1. Is water damage covered by my insurance policy?
Water damage insurance claims depend on a few different criteria. Ultimately, that's a question
you'll have to clarify with your insurance company. However, we can tell you that the viability of
water damage insurance claims depends
primarily on what caused the damage (storm, burst pipe, plumbing malfunction, localized flood, sump
pump failure, etc.).
Some insurance policies will outline scenarios that will NOT be covered without specific riders like
flood insurance, or
sump pump failure insurance.
Contacting a restoration contractor as well as your insurance adjuster at the same time is a good
idea because the
restoration contractor will help make sure that not only will the water extraction and dry out be
covered but the
rebuild process that should follow. If the full scope of the claim isn't outlined and agreed upon
from the start, there
may be issues down the line, and property owners may find themselves having to pay out of pocket to
get the property
completely back to normal.
2. How do I know for sure what caused the water damage to my property?
Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process
and before
beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that
was caused by a
roof leak but don't fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The
buckling to your
hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage
and make sure
the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.
3. 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.
4. How long will it take to dry out my property?
That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors
will take
longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in
many different
locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve
an efficient
but effective dry time. The bare minimum of "three days to dry" may only produce a surface dry, but can
still leave
behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. I aired out my house after a small fire, but it still smells like smoke. What can I do?
Smoke damage is rarely limited to one area of the house, and it leaves behind a residue that can hide in
crevices and
out-of-reach areas, and a simple "airing out" may not be sufficient. We recommend consulting with a
smoke damage
technician who can help you troubleshoot the next steps.
8. I seem to be sick all the time. Is the mold in my house making me ill?
It could be. Because mold spores are microscopic and airborne, you'll end up breathing them into your
lungs. Depending
on the type of mold and how well your immune system functions, you may develop some serious health
symptoms that could
end up being the result of mold. That's why a mold remediation company takes mold removal so seriously.
The space
affected by mold is isolated and contained during cleaning so the spores won't spread to other areas of
the house, and
the remediation team stays suited up in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during the process.
9. Does homeowners insurance cover mold remediation?
Sometimes mold remediation is included if the cause of the mold was a "covered peril" like a burst hot
water heater or
water damage caused by firefighters extinguishing a fire in your house. Gradual water damage - like from
a leaking pipe
or hose - will often cause mold growth, but your insurance coverage will usually not cover that by
claiming that it was
caused by poor maintenance or neglect. If your insurance company denies your claim, you should request
an inspection
from a mold remediation company that can help you document the source of the mold.
10. 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.