ServiceMaster Restoration by Just in Time Services

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Keep in mind that upon arrival, the technician will inspect the entire property for any hidden cases of water damage using a water damage repair checklist. This is to ensure that no damage will go unnoticed during the restoration process. He/she will also be able to answer any additional questions you may have.

Drying the Building Materials

How long will it take for my house/building to dry?

The duration of the drying process is dependent upon various factors: the location in the house, the source of the water damage, the type of structural materials (porous vs. nonporous) affected, the weather conditions, and how much time has occurred between the start of the damage and beginning of the restoration process. However, we can determine when the drying will be complete through frequent monitoring and examination of the drying procedure. Although at one point the carpet may feel dry to the touch, do not be deceived; the carpet padding and subfloors underneath may still be soaked. Although there are not set rules as to long exactly everything will take to completely dry, it may take between 3 and 5 days or even more in extreme conditions.

 

How will I know when my house/building is fully dry?

With our advanced equipment, we can conduct proper testing in the most effective way to determine if everything is 100% dry. Therefore, feeling that only the carpet is dry can be a misconception.

Can I speed along the process by turning up the heat?

This won’t necessarily enhance the process. As part of our procedure, we will account for the optimum temperature setting to ensure the best drying conditions. As it will affect the process, please avoid changing the thermostat or turning off the HVAC system in the house.

The water damage has destroyed my floors. Will they need to be replaced?

All floors, especially wood floors, will be inspected as part of the drying process. With our high-velocity air movers and dehumidifiers, we are able to create an environment that is able to restore some floors to their original condition. However, because of their composition and urethane finishes, the process can take up to three weeks or longer. If a claim was filed with your insurance company, they will work with you to determine the most effective and efficient solution for your floors.

My furniture is wet. Can you restore it?

The building materials of your furniture, in addition to the amount of damage it has taken on will determine if it can be saved or not. However, it must be dried completely in order for the damage to be examined effectively. Unsalvageable furniture will be recorded at your convenience. If this is the case, a customer release form will also require your signature.

Do I need to move out of my home during this process?

The answer to this question is left completely up to you and your insurance provider. However, there are some aspects you will want to consider. Our equipment is childproof; however, supervision is required when small children and/or pets are present. The dehumidification equipment will also create noise and your property will be drafty for a few days. However, it is essential that this equipment is left on, so if the noise is causing a disturbance, you might want to think about temporarily staying somewhere else.

It smells bad. Is something wrong?

Odors are a natural occurrence during the drying process. Especially when the temperature and humidity levels are higher, the presence of odor can be increased from the building materials or accident areas. However, these odors are not to be confused with mold. As soon as the temperature and humidity levels drop, these smells will dissipate on their own. Deodorizers can also be used to help eliminate the smell.

Does my furniture need to be removed in the process?

In most situations, no. But we will let you know in advance if it becomes necessary.

If my ceilings are wet, what can be done to fix the problem?

Our specialists will assess the moisture levels within the ceiling and determine the extent of the damage. It may be possible that we need to remove some of the ceiling in order to allow for better air flow. In addition, wet insulation can also be a hazard and may need to be removed.

Will opening the windows help?

As outside weather conditions will vary, it is not always best to open the windows. The technician will determine if the outside air will be effective in speeding up the drying process.

Am I allowed to walk over the affected area during the drying process?

ServiceMaster Restoration by Just in Time Services strongly recommends to keep foot traffic to a minimum while the area is drying. But if it is necessary, please use shoes when walking across the air as it can contain cleaning chemicals that could be hazardous to your health when not completely dry.

Floor Coverings and Carpeting

Does my carpet need to be restored or replaced?

The answer to this question will depend upon a number of factors. It may not be salvageable if:

• No longer adhesive (occurs when the carpet has been sitting in water for too long)
• Delamination (this will happen when the carpet backing separates from the fibers)
• Carpet covers wood flooring (to save the wood flooring underneath)
• Sewage contamination
• Permanent stains

Why does the specialty floor need to be replaced?

Nonporous materials can also trap water, preventing it from drying properly.

The carpet on the stairs is still wet. Why didn’t the technician take care of this?

For safety reasons, carpeting is not usually removed from the stairs. Staples or tack strips are extremely dangerous if left exposed on the steps. Although there are situations when the carpet may need to be removed in order to prevent additional damage to hardwood floors underneath or in the case of sewage contamination.

How will you know which padding is needed for my carpet?

After removing the carpet pad, a sample will be brought back to our facility to determine a match. A new padding will then be ordered and reinstalled. Even if a match cannot be found, another padding of the same quality, density, and thickness will be used. However, keep in mind that the color may change as a result of the time that it was manufactured.

What will be done to my area rugs?

Rugs will be carefully packed out and taken to our facility for restoration. In order to keep the color bleeding to a minimum, they will be dried carefully. They will then be returned once they are clean and dry.

Equipment

Why do the technicians use air movers and dehumidifiers?

When the building materials, including drywall, subflooring, baseboards, etc. have been damaged by water, they will need to be dried by high-velocity air movers. This is to enhance the release of absorbed back into the air. Dehumidifiers are also used for protecting property in addition to creating conditions effective for drying. However, this equipment must be left on throughout the entire process. If it must be turned off, please notify ServiceMaster Restoration by Just in Time Services first.

Who will keep an eye on the drying equipment?

Ultimately, our water damage restoration technicians are responsible for the setup and monitoring of the drying equipment; they will ensure it is working efficiently and effectively. However, it is your job as the property owner to ensure that they stay on and are not moved. If the power does happen to go off during the drying process, please notify us as soon as possible.

What is the price of running the equipment?

This will depend mostly on current electrical rates; however, usually the cost is $1 per day per machine.

Sewage

What happens in the case of a sewage backup?

Any hard surfaces can be cleaned effectively; however, any items that cannot be cleaned must be thrown away. This can include porous materials such as: particleboard, paneling, insulation, ceiling tiles, etc. This will be done during the emergency visit.

Payment

Who is responsible for the payment?

Ultimately you, as the property owner, are responsible for the payment of all services. Upon arrival, the technician will prepare a form that authorizes their work and your payment. If an insurance claim was filed, ServiceMaster Restoration by Just in Time Services will only collect the deductible upon completion of the service, billing the remaining balance to your insurance provider. If you are dealing with a large loss, your mortgage provider may also be included as a payee on the form from your insurance company. Keep in mind that their signature may also be required. However, if you decide not to file a claim, payment will be expected to be made in full upon completion of the service.

Preventing Future Damage

How can I make sure that this problem will not occur in the future?

While it is impossible to avoid all cases of water damage, the majority can be prevented. You can learn about how to avoid a water damage disaster following these prevention tips.