FAQs

 FAQs

It may seem like there are more questions than answers when you are dealing with water, mold or fire & smoke damage. Here are some answers to commonly asked questions:

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Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs

When you’ve experienced damage to your property due to fire, water, or mold, you likely have many questions but no answers. We can take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions – and their solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the first thing I do after a fire?

        For your safety, immediately call 911 once a fire occurs. When the fire is extinguished, hire an expert to assess the damage. Contact us so we can inspect the situation and begin the restoration process.

    How long does it take to cleanup a Fire Damage?

        The cleanup process is always different depending on the extent of the damage. Cleanup jobs can take from several hours to several weeks to perform. The size of the property and the number of furnishings inside influences the timeframe. An expert can give you an estimate on how long it will take to complete after visiting the property.

    Can I inspect my home and belongings after a fire damage?

        We suggest staying out of the building for your safety and contacting one of our professionals. The structural integrity of the building may be compromised.

    Should I try cleaning myself?

        Let us handle the cleanup process to ensure you don’t inhale harmful chemicals left behind by the fire. We wear professional safety gear to protect ourselves while cleaning.

    What will happen to the items left in the home during a fire restoration?

        We always attempt to salvage as many of the items as possible, but there may be a few that cannot be restored and must be discarded.

    What are some safety concerns?

        There are many safety concerns after a fire occurs, including the structural integrity of the building, and inhaling dangerous chemicals left by the flames.

    What items do I keep in my possession?

        Each situation is different with regard to the number of items that can be kept in your possession. We’ll evaluate the situation, and return any items to you that are salvageable. 

    How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

        During our restoration process, we’ll take inventory of non-restorable items and write a description of each one’s condition. If it cannot be salvaged, we’ll inform you how it was disposed of.

    What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

        Please let us know if any valuable or treasured items are in the building. We’ll make the belongings a priority and will handle them with care.

    Who is responsible for paying for the service?

        You’ll need to speak with your insurance company to determine the coverage that’s provided with your policy. There may be coverage details and restrictions you need to be informed of before we start the restoration process.

    Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

        Each situation is different. We recommend evaluating how the claim will affect your premiums before you decide to file. You can contact the insurance company to determine how they handle claims on your policy.

    Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

        If your adjuster has questions, we’re happy to answer them.

    What if my house has asbestos or lead?

        We’re qualified to determine if harmful chemicals are present when surveying the property. Our team takes rigorous steps to protect everyone’s safety, which is our top priority. If the issue is beyond our expertise, we’ll call a professional in to assist.

    What if I like to upgrade or remodel my house?

        We can perform requested upgrades in addition to our restoration services. We work hard to ensure you’re satisfied with the final result. If you desire specific additions, you may need to work with a different contractor.

    What are some common effects of water damage?

        Water damage can cause serious problems throughout your entire home. The excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow. This fungus growth can contribute to health problems, including allergies, skin infections and diseases. It can even weaken and compromise the structure of a building. Water damage can warp wooden floors and ruin ceilings, while also causing problems with metal and cement materials. 


        While there are various levels of water damage, all require special kinds of treatment to ensure that your home or business is restored to a safe, healthy state.

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    What does the water damage restoration process involve?

        Water damage restoration must be conducted with care, using specific procedures and safeguards. A restoration company will bring in heavy-duty equipment that can mitigate the effects of excess water and dry things out thoroughly. This process may also involve removing damaged parts of the structure. Because some damage is hidden, rely on professionals to get the job done right.

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    How does the water damage restoration process work?

        After the initial assessment, Restoration 1 will use the following steps to repair and control the water damage: 


        Step 1: Dry out the affected areas with large fans, wet vacuums, and pumps. All moist surfaces and carpets will be targeted. 


        Step 2: Pull up the carpet and padding that cannot be saved. While the team members at Restoration 1 do their best to salvage what they can, some parts of your home may need to be removed. 


        Step 3: Restore personal belongings. Restoration 1 will work to put all of your books, art, furniture, and other items back in their original places. 


        Step 4: Clean and dehumidify. To prevent the growth of mold, we will professionally sanitize and dry everything in the home or business. 


        Throughout each step of the process, at Restoration 1 we make protecting your home and keeping your family safe our number one priority. 

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    How much does it cost to fix water damage?

        Prices can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the amount of work involved in the restoration process. 

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    What are the major causes of flood damage and water damage?

        Floods and water damage can be caused by a variety of problems. Some of the most common include: 

        • Leaking dishwashers, washing machines, and pipes 
        • Excess amounts of rain and drainage problems 
        • Clogged sinks or toilets that overflow 
        • Hidden moisture beneath your floors or in your walls 
        • Cracked pipes due to severe weather or faulty plumbing 

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    Can water damage be hidden? If so, what are the signs?

        Absolutely – and more often than not, you won’t notice that water damage is occurring until the need for repairs has become very obvious! Signs of hidden water damage can be as subtle as an unpleasant odor, or slight staining on the walls and ceilings. You may also notice peeling paint, warped floors, or mold growth in the nooks and crannies of your home or business. 

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    What actions do I take when I first notice the damage?

        At the first signs of water damage, you should attempt to air out the property as much as possible. Turn on fans, open windows, and blast the AC if you have to. Hang up your rugs and cushions in a safe, dry location, then collect loose items that are at risk. Mop up as much standing water as you can, and try to keep the moisture from spreading. 


        As soon as you’ve made the situation somewhat stable, call in an experienced restoration service like Restoration 1. Our highly-trained technicians will bring advanced, heavy-duty equipment to start on your professional water damage treatment right away! 

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    How do I hire a professional restoration company?

        First things first: Research companies that are certified, licensed, and insured. It’s also smart to go with a company that can respond immediately to your water damage emergency – one that can also offer a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee! Call Restoration 1 so that our trained professionals can give you the prompt, effective service you need. 

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    How do I file a claim for water damage?

        First, you should review your insurance policy to see if it covers water damage at all. For example, some policies may cover floods but not mold remediation, while others only handle sewer or drain backups. Find out what your policy covers specifically, so that you understand the terms before speaking with an agent. Because Restoration 1 has experience with all insurance companies, our team can help you navigate the sometimes complex claims process. 


        Second, make a detailed list of what has been damaged. You should write everything down, from the flooring to the bookshelf that wasn’t salvageable, and so on. You should also keep your receipts and other forms of evidence (including photos) that support your damage claims. 


        Finally, when you file the claim, it will probably take your company a few days to get back to you. In the meantime, do not begin any permanent repairs to your home. You’ll want to wait for permission to do so before spending money on the restoration process. 

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    How can I remove standing water easily?

        Although the best way to remove standing water is to call in a professional service like Restoration 1 to use heavy-duty equipment, you can attempt to remove some of the water on your own. Use buckets or a water pump to drain the area, then mop up the excess water on the floor.

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Mold Remediation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the difference between mold and mildew?

        Mold can be identified by either a green or dark gray color. Mildew is typically always gray. You can remove mildew with household cleaning products, but mold will require special equipment used by a professional.

    What does mold look like?

        Mold has a black, dark gray or green appearance and a raised surface, unlike mildew, which is flat. 

    How much does mold remediation cost?

        The cost of mold remediation varies depending on how much it has spread and where it’s located. The cost is influenced by the repairs required, the amount of mold that’s present, and when it’s discovered.

    How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

        It only takes around 24 hours for mold to grow on a surface. It can start spreading anywhere from one day to a few weeks after it forms. 

    Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

        A professional will need to survey the property to determine if mold is present. Because mold can spread quickly, it can be challenging for you to know where it’s present without the help of an expert.

    How long does it take to remove mold?

        The process can take several days to a few weeks to complete, depending on the circumstances.

    What is mold remediation?

        Mold remediation involves removing the mold and sanitizing the area. Additional treatments may be necessary to remove it entirely. Preventative steps are also taken to block the mold from returning.


    How is mold growth detected?

        We use professional equipment to detect mold growth. We also look for areas of high moisture. Many times, mold forms behind walls and under floors. If this is the case, they may need to be removed. 

    What health problems can mold cause?

        Mold is known to cause nasal congestion, sore throat, coughing, and irritation of the skin and eyes.

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