1. How long does fire damage restoration take?
It's never a quick fix, though we've gathered together a multi-discipline team of contractors and
disaster restoration
technicians to work in tandem to complete the work as soon as possible. From structural repairs to
sand/soda-blasting to
odor removal to contents cleaning, our fire damage restoration crew begins as soon as the project scope
is determined,
and we don't stop until the job is done and both you and the insurance company are satisfied with the
results.
2. How do I clean up soot?
DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage
to surfaces.
Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard
contaminants.
3. How soon can I move back home after a fire?
Depending on the extent or location of the fire damage, some homeowners can move back in a few days or
longer. The fire
department will usually turn off electricity and gas to the property right away, and that won't be
restored until a
building inspector says that it's safe to turn those utilities back on. If you experienced significant
smoke damage and
the home's occupants include elderly persons, young children, or those with chronic health conditions,
it may be wise to
stay until the smoke cleanup is complete. Contracting with a damage restoration company experienced in
fire damage
repair can often get you back home sooner because they'll have the resources to hire and manage the many
tradespeople
who will need to work together to make the home liveable again. One perk of hiring [company,data=name]
is our guarantee
to you and your family! When you hire [company,data=altname] for damage restoration, if we can't keep
you in your home
or your home is otherwise uncomfortable, and you have to go stay in a hotel, the first night is on us!
4. Does bleach kill mold?
For the majority of surfaces in your home, bleach won't actually get rid of your mold problem. It's the
"iceberg
effect." Visible mold is usually a small percentage of the actual amount of mold growth. Bleach can't
kill mold on
porous surfaces like wood, and while tile or fiberglass surfaces can be cleaned with bleach, often the
mold has spread
far deeper. The reason why mold remediation companies don't recommend DIY cleanup isn't that they want
to make more
money; they know, in their experience, that a mold problem is usually far more invasive than can be seen
with the naked
eye. Simply cleaning the surfaces can provide false assurances that you got rid of the mold, only to
have it come back
time and time again.
5. How do I know if the mold is gone for good?
If the inspection/assessment process was able to pinpoint the source and cause of the mold growth, once
that source is repaired, you can be relatively confident about the success of remediation. Ask if your
restoration technician has the IICRC certification for "Applied Microbial Remediation." You can also
request a "post-remediation mold clearance" from a third-party mold inspector to re-test the area for
any remaining traces of mold before the area is treated with a sealer or encapsulant to resist future
mold growth.
6. Does encapsulation prevent mold from returning?
Mold grows when the relative humidity rises above 60%. With a proper encapsulation and dehumidification
system installed, mold can be prevented entirely!
7. What Is the Electric Cost of Running a Dehumidifier in the Crawl Space?
Comparatively, it is less than running a small refrigerator.
8. Is Mold Damage and Crawl Space Repair Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, it is NOT covered by insurance, but financing is available, and approval is easy. Call
today!
9. Should I start mopping up the water myself?
Most homeowners start trying to remove the water themselves before they realize they'll need to contact
their insurance
company about a claim so they can call in a water damage restoration company. However, standing water
around anything
with a power cord or outlet or sagging ceilings makes the area unsafe. Also, many insurance claims
require documentation
of the loss BEFORE any work is done, including removing the water. Always take plenty of photos of the
damage you see
before taking any action to start cleaning up the mess. Your restoration contractor will be able to back
up your
insurance claim scope with the necessary technical documentation as well.
10. What Is the Electric Cost of Running a Dehumidifier in the Crawl Space?
Comparatively, it is less than running a small refrigerator.
11. Is Mold Damage and Crawl Space Repair Covered by Insurance?
In most cases, it is NOT covered by insurance, but financing is available, and approval is easy. Call
today!