ServiceMaster DAK has Great News!

Dean Knox recently attended the ServiceMaster Great Lakes Regional workshop on 3/26 & 3/27/2013 and our business was recognized as:

Having the highest net provider score compared to all other ServiceMaster franchises in our Great Lakes region based on customer satisfaction surveys for all Residential Cleaning Services.

Having one of the highest net provider scores compared to all other ServiceMaster franchises based on customer satisfaction surveys for Disaster Restoration Services in the Great Lakes region.
Was #1 compared to all other ServiceMaster franchises in the Great Lakes region for insurance company cycle times. This is based on how quickly we contacted the customer, how quickly we arrived on site to provide service, how quickly we provided the insurance carriers with complete claim information and billing.

Outside Mold Prevention, Chicago IL

You might think of mold being a problem inside your home, this is not always true. Outside mold can cause serious problems to your home and property. Here at ServiceMaster DAK, we want to make sure you're prepared for mold with these mold prevention tips.

-Make sure compost piles are for away from the home. Fumes from decomposing food seep into the ground causing moisture, moisture that can enter your foundation and cause mold.

- Sunlight is a great way to dry out areas outside. Trim trees and bushes around your home to keep water away.

- This goes hand in hand with keeping shaded areas well ventilated. Clean up fallen branches and grass to let the ground dry out.

-Check your foundation for leaks and cracks. Runoff water can seep into anything, especially your foundation and basement.

- When going on vacation, make sure all hoses and running water is turned off. A burst pipe or flooding can really put a damper on that vacation.

-If you do experience foundation mold, your general bleach solution or department store solutions will do the trick if the mold is in small quantities.

If you do experience large amounts of mold inside or out, don't try to clean on your own. Call us here at ServiceMaster DAK to properly and expertly clean and sanitize that mold. We will ensure it is thoroughly gone and that it doesn't come back.

Call ServiceMaster DAK at (847) 983-7400.

Mold Prevention in Chicago, IL

Chicago is known for extreme weather conditions. Heat, rain, freezing temperatures and humidity can wreck havoc on your home and property. Extreme weather conditions can cause cracks and movement in your foundation that can lead to bigger problems such as flooding and mold.  These cracks will store moisture in areas where ventilation is limited. This is where mold comes into play, it thrives is dark, damp areas and can grow in rapid pace. The easiest way to not have a mold problem is to prevent it all together. Below are a couple of tips on mold prevention in your home:

Mold Prevention 

-First thing you need to check out is your foundation for those cracks. If you have a well built foundation, you'll save thousands of dollars in the future.
 - Basements are notorious for water and moisture. Make sure your basement is well ventilated and sealed. Keep an eye out around window seals in case of leaks and caulk if you see any cracks or openings.
-Make sure the land around your home slants downward, you don't want rainfall to sit next to the foundation.
-Mold loves bathrooms, make sure you always leave the doors open when showering to prevent condensation.
-Keep your gutters cleaned to prevent excess water from sitting on your roof.
- Keep your home well ventilated during weather changes. Dehumidifiers work great in hot weather.

Here at ServiceMaster DAK, Northbrook we are experts in mold and mildew prevention and restoration. If you ever experience a mold problem, don't hesitate to call us at (847) 983-7400.

Chicago Flooding in the Spring

We are all happy to see rising temperatures here in Chicago. Spring brings that warmer weather and happier moods, but it also brings melted snow and wet conditions. This extra amount of water can often times bring flooding to your property and home. There are certain things that can be done to protect your home and prevent extreme flooding.

Flood Prevention 

- Make sure to check your sub pump and that it is working correctly. Yearly maintenance is vitally important to ensure that your property stays safe and dry.
- Keeping your property clean of debris and tree limbs will help run-off easily flow to the street, drains or ditches. Homes are made to ensure rain and run-off don't affect your property. You should also keep in mind to clean your gutters of leaves and debris.
- If you decide to finish your basement, make sure to inspect your downstairs of past water damage. If your basement flooded in the past, it will most likely flood again.
- This brings us to home insurance. Flooding affects millions of people each year, this is why having proper flood insurance is important.

If you do experience flooding, don't hesitate to call us at (847) 983-7400.

Traveling Safely Throughout Winter

The past couple of weeks have brought on some extra snow for us. This causes longer commutes and travel times as well as extra hassles like school closures.  Don't let the winter weather cause extra stress each year, the Driving Difficulty Index (DDI) should lighten the load just a little. 

Many of us use our smartphones, GPS, news channels or radio stations to track traffic and weather patterns.  Weather.com has come up with the DDI to help travelers plan safer routes by providing weather radars with travel times.  You can also set features to show:

Wind Speeds
Temperatures
24 Hour Temps
24 Hour Snowfall
Snow Cover
Severe Alerts
Winter Alerts
Tropical Alerts
Flood Marine Alerts

You can turn on and off layers depending on the location you are traveling in.  For example, you can track snow fall along with travel times, or heat index with tropical alerts. The index is great for traveling longer distances if you are unsure of routes or climates in the areas you are going to. Make sure you are always prepared when traveling, here at ServiceMaster DAK we want to make sure you are always prepared and safe ahead of time.

Getting Ready for Spring

Here in Chicago, we've been pretty spoiled this winter with the lack of snow and above average temperatures.  Even with these mild conditions we all are anxiously awaiting Spring. The weather is not the only thing that will be changing in the next couple of months, we need to be sure we make a couple changes around the house to be prepared. Preparing for Spring should be a simple task to ensure the transition runs smoothly.

Carpets – Spring Cleaning Tips

Dust and dirt loves to hide in your carpets.  Vacuuming on a weekly basis should help your spring cleaning stress.  Vacuuming allows the carpet to stay cleaner and healthier for you and your family.  If your high traffic areas are not cleanable by vacuum, you may need a ServiceMaster carpet cleaning provider to steam clean your carpets quickly.  This will help maintain the appearance and longevity of the carpet.

Windows – Spring Cleaning Tips

Cleaning the windows is important as well.  Depending on the climate you live in, windows can become very dirty not only inside but on the outside as well.  A window spray should generally do the trick when dealing with this problem.  Most windows are capable of swinging open for cleaning.  Make sure to spray the window thoroughly with the cleaning spray and begin wiping with a newspaper.  This will help with the streaking problems.  

Dusting – Spring Cleaning Tips

Like stated before with blinds, dusting should be done often enough to ensure allergens are minimized.  Dusting should be happening all year round, not just for spring cleaning. This will minimize dirt traveling around your home as well as through your breathing air.

Air Ducts – Spring Cleaning Tips

Frequently changing your air filters can reduce the dust and dirt that travels through your home.  You should be making sure to check the level of dirt that is accumulating on the surface of the filter so you know how often you should be changing it.