Recent Posts

Flooded Street Floods Business in Antioch?

3/21/2023 (Permalink)

A street is flooded. We restore commercial water damage 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County is a trusted leader in commercial water damage restoration services. Stormwater intrusion, plumbing systems, and appliances can fail at any time and cause water damage to your business or home. Our restoration technicians have the advanced training, state-of-the-art equipment, and experience to restore any size water loss quickly and efficiently and with minimal disruption to your employees and customers, or family.

The Insurance Institute for Business Home and Safety suggests that businesses and homeowners:

  • Provide a reliable backup power source to ensure continuous power to the building
  • Install an automatic excess flow switch on the main incoming domestic water line to monitor and provide early detection of a broken pipe or valve. Use wireless sensors near water sources.
  • Monitor sprinkler systems using a central station to provide early detection of a pipe failure and heat unheated sprinkler control rooms

Call Us Today!

Water damage happens at all times of the day and night and can become a costly repair if not addressed quickly. Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have water damage in your Antioch business or home. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day and typically arrive within four hours of your call. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Broken Pipe Floods Home in Fox Lake?

3/14/2023 (Permalink)

A broken pipe is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County is a trusted leader in water damage restoration services. This time of year, many people in Fox Lake experience issues with broken pipes. Our technicians use advanced technology and powerful, industrial-grade equipment to remove the bulk of the water quickly and dry the areas thoroughly.

Moisture Detection and Measurement

  • Surface moisture meters
  • Infrared imagery
  • Evasive moisture detectors
  • Video borescope

Water Extraction Equipment

We use powerful extraction equipment to speed the drying process by removing the bulk of the water from your home or business.

  • Submersible and gas-powered pumps for continuous pumping of high-level water
  • Truck-mounted and portable extraction units perform efficient water removal

Drying Equipment

We use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the remaining moisture from ceilings, walls, and floors. Proper drying helps to prevent swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.

  • High-speed air movers cause moisture to evaporate at a faster pace
  • Industrial-grade dehumidifiers pull the water vapor from the air

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have water damage in your Fox Lake home or commercial business. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Candle Causes Fire Damage in Round Lake Beach?

3/7/2023 (Permalink)

A burning candle starts a fire. We respond to fire damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Round Lake Beach Residents Need to Know

Candles can create a festive atmosphere for any occasion, but they can also cause fire damage. Our local team in Northwest Lake County offers these candle safety tips from the National Fire Protection Association

  • Blow out all candles when you leave the room or go to bed. Avoid the use of candles in the bedroom and other areas where people may fall asleep. 
  • Keep candles at least 1 foot away from anything that can burn 
  • Use candle holders that are sturdy and won’t tip over easily 
  • Put candle holders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface Light candles carefully, and keep your hair and any loose clothing away from the flame 
  • Don’t burn a candle all the way down — put it out before it gets too close to the holder or container 
  • Never use a candle if oxygen is used in the home 
  • Have flashlights and battery-powered lighting ready to use during a power outage. Never use candles. 
  • Think about using flameless candles in your home. They look and smell like real candles. 

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have fire damage in your Round Lake Beach home or commercial business. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Are You Prepared for the Next Power Outage in Lake Catherine?

2/28/2023 (Permalink)

A person works at home by candlelight during a power outage. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

The winters can be harsh in Lake County and Lake Catherine residents can prepare ahead of time for power outages. Our local team in Northwest Lake County offers this information for preparing for a power outage from the Red Cross:

Create a support network. Identify people who can help you stay at home or evacuate during an extended power outage. Keep a paper copy of your contact list.

Stay connected and alert. Sign up for alert systems and apps for text alerts. Have communication devices that work without home power, including a crank or battery radio, a non-cordless home phone, chargers, and batteries for your cell phones and your computers.

Stock food and water. Store non-perishable food and water supplies for at least two weeks. Plan to use coolers and ice to extend food refrigeration and keep a thermometer in the fridge, freezer, or cooler to monitor the food temperature.

Know and plan for your personal and medical electrical needs. Take an inventory of your electrical needs. Consider backup and non-power alternatives for lighting, communication, medical devices, refrigerated medicine, cooking, garage doors, locks, and elevators. Discuss a plan with your doctors for your medical needs.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have storm damage in your Lake Catherine home or commercial business. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Freezing Temperatures Cause Frostbite in Grayslake?

2/21/2023 (Permalink)

A person shivers in the cold winter weather. We respond to storm damage emergencies 24 hours a day in Lake County.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County responds to storm damage emergencies every winter. Grayslake has 132 days each year where the nighttime low temperature falls below freezing, which is colder than most places in Illinois. Here is some information about frostbite and hypothermia from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA):

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers, and toes.

Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.

Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, or drowsiness.

Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have storm damage in your Grayslake home or commercial business. Our technicians are on call and ready to respond to your emergency 24 hours a day and we typically arrive on-site within four hours of your call for help. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

How Can Ice Dams Damage My Roof in Round Lake Beach?

2/14/2023 (Permalink)

Heavy snow and ice dams are visible on a roof. We are leaders in storm damage restoration services in Lake County.

Ice dams are a common challenge during the freezing winter months in Round Lake Beach. Our local team in Northwest Lake County witnesses the damage ice dams can do to a home. The National Weather Service reports that ice dams result when heavy snow buildup melts during the day and then refreezes when temperatures drop overnight. After several days of melting and freezing cycles, the melted water can build up under the shingles and enter the attic, eventually damaging ceilings, walls, and household contents.

There are two common ways ice dams cause damage to roofs.

Freezing Water

Freezing water can damage the roof because it expands and can tear the sealing points along its edge when it freezes. Additionally, large icicles can accumulate at the roof’s edge, and the weight of the icicles can damage the roof and the rain gutter.

Pooling Water

If water pools behind an ice dam, it may seep into your home because it has nowhere to drain. Pooling water can cause extensive damage to the structure of the building as well as to the insulation, drywall, and electrical systems.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have storm damage in your Round Lake Beach home or commercial business. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

What Can I Do If I Discover Frozen Pipes in my Fox Lake Home?

2/7/2023 (Permalink)

A frozen pipe is shown. We respond to water damage emergencies 24-hours a day in Lake County.

During the freezing winters, pipes freeze, and they can burst and cause significant water damage if they are not thawed. Our local team in Northwest Lake County offers these tips from the Red Cross for preventing and thawing frozen pipes:

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will start to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or another open flame device.
  • Apply heat until the full water pressure is restored. If you cannot locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have a water damage emergency in your Fox Lake home or commercial business. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Move-Out and Pack-Out Services in Ingleside?

1/31/2023 (Permalink)

A person is storing boxes in a warehouse. We offer services to move your belongings offsite during the restoration process in Lake County.

When my home was damaged by fire in Ingleside, the damage was extensive in some rooms, and the contents had to be moved out in order to complete the restoration. The fire did not damage some items and required offsite storage, but others needed to be restored. I was happy to find that my insurance covered these services and that the local team in Northwest Lake County provided these services. The team helped me pack and move out all of the belongings in the house. This allowed the restoration process to move quickly, and we moved back into the house sooner than we thought!

Sometimes during a restoration, household items will need to be moved offsite so that the work can be completed. Our local team in Northwest Lake County offers the convenience of move-out and pack-out services.

We can conduct an organized, efficient move-out of the affected area when your home requires extensive restoration or cleaning due to fire damage. Move-out will provide several benefits, including:

  • A quicker remodeling process
  • Protecting items from potential damage
  • Protecting contents from further on-site damage

Once the restoration is completed, we will work with you to coordinate the move-in according to your needs. The services offered upon move-in may depend on your insurance coverage.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you need move-out and pack-out services in your Ingleside home or commercial business. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Generator Maintenance Tips for Fox Lake Businesses?

1/24/2023 (Permalink)

A portable diesel backup generator sits in a sideyard of a business. We restore commercial property damage 24-hours a day in Lake County.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County is on call and ready to assist businesses with property damage emergencies every hour of the day, 365 days a year, in Fox Lake. A backup generator in good working condition will enable your business to remain open when a power outage occurs. Here are some tips from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety to prepare for inclement weather by servicing your generator:

The time to maintain a generator is well before a major storm or disaster strikes (when professional assistance may be unavailable, power lines are down, and access roads are blocked). Backup power can help maintain a consistent building temperature and reduce the risk of freezing pipes leading to business disruption and damage. 

Portable 

  • Store in a dry location
  • Set up a maintenance schedule to include periodic test runs for the unit 

Permanent

  • Permanent generators should have a proper maintenance plan that includes weekly, monthly, and annual checks. See the manufacturer’s specifications for more information.  
  • Run the unit weekly on its maintenance plan to ensure it is properly functioning in case of an emergency. Individual units may have a timer that allows a programmed test to be scheduled, and qualified personnel should oversee these scheduled weekly tests.  
  • Check the generator enclosure for loose debris or other conditions that could cause the unit not to function properly.  

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have a storm damage emergency in your Fox Lake business or home. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.

Ingleside Shore Property Damaged by Ice Dam?

1/17/2023 (Permalink)

An ice dam is shown on a roof. We restore storm damage quickly and efficiently in Lake County.

Our local team in Northwest Lake County often responds to storm damage emergencies in Ingleside Shore during winter. One common form of winter property damage comes from ice dams building up on roofs. Here is some information from the National Weather Service for preventing ice dams:

  • If you haven’t already, thoroughly clean all leaves, sticks, and other debris from your home’s gutters and downspouts. This allows melting snow to flow into gutters and downspouts.
  • Make every effort to keep snow on your roof to a minimum. Long-handled devices on the market called “roof rakes” let you stand on the ground and pull the snow off the roof. Keeping heavy snow loads off your roof reduces the chances of ice dam formation and roof failure due to the weight.
  • All winter long, keep gutters and downspouts clear of snow and icicles.
  • Evaluate the insulation and ventilation in your attic. Most experts agree that the T=R-value of the attic insulation should be at least R-30 (R-38 is preferable in northern climates). In addition, good airflow under the eaves or soffit area along the underside of the roof and out through the vents is essential. The venting allows the attic air to stay cold enough to prevent or minimize the freeze/thaw cycle on the roof.

Call Us Today!

Our team in Northwest Lake County is Here to Help ® when you have a storm damage emergency in your Ingleside Shore home or commercial business. Call us today at 224-372-7772.

Franchises are independently owned and operated.