FAQ

WATER DAMAGE

When water intrudes into a home or business, water damage restoration may be required. Water damage restoration is the professional process of removing unwanted water, drying and cleaning the structure and/or contents, and returning the property to its pre-loss condition. This is completed by professional technicians who are certified to follow industry standards using the proper methods and tools.

It may not be safe to stay in a flooded home or business. If you come into contact with or ingest flood water, it can make you sick if the water is contaminated. Standing water inside a structure that was inhabited also poses an electrocution risk, as appliances and electrical outlets can continue to be live and energized.

Water damage can be a serious situation. Water flowing through your home or business can carry with it any contaminates that it has come into contact with. Electrical hazards are common when water damage has occurred, so do not enter the area until it’s deemed safe.
Flood waters or contaminated water can also be a danger to anyone who comes into contact with it. It can be difficult to pinpoint what the water contains, and could have chemicals, dirt or bacteria within. Additionally, depending on the severity of the water event, structural damage to the property could occur. Water damage may also make the area ripe for mold and mildew, which presents a danger to any occupants, as well.

We’ll inspect your home or business and discuss with you the severity of damage and our plan for helping return your property back to pre-loss condition. We’ll then work to remove the water that shouldn’t be there using pumps and water extracting tools. Materials that cannot be restored, may be removed. Once the excess water is gone, we use dehumidifiers and other specialized drying equipment to help return the area to pre-loss condition. The drying process is then continually monitored. We clean and deodorize restorable contents and areas of the structure that need attention.

Drying out a structure depends on the severity of the water damage that occurred, and they type of structure, with an average situation taking 3–5 days. This can vary greatly though, depending on the magnitude of damage, amount of contents affected, any demolition that may be required, and the presence of any hazardous materials.

Returning a home or business to its pre-loss moisture levels is a closely monitored process, with our professionals making adjustments to equipment to help ensure the area is recovering as quickly as safely possible.

MOLD

Mildew and mold are likely to begin growing within a day or two after a water damage occurs. Mold can develop very quickly, within 24-48 hours, and will continue to grow until its access to a source of water is removed. This is why it’s incredibly important to act quickly when water damage occurs to your property. Waiting too long to fix the damage could result in more problems, like mold.

Mold can often be detected by its musty odor. When mold is suspected, a visual inspection should take place, including inconspicuous areas, like inside the HVAC system. Wherever damp conditions exist, mold is a possibility. If mold cannot be seen, but the musty odor is present, it’s possible that the mold contamination could be hidden. Technology such as moisture detectors may be used by professionals to help detect the mold location. Mold testing by an agency certified to do so may be employed in extensive cases.

After you’ve contacted us regarding your mold issue, we’ll quickly respond and inspect the property carefully for visible signs. We’ll also use a variety of technologies that help us to detect mold or hidden water sources that could be feeding it.

We’ll then begin to remediate the mold with these steps:

Mold Containment

We use various containment procedures to prevent the spread and cross-contamination of mold. Based on the location and severity of damage, or source, local or full-scale containment will be installed to protect unaffected areas and occupants.

Air Filtration 

Powerful air filtration equipment is used to capture microscopic mold spores from the air. Air filtration devices (AFDs) or “air scrubbers” and vacuums are equipped with HEPA filtration to prevent the spread of these mold spores while the mold remediation is in process.

Removing Mold and Mold-Infested Materials 

Remediating building materials will depend on the materials porosity and its sensitivity to damage. Porous materials affected by mold, like drywall and insulation, are highly susceptible to damage and will be carefully removed and disposed. 

Cleaning 

Our professionals HEPA vacuum and clean the structural elements that are affected by mold such as flooring, framing, fixtures, HVAC and mechanical systems. Other items may also require attention after a mold infestation, including curtains, furniture and important documents.

Restoration

Depending on the severity of the damage, some building materials may be removed. Restoration may involve minor repairs, such as replacing drywall, painting, and installing new carpet; or it may entail major repairs such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms.

Mold frequently shows up after a water damage or flood situation in a home. The increase in moisture content of materials makes them ripe for mold inhabitation.

Mold spreads by releasing its spores into the air. These spores can easily be distributed throughout a home through fans, the HVAC system, or from people or pets who come into contact with the spores. This is why it is very important not to disturb mold, and keep the area contained until a professional can assess and take care of the situation.

The time it takes to remediate mold greatly depends on the size of area affected, and the severity of damage. Mold remediation projects might take anywhere from a day to more than a week to get the area clean and ready for any repairs that may follow.

Mold can produce allergens, irritants or other health effects that could affect some people. According to the CDC, there are very few reports that toxigenic molds (those that produce mycotoxins) cause severe issues, and the link has not yet been proven. However, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptom, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people.
It is best to be cautious around any mold, limit your exposure, and contact a professional who is trained in mold remediation to handle the situation for you.

FIRE DAMAGE

After the firefighters have put out the flames, the first thing to do is ensure that you, your family members, and your pets are safe. After affected individuals have received the medical attention they need, it’s a wise decision to call a fire damage restoration company immediately to begin the repairs.
While waiting for your restoration professionals, consider finding a place where your family can relocate temporarily. Fire-damaged buildings are often unstable, and there’s still the possibility of a subsequent fire igniting. Get your loved ones out of harm’s way until you are cleared to return to your home. 

If your home or commercial facility is flooded with water from the firefighting efforts, a fire damage repair team can extract the standing water using equipment such as sumps or extraction tools. They also check for saturation in the flooded area and use drying systems to prevent further damage, like mold. 

The timeline for a fire and smoke damage restoration project varies depending on the scope and severity of the damage. Your home’s size and number of affected contents can also impact the time needed to restore your property.
A full-service company like Drying Water Damage Restoration will provide you with an estimated timeline of all the necessary repairs to set your expectations and help you make the necessary arrangements. 

If the recent fire has damaged your doors, windows, and roof, your fire and smoke damage restoration company can install board-ups and tarp covers to protect your home from theft or further damage. 

TARPS

You do not need to be home for your appointment, but we would prefer it. If you are not home, we will call you from your home to review the cost. The invoice needs to be paid by credit card before the work begins.

The installation time varies per house depending on size, steepness, damage and complexity. The average time is about one or two hours for a two man crew.

In the aftermath of a storm, your roof can develop leaks, requiring emergency roofing services. To minimize water damage before emergency roof repairs can be done, you can opt to cover the compromised part of your roof with a tarp. When properly installed and secured, tarps protect your property from further water damage and adverse weather conditions.
When dealing with water damage, taking this extra precaution is critical when filing claims under your homeowner’s insurance policy. Not taking proactive measures to limit storm damage can result in your provider refusing to cover damages. 

Tarps are made of polymeric materials that are resistant to water, ice, and air. Tarps typically last up to 90 days on the roof, while those constructed of more robust materials can last up to two years. Roofing contractors recommend not keeping it for more than three months, which can lead to further issues.

The time it takes to remediate mold greatly depends on the size of area affected, and the severity of damage. Mold remediation projects might take anywhere from a day to more than a week to get the area clean and ready for any repairs that may follow.

Mold can produce allergens, irritants or other health effects that could affect some people. According to the CDC, there are very few reports that toxigenic molds (those that produce mycotoxins) cause severe issues, and the link has not yet been proven. However, in 2004 the Institute of Medicine found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptom, cough, and wheezing in otherwise healthy people.
It is best to be cautious around any mold, limit your exposure, and contact a professional who is trained in mold remediation to handle the situation for you.