Frequently Asked Questions
Water Damage
The amount of time it takes to complete a water restoration project depends on the extent of the water damage, what materials might be wet, the length of time they have been wet, and how much the building materials can absorb.
We use a variety of tools and instruments designed to detect the moisture content of building materials. One such tool is a thermal imaging camera which helps us find trapped pockets of moisture within the building structure. Penetrating meters are also used to find moisture that has passed below the surface material. Most structural materials (wood, plaster, sheetrock, etc.) will hold excess moisture but will not show visible signs. If these materials are left to “slow dry”, this can produce odors and can rapidly start to grow mold. Our goal is to bring the moisture levels down to a normal pre-loss condition.
Secondary damage would be considered the moisture damage to all surfaces that didn’t get wet, but as a result of exposure to high humidity, they might receive swelling, cupping, buckling, rusting, or mold damage. Prolonged exposure to this high moisture or elevated humidity situation will lead to environmental problems of a much higher cost if left in that condition.
There is no doubt that restoring a finished basement from water damage can be an expensive proposition. If you look at what is at stake, restoring your structure compared to replacing it or doing nothing at all can seem like a much more reasonable way to protect your investment. Depending on the amount of moisture involved, what is at risk goes beyond the carpet and pad, as moisture will begin to wick up into the base trim and sheetrock. Your list of replacement items will continue to grow beyond just carpet and pad as the structure remains wet.
Fire Damage
When you have even a small fire, the resulting damage will be smoke (soot) damage and odor. The odor is a result of the soot residue being present. Soot particles are microscopic and can be seen only in mass once there are enough to fill the air. Once airborne, pressure causes the soot to rise and move toward colder oxygen. Smoke damage within a structure is tough to contain to a single room or a single floor.
We inspect each room to evaluate the scope and extent of the smoke damage within the structure. Our inspection process includes both visual and physical verification of the vertical and horizontal surfaces of each affected area.
Your insurance company will send out a company adjuster to inspect and estimate your damages but their priority is to represent the insurance companies best interest. It would be a good idea for you to have us come out as soon as possible to provide you with helpful information going into the meeting with your insurance company’s adjuster.
Mold
Keep in mind that we all deal with mold spores daily in both our indoor and outdoor environments. It is never really a question of whether you have mold in your home, but more a question of “is the mold in my home out of control?”.
It is not reasonably possible to rid a structure of all mold spores since they are part of our everyday air. Mold remediation is about reducing elevated mold spore levels to what is considered reasonable or acceptable levels, or standards that would be considered normal.
Mold identification should never be determined by just color. Actual mold species and their toxicity can only be determined through microscopic analysis by a qualified mycologist or an Indoor Environmental Professional. The term “black mold” is usually used to describe a particular type of mold called Stachybotrys, which is known as toxic mold. However, not every mold that is black is Stachybotrys and to add to the complexity, not all toxic molds are black in color.
The key to avoiding a mold problem begins with controlling excess moisture. Respond to water intrusions immediately, repairing the source of excess moisture and completely drying out all affected areas. The standard target for ideal indoor humidity is 30% to 55% RH.
Insurance
Many times, that is the impression that is given, but you are not required to get other estimates, nor are you required to accept the low bid for the work that needs to be completed. If there is an excessive amount of pressure placed on finding lower estimates, that may tell you that your insurance company is more concerned with saving their money than they are with correctly restoring your property.
This is one of the most common restoration FAQs we hear. The answer is no! It is your choice which restoration company you use. Even if it is implied by your insurance adjuster, you get final say which company you want to restore your property to pre-damage state.
Yes! We work with all adjusters and insurance providers. Our company will work closely with your insurance provider to ensure you get the settlement you need and repair work done as quickly as possible.
We use Xactimate(R) Estimating software for both fire and water damage claims. Because we use this insurance-industry software and our team has I.I.C.R.C. industry training, it’s easy for insurance companies to process the paperwork. We speak their language, in other words, which reduces confusion and any “back and forth.”
Contact Restore For All Your Restoration Needs
Restore is a full-service restoration company which means that we are able to handle all aspects of the disaster restoration process. Give us a call today to start restoring your property.