Recent Posts

Ice Dams Cause Attic Water Leaks and Mold Outbreak in Wauconda Home?

3/19/2024 (Permalink)

Water drips through a water-damaged ceiling in a home. We restore ice dam damage in Lake County 24 hours a day.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are leaders in ice dam damage restoration services in Wauconda. Mold outbreaks can become a significant issue when there is ice dam damage in an attic space of a home. When ice dams form, they can allow water to penetrate the roof and leak into the attic. This trapped moisture creates a damp and humid environment in the attic, which is ideal for mold growth. Several factors contribute to how mold outbreaks occur when this occurs:

Moisture Accumulation: The water leaking into the attic provides the necessary moisture for mold spores to thrive.

Warmth: Attic spaces can be relatively warm, especially if heat escapes from the living areas below, creating a favorable temperature for mold growth.

Poor Ventilation: Inadequate attic ventilation prevents proper air circulation, trapping moisture and increasing humidity levels.

Organic Materials: Attic insulation, wood framing, and sheathing provide organic surfaces that mold can feed on.

Time: Ice dams and the subsequent water intrusion can go unnoticed for an extended period, allowing mold to establish colonies and spread.

To mitigate mold outbreaks, it's crucial to address the root causes of ice dams by improving insulation, ventilation, and roofing and promptly addressing any water damage and mold remediation when necessary.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business is damaged by ice dams. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Creosote Buildup Causes Chimney Fire in Mundelein Home?

3/12/2024 (Permalink)

Soot covers the inside of a chimney. We restore fire damage in Lake County 24 hours a day.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in smoke damage cleanup and restoration services. A chimney fire occurs when the buildup of combustible materials within a chimney ignites and creates a blaze. This dangerous situation can happen for several reasons:

Creosote Accumulation:  The most common cause of chimney fires is the accumulation of creosote, a highly flammable substance.

Inadequate Ventilation: Chimneys are designed to provide a safe and efficient path for removing smoke and hot gases from the fireplace or stove. If the chimney is obstructed or not properly ventilated, it can lead to a buildup of heat and flammable gases, increasing the fire risk.

Burning Inappropriate Materials: Materials like paper, cardboard, or other non-seasoned wood can produce excess creosote and contribute to chimney fires.

Cracked or Damaged Chimney Liner: A damaged or cracked chimney liner can expose the surrounding structure to excessive heat and flames, potentially causing a chimney fire.

Infrequent Cleaning and Maintenance: Lack of regular chimney cleaning and maintenance can lead to creosote buildup and increase the likelihood of a fire.

To prevent chimney fires, it's essential to have regular chimney inspections, cleanings, and proper burning practices. Using seasoned wood and following safety guidelines for fireplace or stove usage can significantly reduce the risk of chimney fires and ensure the safe operation of your heating system.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business is damaged by fire. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

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Wauconda Home Damaged in March Storm?

3/5/2024 (Permalink)

Huge storm clouds fill the sky in March in Illinois. We restore winter storm damage in Lake County 24 hours a day.

SERVPRO of Mundelein/North Waucond is always ready to respond to storm damage emergencies that occur every winter in Wauconda, Lake County, IL. During March, the transition from winter to early spring weather can bring about various types of storms and weather events in the area.

Snowstorms: March is still considered part of the winter season in Lake County, and snowstorms are possible. Heavy snowfall can lead to snow accumulation, slick roads, and travel disruptions.

Rainstorms: As temperatures gradually rise in March, rainstorms become more common. These can bring heavy rain, leading to localized flooding, especially if the ground is frozen or saturated from melted snow.

Mixed Precipitation: Lake County can experience mixed precipitation events in March, including snow, sleet, freezing rain, and rain. These conditions can make driving hazardous and create slippery surfaces.

Thunderstorms: As the atmosphere becomes more unstable with increasing temperatures, thunderstorms become possible in March. Thunderstorms can bring lightning, strong winds, and heavy rain, increasing the risk of power outages and flooding.

Flooding: The combination of melting snow and spring rains can lead to the potential for flooding, particularly in low-lying areas, near rivers, and in areas with poor drainage.

It's important for Lake County, IL, residents to stay informed about weather forecasts and any severe weather warnings or advisories issued by local authorities during March.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Wauconda is damaged by a storm. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Rain Gutter System Destroyed by Ice Dam Formation in Mundelein?

2/27/2024 (Permalink)

An ice dam covers a rain gutter. We restore ice dam damage in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are leaders in water damage restoration services. Ice dams can damage rain gutters through a combination of factors related to freezing, thawing, and the weight of ice and snow. The damage to rain gutters from ice dams can occur as follows:

Ice buildup: As water from melting snow runs down the roof and into the gutters, it encounters the cold air and freezing temperatures at the roof's edge. This causes the water to freeze within the gutters, forming ice columns or ice dams inside the gutters.

Weight and stress: The weight of the ice dams and the frozen water within the gutters can exert significant pressure on the gutter system. Gutters are not designed to support such weight, leading to stress on the gutter brackets, hangers, and seams.

Detachment and damage: This stress can cause gutters to pull away from the house, damaging or dislodging gutter hangers and brackets over time. Additionally, the expansion of freezing water can lead to cracks and fractures in the gutter material.

Water infiltration: As the ice dams block the gutters, melting snow and ice have nowhere to go, potentially causing water to back up under the roofline and into the roof structure, leading to additional damage to the roof and attic.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Mundelein needs ice dam damage restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Wauconda Residents Brace for Powerful Winter Storm?

2/20/2024 (Permalink)

People stay warm by a fire during a winter storm. We restore winter storm damage in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams want everyone to stay safe during a winter storm. Here are some precautions from the American Red Cross that can help you weather winter storms safely:

  • Stay warm indoors to prevent frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Before the winter season begins, make sure you can heat your home safely. Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking, and weather stripping.
  • Consider using an indoor thermometer or thermostat to monitor the temperature inside
  • Plan to check on loved ones and neighbors to make sure they are staying warm. This is especially important for older adults and babies.
  • Drink plenty of warm fluids but avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Avoid travel if you can.
  • If you must go outside, plan to dress properly. Keep your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes covered in warm, dry clothing. These areas are the first to be at risk for frostbite.
  • Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens, and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth.
  • Know where you will go if your home becomes too cold. You could go to a friend’s house, a public library, or a warming center.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your Wauconda home or commercial business needs winter storm damage restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Mundelein Family Avoids Frozen Pipe Damage?

2/13/2024 (Permalink)

A person insulates pipes to prevent them from freezing. We restore frozen pipe damage in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are leaders in water damage restoration services. Frozen pipes are a constant challenge during the freezing winter months, but there are things that can be done to prevent pipes from freezing. Here are some steps to minimize the chances of frozen pipe damage this winter:

  • Insulate: Insulate exposed pipes with foam or heat tape.
  • Seal gaps: Seal gaps and cracks in walls and around windows to prevent drafts.
  • Keep indoor temperatures up: Maintain a consistent indoor temperature, even when away.
  • Open faucets: Allow a small, steady drip from faucets during extreme cold.
  • Cabinet doors: Leave cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to circulate.
  • Exterior faucets: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and faucets.
  • Insulate the attic: Ensure proper insulation in the attic to prevent cold air from reaching pipes.
  • Pipe insulation: Apply pipe insulation in unheated areas like basements and crawl spaces
  • Heat tape: Use heat tape for added protection on susceptible pipes.
  • Monitor weather: Stay informed about severe cold spells and take extra precautions.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Mundelein needs frozen pipe damage restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Heating Equipment Cause of Fire Damage in Wauconda Home?

2/6/2024 (Permalink)

A person warms their hands by a space heater. We are leaders in fire damage restoration in Lake County.

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda teams respond to fire damage emergencies more often during the cold winter months than at any other time of the year. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), heating equipment is one of the leading causes of home fire deaths. Here are some heating fire facts from the NFPA:

Based on 2016-2020 annual averages:

  • Space heaters were the type of heating equipment responsible for the largest shares of losses in home heating equipment fires, accounting for one-third of the fires, but nearly nine out of ten deaths and four out of five of the injuries in home fires caused by heating equipment.
  • Fires originating in a kitchen or cooking area accounted for the largest share of home heating fires (17 percent).
  • While the larger (non-confined) fires involving fireplaces or chimneys were involved in fewer than one in ten fires caused by heating equipment (7 percent), they caused just over one-fifth of the direct property damage (22 percent).
  • Nearly half of the heating equipment fires (46 percent) occurred in the three-month period from December through February.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business in Wauconda needs fire damage restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Are the Signs of Ice Dam Damage in Mundelein?

1/30/2024 (Permalink)

A water stain is visible on the ceiling. We restore ice dam damage in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams restore ice dam damage often during the winter months. Here are some visible signs to look for when inspecting your home for ice dam damage:

Icicles: Large, hanging icicles forming along the eaves or gutters are often a clear sign of ice dams.

Water Stains: Look for water stains or discoloration on interior ceilings and walls.

Dripping or Leaking: Water dripping from the ceiling or walls, especially during or after a snowstorm, can be a direct result of ice dam-related leaks.

Damaged Gutters and Downspouts: Ice dams can place added stress on gutters and downspouts, causing them to sag or become damaged.

Peeling Paint or Wallpaper: Moisture from ice dam leaks can cause paint or wallpaper to peel, crack, or blister on interior walls and ceilings.

Warped or Stained Wood: Wooden elements like rafters, sheathing, or attic insulation can become warped, stained, or discolored when exposed to moisture from ice dams.

Sagging or Damaged Drywall: Excessive moisture can weaken and damage drywall, leading to sagging or visible bulges.

Mold and Mildew: Prolonged moisture from ice dam leaks can promote the growth of mold and mildew, which may be visible on walls, ceilings, or attic.

Curling Shingles: Ice dams can cause the shingles near the eaves to curl or become damaged due to the freeze-thaw cycle.

Call Us!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your home or commercial business needs ice dam restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Why Are We a Leader in Commercial Cleaning and Restoration Services in Wauconda?

1/23/2024 (Permalink)

A business owner is getting an update on a restoration project. We restore clean and restore commercial properties 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams are trusted leaders in commercial property damage restoration services. We know that fast mitigation services keep businesses operational and save time and money in many cases.

Faster to Any Size Disaster in Denver

When there is a fire or water damage emergency, fast mitigation can make the difference between a quick restoration job and a more time-consuming and costly repair. Our technicians are on-call and available 24 hours a day to respond to commercial property damage emergencies in Wauconda. We follow the one-four-eight-hour rule, meaning:

One-Four-Eight-Hour Rule

One hour: we will respond to your call within one hour or less

Four hours: we will be onsite within four hours of your call

Eight hours: we will contact your insurance adjuster within eight hours of your call

Disasters can be stressful and chaotic. We have relationships with all major insurance companies and can assist with the insurance process and paperwork. No matter what kind of property damage you have, you can rely on us to be with you every step of the way and to keep you informed on the progress until the job is completed.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when your commercial property or home needs cleaning and restoration services. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchises are independently owned and operated.

Household Appliances Cause Property Damage in Mundelein Homes?

1/16/2024 (Permalink)

A leaking water heater is shown. We restore water and fire damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our Mundelein and North Wauconda teams respond to property damage emergencies throughout the year in Mundelein. Here are some examples of damage caused by household appliances:

Washing Machine Leaks: A malfunctioning washing machine or damaged hoses can result in water leaks. These leaks can lead to water damage to floors, walls, and nearby furnishings, as well as potential mold growth if not addressed promptly.

Dishwasher Leaks: Faulty seals, pumps, or hoses in dishwashers can cause leaks, leading to water damage to kitchen cabinets, floors, and adjacent areas.

Refrigerator Leaks: Issues with ice makers or condensation lines in refrigerators can result in water leaks onto kitchen floors, potentially causing damage to flooring and nearby structures.

Water Heater Failures: A failing water heater can lead to leaks, which can cause significant water damage, especially if the water heater is located in an attic or on an upper floor.

HVAC System Leaks: Air conditioning units or heating systems can develop condensation or refrigerant leaks, leading to water damage to ceilings, walls, and flooring.

Oven or Stove Fires: Malfunctions in cooking appliances can result in fires that damage kitchen cabinets, walls, and ceilings.

Microwave Oven Fires: Overheating or malfunctioning microwave ovens can cause fires that can extend to surrounding cabinetry and walls.

Call Us Today!

Our local Mundelein and North Wauconda team is Here to Help ® when you have property damage from a failed appliance. Call us today at 224-372-7064. 

SERVPRO® franchise is independently owned and operated.