Managing Flood Damage Contaminants in Chicago Properties

5/9/2022 (Permalink)

Floodwater often contains contaminants. SERVPRO has the equipment necessary to restore your home.

We Manage Flood Damage Contaminants After Disaster

Contamination is one of the continued threats after flooding. When natural floodwater penetrates a property, it can bring debris and organic matter. Bacterial and viral pathogens are present in decaying matter, sewage, and other harmful substances rushing floodwater could absorb or pull in as it passes. We work quickly to assess the likelihood of blackwater events in your house and the appropriate steps to ensure the safety of those exposed.

Is the Water Contaminated?

One of the distinctions of flood damage in Chicago homes and commercial structures is whether a contaminant is believed to exist. Even speculated threats need treating with the same level of care that confirmed contaminants require. Flooding can be a challenge for restoration professionals because of the presence of hazardous substances like:

• Sewage
• Chemicals
• Organic Matter

Removing Contents and Bulk Materials

Our team must treat the exposure of loose contents and personal belongings with urgency, which often means relocating these items to another portion of the property or our SERVPRO facility for cleaning. Bulk material removal is also a method of reducing pathogenic threats and contaminant spread in houses where these materials have been heavily exposed after flooding. 

Controlled Demolition

Addressing contaminants might also require the removal of exposed materials altogether. Controlled demolition might be suitable for any impacted building material when contaminants are considered a threat. SERVPRO technicians will remove carpeting, perform flood cuts on wet drywall surfaces, pull out wood trim, and eliminate other impacted construction elements as necessary. 

Disinfection Cleaning

Permanent construction elements like concrete, masonry, and other non-porous installation requires thorough cleaning with our potent disinfection products. Sanitizers in our inventory can destroy pathogens and bacterial threats on surfaces quickly. 

It is vital to act quickly after flood damage in the Windy City. We appreciate the impact natural flooding can have on buildings and homes, so our SERVPRO of Evergreen Park / South Chicago City and our trained storm response team will arrive quickly to help. Call now at (773) 337-3900.