RestorationMaster

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Keep in mind that a water mitigation specialist will inspect the entire property using a water restoration checklist. This is to ensure that no damage will go unnoticed during the time of our services. The technician is also available to answer any detailed questions during the process.

Structural Drying

How long will it take my house to dry?

The amount of time it takes to dry varies upon a number of factors: the location, duration and amount of water, the types of structural materials, current weather conditions, and the duration of the emergency services. It is required that the equipment is frequently monitored as the drying process is inspected; this way we can determine when the drying process is finished. The carpet may feel dry to the touch; however, the padding and floor underneath could still be wet. While it is difficult to determine exactly how long this will take to dry, generally it will take between three and five days or more, depending on the amount of damage the carpet has incurred.

How do I know when everything is dry?

We have specialized testing procedures in which we determine when everything, even the covered building materials, are dry; therefore, feeling the surface material could be a false indication.

Should I increase the temperature in my house to speed up the drying process?

Turning up the heat will not necessarily speed things along. As part of our drying process, we will adjust the temperature to allow for maximum efficiency for drying conditions. To avoid slowing the process, please do not adjust or turn off the HVAC system.

The hardwood floors are wet and cracked. Should they be replaced?

As part of our drying process, we will determine if the condition of the wood floors is substantial enough to require replacement. Our advanced drying systems and dehumidifiers allow us to provide an environment to ensure all wood floors will be dried quickly and effectively to be restored to their original condition. However, because of the density of wood floors and their urethane finish, the drying may take up to three weeks or even longer, depending on their current condition. If a claim was filed with your insurance company, an agent will help you to make a decision as to determine if the floors should need refinishing or replacement.

What will happen to my wet furniture and other contents?

The majority of the destruction and building materials will determine if they need to be restored. However, they must be dried completely before beginning the restoration process. Any content that cannot be saved will be documented for you in addition to signing a customer release form.

Do I need to move out of my house during the drying process?

If an insurance claim is filed, your insurance company should help you decide whether or not you must temporarily leave your property. Although our equipment is completely safe, we require that you supervise your children around it as to not disrupt the drying process. Air movers and other drying equipment will be noisy and may make your house a bit drafty for a few days. As it is essential that they remain on, you may want to consider staying somewhere else in the meantime if it is disrupting to you.

Why does it smell in my house?

As part of the drying process, it is natural for odors to occur. When the temperature and humidity are increased, odors will be present in the drying building materials or other damaged parts of the home. However, these odors are not to be confused with mold. As the end of the drying process approaches, these smells will disappear on their own once the building materials are completely dry. Deodorizers can also be used to minimize the effects of the odors.

Will everything need to be removed during the drying process?

Not necessarily. But we will notify you in advance if anything does need to be removed.

How can my wet ceilings be restored?

The moisture content in the ceilings will be measured by our technicians to determine the severity of the damage. It is possible that some areas of the ceiling will have to be removed temporarily to allow for proper ventilation. For example, wet insulation must be removed to allow for proper air flow.

Should the windows be open to assist in the drying process?

While it may make sense to open the windows to allow for better air flow, it is not always recommended. It typically depends on outside conditions in order to determine if the outside air will assist in the process. The technician will be able to inform you based on your current situation.

Is it OK to walk on the affected areas while they are drying?

RestorationMaster highly recommends that food traffic is kept to a minimum. However, if it is necessary, be sure to wear shoes for your own health and safety.

Floor Coverings and Carpet

Will my carpet have to be replaced or only restored?

Here are a few situations in which your carpet may be unsalvageable:

• Delamination (occurs when the padding becomes detached from the carpet fibers)
• Loss of adhesion (might be caused through overexposure to moisture or the age of the carpet)
• Sewage backup contamination
• Carpeting covers hardwood floors (to save the wood flooring)
• Permanent stains (red wine, food, dirt, etc.)

Why is the carpet on the stairs still wet?

Unless there are hardwood floors that are damaged underneath or the carpet has been contaminated by sewage water, it is left in place for safety reasons. Any tack strips or staples can be left exposed, making it dangerous for anyone walking by. In addition, we do not advise to remove any tack strips as it may cause additional damage to the subfloors. If it is expose, proceed with extreme caution. If the carpet is not able to be restored, it will be replaced after new carpet is ready to be installed.

How will you find a direct match of my carpet padding?

We will take a sample of the damaged padding and bring it back to our facility to find a match. If we cannot find an exact replacement, we will order a similar replacement that is of the same quality, thickness, and density. Keep in mind that the colors may look different as the manufacturing company may have changed the color over time.

What will happen to my damaged area rugs?

All rugs that are not attached to the floor will be taken back our warehouse for specialized cleaning and drying. Here, they will undergo a specific restoration process in order to preserve they color dye within the fibers. They will delivered back after their restoration.

Equipment

Why do you use dehumidifiers and air movers?

As porous materials including: drywall, subflooring, and baseboards will soak up water, they will require high-velocity air movers in order to accelerate the evaporation process. Dehumidifiers are use to create the perfect environment for drying wet materials. Please do not turn off any of this equipment that has been left by our technicians, as doing so could prolong the drying process.

Why does the specialty flooring need to be replaced?

Any flooring that is not porous may hold water and prevent it from drying properly.

Who is held accountable for the drying and dehumidifying equipment?

The water damage extraction specialists will set and frequently check the equipment to ensure the proper results in the least amount of time. Just be sure that the equipment remains on and remains in its place. Should the equipment turn off by itself, be sure to let us know right away.

What is the price of running the equipment?

Depending on the average electricity rates for your home, it will cost about $1 per day for each drying equipment to function. The exact cost can vary between the local rates of your electricity provider.

Sewage

What about sewage backup and contamination?

Any hard materials can be sanitized and restored. Any damaged belongings that cannot be cleaned must be disposed of properly. Other porous materials including ceiling tiles, insulation, paneling, and particleboard that have been damaged should be replaced immediately during the initial visit.

Payment

Who is accountable for payment of the service?

You as the property owner are held responsible for the payment. There is a form to be signed that allows the work and payment to be performed and processed. If it is a claim from insurance, RestorationMaster accepts only the upfront amount and sends the invoice of the balance to your insurance company. If you are dealing with a large loss, your mortgage provider may also need to be included on the payment form from your insurance provider. In addition, you may also need a signature from them. Or if you decide not to involve your insurance company, the full payment will be expected at the time of service.

Water Damage Prevention

How can I prevent this mess from happening in the future?

There are many steps you can take in order to prevent flooding and water leaks in the future. Please refer to our water damage prevention tips to have this question answered in further detail.