Why Pipes Freeze

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

If your pipes are exposed to temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended duration, the risk of water freezing and causing significant damage to your home becomes a concern. Fortunately, there are preventive measures you can take.

The freezing of pipes typically occurs due to two main factors:

Pipes installed in unheated spaces without sufficient protection.

Inadequate heating in the area where the freezing occurs.

Various types of pipes, including domestic water piping, HVAC heating and cooling piping, and sprinkler piping, are susceptible to freezing if left in cold and unprotected conditions. Both plastic and metal pipes can rupture when frozen, and even a minor crack in a burst pipe has the potential to release substantial amounts of water, depending on the pipe's size.

But why do pipes burst during freezing temperatures? When water freezes, it expands, exerting pressure against the pipe wall and pressurizing the water trapped between the ice and a closed valve or fixture. As freezing and expansion continue inside the pipe, the trapped water's pressure increases, causing the pipe to burst, much like a can of soda bursts in the freezer.

Common areas prone to frozen pipes include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, fire sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior spaces such as basements, crawlspaces, attics, garages, bathroom sink cabinets, and kitchen cabinets. Pipes located along exterior walls with inadequate insulation, gaps in the insulation, or improperly installed building wrap are particularly vulnerable to freezing. Addressing these potential issues promptly is advisable. For further information, you can consult the International Plumbing Code by clicking here.

SERVPRO®'s commitment goes beyond a mere slogan; it's embodied in the mantra "We're Faster To Any Size Disaster." Their dedication is evident with round-the-clock technicians ready to respond promptly. Residents facing home water damage are urged to reach out to SERVPRO without hesitation.

Fire Safety this Winter

12/11/2023 (Permalink)

When a fire strikes no one is ready for the emotion and fear they can instill.  In most cases families can be displaced for months on end, contents are destroyed,  and memories are lost.  Recently, SERVPRO® was called to a home that had heavy smoke and soot damaged caused by a small appliance that had shorted out.  A television in the back bedroom of the home had caught fire causing extensive damage to the bedroom and bathroom.  Luckily no one was hurt in the fire, but now the process of cleaning up all the  soot and tearing out damaged materials throughout the home has begun.  SERVPRO understands the process of cleaning a home or business after a fire.  We also have the capabilities to do the reconstruction once the mitigation is complete.  We work hand-in-hand with the home owner making sure that we can transform the residence back into a home they can make new memories in for years to come.

With the Holiday season upon us statistics show that November-January are the months when fires are most prevalent. It's important to make sure that your family has a plan in place in case a fire of a fire.  Here are some tips to keep your family safe during the upcoming Holiday Season.

• Install smoke alarms on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas.
• Test smoke alarms every month. If they’re not working, change the batteries.
• Talk with all family members about a fire escape plan and practice the plan twice a year.

If a fire occurs in your home, GET OUT, STAY OUT and CALL FOR HELP. Never go back inside for anything or anyone.

What is a Master Service Agreement? (MSA)

10/11/2023 (Permalink)

A Master Service Agreement (MSA) stands as a crucial contract binding two parties and outlining their relationship's terms and conditions. In the realm of facility vendors, an MSA typically covers a wide array of services like cleaning, maintenance, and repairs.

But let's get down to it – why should you even bother with an MSA? Well, around here, it's all about efficiency. Having just one contract in place means no more dealing with each vendor separately. That's a win-win that saves you both time and money.

Plus, it's all about communication and teamwork. An MSA spells out who's doing what, so there's no room for misunderstandings and delays. In this neck of the woods, we appreciate clear-cut agreements.

And then there's the protection an MSA provides. Your MSA usually includes provisions for stuff like insurance, liability, and resolving disputes. It's peace of mind, plain and simple.

Now, let's talk SERVPRO Team Nichols. We're a local standout near Chicago, and we're the ones you want for your MSA needs. Here's what we bring to the table:

1. **Local Expertise**: We're your neighbors, serving the Chicagoland area. We know the local scene and the unique needs of our community.

2. **Comprehensive Services**: Our team is well-versed in a variety of services that can be covered by an MSA, including water damage restoration, fire damage restoration, mold remediation, biohazard cleanup, storm damage restoration, and construction and remodeling. We're your one-stop shop for all things restoration.

3. **Round-the-Clock Service**: Emergencies don't wait for convenient hours. We're available 24/7 to tackle any disaster head-on.

4. **Customer-Centric Approach**: Your satisfaction is our top priority. We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and tailor a plan to meet them. Plus, we keep you in the loop throughout the restoration process.

So, if you're in the Chicagoland area and need a trusted partner for your MSA, SERVPRO Team Nichols is the way to go. We've got the local knowledge, expertise, and commitment to make sure you're taken care of.

To dive deeper into our MSA offerings or get your questions answered, just give us a call. We're here to help, 24/7/365.

When Your Commercial Highrise Building Is Hit by Fire or Water Damage, SERVPRO Downtown Chicago-Team Nichols Is Here For You

2/13/2023 (Permalink)

When Your Commercial Highrise Building Is Hit by Fire or Water Damage, SERVPRO Downtown Chicago-Team Nichols Is Here For You

When a fire or water disaster hits your high-rise commercial building, it can be hard to know who to turn to for help. Luckily, SERVPRO Team Nichols is always ready to lend a hand. From restoring valuable documents and equipment to helping organize the repair process, their experienced team can help you every step of the way. In this article, we'll take a look at how they make disaster recovery easier for high-rise buildings hit by fire or water damage.

SERVPRO Team Nichols has been providing commercial high-rise building restoration services in the Chicago area for over a decade. We are a locally owned and operated company with a highly trained and certified team of technicians who are ready to respond to your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We understand the unique challenges that come with managing a commercial high-rise building, and we have the experience and expertise to get the job done right, no matter how big or small the project may be.

From water damage restoration to fire damage repair, our SERVPRO team is equipped to handle any size disaster. We also offer a wide range of preventative maintenance and cleaning services to keep your building in top condition.

If you're in need of commercial high-rise building restoration services, don't hesitate to give SERVPRO Team Nichols a call. We'll be there when you need us, 24/7!

Types of Damage Restoration Services We Offer

We offer a wide range of damage restoration services to help get your commercial high-rise building back to normal after a fire or water damage event. Here are some of the services we offer:

-Fire damage restoration: We will work to clean up and repair any fire damage to your building. This includes removing smoke and soot from surfaces, repairing structural damage, and cleaning or replacing damaged items.

-Water damage restoration: We will remove any standing water and dry out your building using industrial fans and dehumidifiers. We will also repair any water damage, such as warped floors or walls, wet insulation, and mold growth.

-Smoke & odor removal: We have specialized equipment and techniques that we use to remove smoke and odors from your building. This includes thermal fogging, which is a process that uses heat to break down smoke particles so they can be removed more easily.

What to Do When You Encounter Fire or Water Damage in a Highrise Building

If you live or work in a high-rise building, the last thing you want to think about is what would happen if there was a fire or water damage emergency. But being prepared can help minimize the damages and make the cleanup process go more smoothly. Here are some tips on what to do if you encounter fire or water damage in a high-rise building:

1. If there is an active fire, evacuate the building immediately and call 911. Do not try to fight the fire yourself.

2. If there is flooding, turn off the power to avoid electrocution hazards. Then, start moving any valuables and personal belongings to higher ground.

3. Once the immediate danger has passed, call a professional restoration company like SERVPRO Team Nichols for help with cleanup and repairs. We have experience dealing with all types of commercial property damage, and our team can get your high-rise back to preloss condition quickly and efficiently.

How SERVPRO Team Nichols Can Help with Your Damage Restoration Needs

SERVPRO Team Nichols is a full-service damage restoration company that can help with all your commercial high-rise building needs. We have a highly trained and experienced staff who are ready to handle any size job, from a small office fire to a large-scale water damage. We understand the unique challenges that come with working in a high-rise building, and we have the knowledge and equipment to get the job done right.

We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so we can be there when you need us most. We will work quickly and efficiently to get your business back up and running as soon as possible. Call SERVPRO Team Nichols today for all your commercial high-rise building damage restoration needs!

Common Causes of Fire and Water Damage in Commercial Highrise Buildings

There are many common causes of fire and water damage in commercial high-rise buildings. One of the most common is faulty wiring. This can cause a fire to start in one part of the building and spread quickly to other parts, causing extensive damage. Another common cause of fire and water damage is plumbing problems. A burst pipe can flood an entire floor of a building, causing significant damage.

Other common causes of fire and water damage include weather-related events, such as severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. These can cause severe structural damage to a building, which can lead to fire or water damage. Additionally, fires can be started by careless smoking or cooking accidents. Finally, vandalism or arson can also cause significant fire and water damage to a commercial high-rise building.

#HereToHelp 24/7/365

When your commercial high-rise building is hit by fire or water damage, SERVPRO Team Nichols is here to help. Our team of experienced professionals are dedicated to providing quality service and restoring your property back to its pre-disaster condition as quickly as possible. We understand the unique needs of commercial high-rise's and can provide customized solutions that will ensure a successful restoration process. Contact us today for more information about our services and we look forward to helping you get your business up and running again soon!