable, particularly pipes that run through unheated areas of the house, such as attics, basements, crawl spaces and garages.

As Temperatures Drop

• Keep your house warm, and allow the warm air to circulate as much as possible. Seal drafts and keep interior doors open. If you’re going to be gone for an extended period, don’t turn off the heat. Keep it set to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
   
• Open cabinet doors under kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to reach the pipes. Be sure to move cleaners and other chemicals out of reach of children and pets.
   
• Open indoor faucets, hot and cold, to allow a trickle of water. Flowing water is less likely to freeze.

When a Pipe Freezes

• The first thing to do, faced with the telltale trickle, is try to find where the pipe is frozen. Keep the faucet open, and open other faucets in the house to determine if the problem is widespread. If it is, turn off the main water supply and call a plumber.
   
• If it's a single pipe, and you can reach the frozen section, try using a hair dryer, heating pad or portable space heater – just never leave it running unattended. Keep the faucet open and work up and down the pipe, starting at the faucet and working backward to the frozen section. Apply heat until full water pressure returns, then reduce the flow to a trickle until the cold snap ends.
   
• An alternative method: Wrap the frozen section with towels soaked in hot water. Don't pour hot water directly on a frozen pipe, and don't use a propane torch or other open flame.

If these approaches don't work, or if you have a leaking or burst pipe, don't hesitate to turn off the main water supply and call in a licensed plumber. And, be sure to touch base with your insurance agent, too, preferably before a crisis. You'll want to know whether you're covered for burst pipes and the ensuing water damage

Water, Water, Everywhere

1/25/2019 (Permalink)

Water and moisture can cause both structural and content damage when unnoticed.  Even a small leak, left untreated, can lead to big loses. 

Because mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours, water damage should be handled by trained professionals who have the equipment and knowledge to treat the situation, regardless of the size.

If you experience a water situation there are some things you can do until help arrives;

• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas when access to the power distribution panel is safe from shock.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture and remove from the wet area, if possible, otherwise place aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove from walls are wet area all items that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. e. – Paintings, art objects, computers, documents, etc.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet flooring.

If you have experienced water damage in recent months, call the professionals at SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island to access your situation and provide fast, effective clean up.

What you need to know about flooded basements

6/6/2018 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your basement could flood: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (309) 797-1199

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (309) 797-1199

Do’s and Don’ts of drying out clean water in home or business

5/1/2018 (Permalink)

The following are a few helpful tips on action you or your family can follow until SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island arrives:

DO

• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removal of lamps and tabletop items.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying in summer.
• Remove oriental rugs or other colored rugs from wet wall-to-wall carpeting or hardwood floors.
• Open and place luggage in sunlight to dry, if possible.

DON’T

• Leave wet fabrics in place; dry as soon as possible.
• Leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets or floors.
• Use TV’s or other household appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.

Take the proper precautions when dealing with water damage. Even small water damages have the potential to cause serious structural and indoor air quality issues over time. Your local SERVPRO professionals have the training and equipment to help make it, “Like it never even happened.” Call us at (309)-797-1199..

How to manage damage from clean water or damage from contaminated water

1/5/2018 (Permalink)

Damage from clean water

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

Damage from contaminated water

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

When you have a water damage, don’t leave your property to chance. Call SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199.

Water, water everywhere

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water and moisture can cause both structural and content damage when unnoticed.  Even a small leak, left untreated, can lead to big loses. 

Because mold growth can begin in less than 48 hours, water damage should be handled by trained professionals who have the equipment and knowledge to treat the situation, regardless of the size.

If you experience a water situation there are some things you can do until help arrives;

• Shut off the source of the water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• Turn off circuit breakers for wet areas when access to the power distribution panel is safe from shock.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe water from wood furniture and remove from the wet area, if possible, otherwise place aluminum foil between furniture legs and wet carpet.
• Remove from walls are wet area all items that are valuable or sensitive to moisture. e. – Paintings, art objects, computers, documents, etc.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet flooring.

If you have experienced water damage in recent months, call the professionals at SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island to access your situation and provide fast, effective clean up.

You Can Protect Your Property with Water Preventative Tools

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

You Can Protect Your Property with Water Preventative Tools

Undetected water can cause a great deal of damage to a building structure and contents.  To prevent this type of disaster a home or business owner can install water detection systems.  Water leak detection systems help identify leaks which, in some circumstances, can help prevent a flood. Water monitoring systems are generally activated at the first sign of excess moisture or seepage resulting from a leak.

Water Alarms:  Water alarms also known as leak sensors are typically battery-operated stand-alone systems contacting a moisture sensor that will activate an audible alarm when moisture is detected.  Benefits of water alarms are accessibility and price.  They are fairly inexpensive and easy to install.

Water Systems:  While most water alarms simply notify you of a leak, water systems will actually shot off the water supply causing water damage.  The downside to water systems is that they only  apply to water caused by an appliance or water supply and do not  cover water that occurs from rain, broken pipes or or sump pump failure.

Leak Prevention Tips

Regularly check the following items for leaks:

• Check roofing for deterioration.
• Check gutters and downspouts for blockage.
• Check basements and crawl space for moisture.
• Check under and around appliances.
• Check sinks and toilets.
• Check HVAC for leaks and blockage.

If you suspect you have suffered a water damage—past or present, call SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island for fast, courteous and knowledgeable service.  (309) 797-1199

TIME IS MONEY

12/7/2017 (Permalink)

The old adage is never more true than when dealing with a water-damaged home or business.  Every minute matters, because every minute the property remains wet could turn primary damage into serious damage—or even permanent damage.  That’s why emergency response matters.

Floods, broken pipes and leaks don’t abide by the 9-to-5 workday.  So why should your restoration provider?  SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with state of the art equipment and proven methods to get the job done quickly and effectively.

If you find water creeping into your life, pick up the phone and call your local SERVPRO.  Their highly trained professionals can help you avoid the cost and inconvenience of serious and permanent damage to your home and possessions.  Call SERVPRO Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199—we’re faster to any size disaster.

If Your Home's Sump Pump Fails Call SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island

6/23/2017 (Permalink)

Sump pumps are a very important feature to any home. Without getting technical, and to make a long story short, Sump Pumps keep your basement dry. When heavy rains hit, the pump kicks in and take water away from your home. It is extremely important to discuss your pump's coverage with your insurance agent, because sometimes these pumps can fail and cause damage to your home.

A power outage, from a storm for instance, can cause your pump to fail which could result in a flooded basement. SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island have seen too many sump pump failures to count. We can't service your pump, but we can help clean up when a pump malfunction damages your basement.  

If your Moline, Rock Island, East Moline or Silvis home has a flooded basement due to sump pump failure call SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island at (309) 797-1199.

Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, and Milan Residents: We Specialize in Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration!

5/19/2017 (Permalink)

If you live Moline or Rock Island, don't let a flooded basement get you down. Call us!

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Coal Valley, Sterling, Rock Falls, or Moline basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-water tank failure
• And many more

Have Questions about Basement Flooding?

Call Today - (309) 797-1199

If flood water is not handled quickly and properly, it can jeopardize your health and safety, and cause severe damage to your home’s structure. Remember, the longer you wait, the worse the problem will get.

The bottom line: a flooded basement can jeopardize your health, safety, and your home’s integrity. It’s worth making a call to SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island and let our trained, professional crews handle the situation safely and correctly. We have earned the trust of hundreds of homeowners, business owners, and property professionals.

We are Flooded Basement Specialists:

• We are Available 24 hours/7 days per week
• We’re a Preferred Vendor to many National Insurance Companies
• We Bill The Insurance Directly – One Less Thing For You To Worry About
• Our Technicians are Highly-Trained  in Water Restoration Techniques
• We use s500 IICRC Restoration Standards
• Advanced Inspection and Extraction Equipment

Basement Flooded? Call Us Today – We’re Ready To Help (309) 797-1199

Faster to your Moline, Rock Island and surrounding area's Water Damage Event

12/9/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in the entire Quad Cities area.

Flooding and water emergencies don’t wait for regular business hours and neither do we. SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island provides emergency cleaning and restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week—including all holidays.

Faster To Any Size Disaster

Flooding and water damage is very invasive. Water quickly spreads throughout your home and gets absorbed into floors, walls, furniture, and more. SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island arrives quickly and starts the water extraction process almost immediately. This immediate response helps to minimize the damage and the cleaning and restoration costs.

Need Emergency Service? Call Us 24/7 – (309) 797-1199

Water Damage Timeline

Within Minutes

• Water quickly spreads throughout your property, saturating everything in its path.
• Water is absorbed into walls, floors, upholstery, and belongings.
• Furniture finishes may bleed, causing permanent staining on carpets.
• Photographs, books, and other paper goods start to swell and warp.

Hours 1 - 24:

• Drywall begins to swell and break down.
• Metal surfaces begin to tarnish.
• Furniture begins to swell and crack.
• Dyes and inks from cloth and paper goods spread and stain.
• A musty odor appears.

48 Hours to 1 Week:

• Mold and mildew may grow and spread.
• Doors, windows, and studs swell and warp.
• Metal begins to rust and corrode.
• Furniture warps and shows signs of mold.
• Paint begins to blister.
• Wood flooring swells and warps.
• Serious biohazard contamination is possible.

More Than 1 Week:

• Restoration time and cost increase dramatically; replacing contaminated materials and structural rebuilding may be extensive.
• Structural safety, mold growth, and biohazard contaminants pose serious risks to occupants.

About SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

We service Moline, Rock Island, and surrounding areas such as Galesburg, Aledo, Sterling, Kewanee and Fulton. So any time that a pipe bursts in your home, or any other time where water damages your residence. Give SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island a call at (309) 797-1199.

Moline/Rock Island 24 Hour Emergency Water Damage Service

8/3/2016 (Permalink)

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island provides 24 hour fire and water damage restoration service in Moline, Rock Island, East Moline, and surrounding areas.

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

We Answer the Phone Ready to Help
Call Today - (309) 797-1199

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

What to Expect

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

Our SERVPRO Representative will ask several questions:

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

About SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island

SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island specializes in the cleanup and restoration of residential and commercial property after a fire, smoke or water damage event. Our staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. From initial and ongoing training at SERVPRO’s corporate training facility to regular IICRC-industry certification, rest assured our staff is equipped with the knowledge to restore your property.

Melting Snow

2/17/2016 (Permalink)

The image of snow piled up against a house, or a gutter blocked with ice is not a common warning sign for homeowners. However if you have a basement or a crawlspace you are at serious risk for water damage when the temperature rises rapidly after a big storm.

These tips can help you keep melting snow from damaging your home.

Before the warm weather comes –

• Keep the perimeter of your house clear of snow and ice. This snow sitting against the foundation will slowly get into the concrete and expand when cold weather comes again. Slowly creating little pathways that may lead to the inside of your house.
• Shovel out window wells and vents. Water will find a way into any opening or crack; these are natural spots for a leak to occur. If you have covers over egress windows, clear them off as snow will start to get very heavy as it melts.

When the weather gets warm

• Clear out ice jams in gutters.  When water overflows out of the gutter it can run down the side of your house and into any penetration or seam that isn’t sealed.  Keeping the water in the gutter is a safer bet. If the jam is at the top of the downspout, be sure you can safely reach the gutters to clear them out.
• Keep walkways clear of ice. As the snow melts, it will likely move onto areas you have previously cleared off. As it freezes again, it will create a sheet of ice almost as well as a Zamboni machine. You can use a number of tools including salt, sand, de-icer or even just a shovel or ice scraper. Keep in mind salts and de-icers can damage your concrete if left to melt on the surface, and they may contain chemicals that may be harmful to grass, plants, or pets.
• Keep a close eye. Be sure you are watching for signs in areas that could be damaged. These signs can include a damp smell, wet carpet, walls that are peeling or bowing, or a dripping sound in exterior walls.

After the weather warms up

• Pay attention to what your house tells you. After the snow has cleared and you are getting ready for spring projects, you can still be at risk for water damage. The freezing and thawing may cause breaks to your water or sprinkler lines. If you have any loss in pressure you should get it looked at.
• Look for signs of problems that can be fixed. Water damage can take a while to become visible, so watch for signs that will help you prepare for next winter.
  • Do you need to add a downspout where the gutter overflows?
  • Should you add extensions to your downspouts to get water away from the house?
  • Is there siding damage next to an area where the water drips?

Flooded Basement

2/4/2016 (Permalink)

A basement can flood at any time, although flooding most often occurs during heavy rainfall. Basements are inherently prone to flooding because they are the lowest level of a building and are normally built partly or entirely below ground level. There are a number of reasons why your Moline/Rock Island basement could flood, including: 

• A blocked or failed sewer lateral pipe
• Heavy rain causes surface Water to pool around your home
• Storm sewer backup
• Sanitary sewer backup
• Foundation drainage failure
• Water supply-line break or hot-Water tank failure
• And many more...

So should you ever walk downstairs to find that your basement has water, or has been flooded. rest assure that SERVPRO of Moline/Rock Island will be there to help! We service the entire Quad Cities area and surrounding cities such as Galesburg, Sterling, Geneseo, and Fulton.

Call us at 309-797-1199 and we will restore your basement like it never even happened.