Flooding is a problem we often fail to think about until it’s too late.
Flood Pros General Manager Chris Picot says some Rockford neighborhoods have a higher water table and are more susceptible to water damage due to flooding, but all homes can have cracks, leaks and other problems that can lead to water damage.
Taking a few minutes to inspect your home before heavy rains may help you to prevent a lot of headaches, he says.
Flood Pros, 11137 Bertram Road in Machesney Park, has been in business since 1992 and offers free inspections on restoration and waterproofing. It specializes in smoke, fire and water damage; mold removal and testing; and air duct cleaning in Rockford, Janesville and Freeport areas.
This season, Flood Pros is taking special precautions to help keep people safe from COVID-19. A disinfectant is applied to all tools after each use and technicians are wearing the proper protective gear to keep from spreading germs.
Some steps that can be taken to prevent flooding include cleaning gutters, making sure downspouts are not blocked, sloping landscaping away from the house, checking hoses for leaks, and being sure the sump pump is working. If you’re leaving home for a few days or longer, turn off the whole house water valve. Water problems can also come from frozen pipes, worn-out appliances, and leaks or breaks in water lines, roofs, windows and a home’s foundation.
The company has state-of-the-art equipment such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to determine water damage. Technicians use high-powered dehumidifiers and large air movers to reduce drying time in most cases to three days or less. By recording data on each damaged area, it can be determined what progress is being made and when the area is totally dried, eliminating the possibility of mold or other pathogenic growths from developing.
For more information and to make an appointment, go to rockfordwaterdamage.com or call the Rockford office at (815) 398-2379. The Janesville location is at 2811 Milton Ave., and can be contacted at (608) 756-9300. ❚