Storms Off of Lake Michigan Can Damage Roofs in Chicago--Call SERVPRO for Cleanup and Restoration

1/7/2019 (Permalink)

Stormwater Leaks in a Chicago Attic Need a Fast Cleanup and Drying Before This Happens--Call SERVPRO

Flood Damage Technicians in Chicago Discuss Problems with Attics

One common place that can get negatively affected by a severe thunderstorm that comes into Chicago is your attic. The confined space above your living area is a common spot that can develop flood damage after severe weather strikes. The most frequent cause of problems with your attic is a leak in your roof. Excessive rain or hail can ruin your roof's shingles and allow moisture to get into your home. When mitigating flood damage after a storm, our SERVPRO technicians always inspect your roof and attic for issues.
 
Once moisture gets into confined spaces in your home the humidity level in the area can rise significantly. Elevated relative humidity levels can cause your building materials to get wet and create flood- damaging effects inside your Chicago residence. When the humidity rises inside your attic, it can start to ruin your structural components. Elevated humidity levels can also create an environment that is prime for mold growth. Attics are a common place for fungi to develop since there is a large number of organic substances and natural microbes present.
 
Whenever dealing with problems inside your attic structural materials such as your insulation can get ruined. When insulation gets wet, it lowers the R-value of the material. Some types of insulation must get removed when it gets wet. Other types of insulation such as fiberglass, can sometimes be saved with drying procedures. There is also the problem of personal possessions and contents being ruined from the water or moisture.
 
When drying out an attic, our SERVPRO technicians can contain the area with a plastic barrier to better control the environment. To do this, we seal off the entrances and any vents inside your attic. We then attach an air scrubber to the containment chamber to suck up any harmful particles that get caught in the machine's HEPA filter. Once the region is contained, we set up air movers to create a counterclockwise airflow within the affected area. The fans help water evaporate into the air as dehumidifiers work on removing moisture from the air and dispensing it in liquid form.
 
If you ever notice wet materials inside your attic after a storm, call SERVPRO of West Loop / Bucktown / Greektown at (773) 434-9100 any day of the week.

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