Like other industries, rogue restoration technicians have tainted the reputation of disaster restoration companies as property owners become distrustful with whom they are working. Along with the distrust, many misconceptions and myths have been made regarding the mitigation and restoration process.

Despite these issues, trustworthy restoration technicians seek to educate disaster victims as well as work efficiently and effectively to mitigate the damage and save both time and money for the property owner. On the other hand, if disaster victims are not quick to take action or fail to take appropriate action because of these myths, additional damage, and even collapse of the property structure can occur.

In a nutshell, avoid making any assumptions after suffering a natural disaster and be sure to call a professional restoration company. They are licensed and experienced, using advanced equipment and methods to fully restore your home or building so you don’t have to worry about additional damage occurring in the future.

Here are the biggest myths regarding restoration services:

1. It costs more to replace something than to restore it

In most situations, services like content cleaning and pack outs are significantly less expensive than replacing each item. For others, replacement is the only option. In the case of property fires for example, if smoke and soot byproducts are not properly removed from the affected surfaces, they will need to be replaced. But if the property owner is quick to call the restoration professionals, they can successfully remove the effects of smoke and soot, allowing the owner to avoid high replacement costs.

When addressing property damage, restoration companies will always prioritize the mitigation. This service is time-sensitive because it prevents additional damage and further loss. To provide a rough estimate, the restoration process should occur within 24 hours of the disaster, otherwise the affected surfaces are at risk for permanent damage.

2. Cleaning your carpets will make them dirty faster

In the past, inferior technology, methods, and products were used and this was the case. Inefficient carpet cleaning techniques had left behind soap residue that attracted additional dirt and debris faster than before the fibers were cleaned.

But improvements in technology and cleaning processes today allow for thorough rinsing and flushing, preventing this from happening.

3. The drying process is complete after the carpets are dry

This myth couldn’t be more wrong as carpets dry much faster than other building materials. When the rest of the structure, including cement floors, walls, and ceilings are completely dry, the process is complete.

Trustworthy restoration technicians will frequently measure moisture levels using advanced meters and sensors. Without proper and accurate measurements, a small water damage job can turn into a widespread mold infestation, costing thousands to fix.

4. After a house fire, the property will always smell like smoke

Smoke odor removal is far more complex than turning on a machine and hoping for the best.

While some untrained and/or inexperienced restoration technicians have removed smoke and soot from affected surfaces, they will miss the odor particles lodged within the walls, ceilings, carpet, and upholstery. This is why the property still smells of smoke.

Smoke odor removal is far more complex than turning on a machine and hoping for the best. The restoration process must be thorough and include full cleaning, neutralizing, and sealing all contaminated areas.

5. DIY restoration is less expensive than hiring a restoration company

In some cases, like a small water leak or grease fire from the stove, the damage can be cleaned using household products. However, property owners must be very wary. Any uncleaned areas can open the risk for additional damage.

For example, if water damage from a roof leak is not properly repaired, mold can develop and spread throughout the rest of the property. This will surely require the efforts of a mold removal professional that can be far more costly. Be sure to check out why it’s better to hire a water damage restoration professional or why it’s better to hire a fire damage restoration professional before deciding whether to tackle the restoration yourself or leave it to a professional.

6. Heat is the biggest problem in a property fire

The combustion of building materials from the flames of a fire are certainly damaging, but this is not the biggest cause for concern. The biggest problem homeowners face is after the flames are extinguished; the smoke from the flames is left to spread throughout the property, covering all areas in a thick, oily residue that can compromise the building materials and items if they are not cleaned quickly.

Any hesitation to take action puts your building and belongings at risk, and it is also very dangerous to clean yourself. Protect your health and safety by hiring a professional restoration service to handle fire and smoke damage restoration and even water damage restoration to dry out the structure from the water damage caused by the fire hose.

7. If an area or surface feels dry, there is no mold

Water can easily seep into building materials during the disaster, allowing mold to quickly grow on the inside.

Just because a surface may feel dry to the touch, that doesn’t mean it’s not damaged. Water can easily seep into building materials during the disaster, allowing mold to quickly grow on the inside. When this happens, the item or material may not feel wet on the surface but have serious issues below that nobody can see.

Reach Out to a Restoration Professional

Many misconceptions regarding property damage can hinder efforts taken to properly fix the issue. If you are ever unsure about what to do, always call the professional. Damage restoration companies with good reputations are always prepared for emergencies and disasters.

Technicians are continuously attending frequent trainings to stay updated on the latest trends and methods. Restoration equipment is also replaced on a regular basis to ensure the best results. Recovery methods are also continuously improved to lower restoration costs and improve time spent during mitigation.

If at any time you are unsure whether or not to use a restoration professional or tackle the effects of the disaster yourself, always go with the restoration professional.

About Vince Sandri

Vince Sandri is a content writer and blogger with more than 12 years of experience. His expertise is in creating content related to disaster restoration, including information about preventing and reacting to natural disasters like flooding, water damage, fire and smoke damage, mold growth, storm damage and more.
Vince has been the main contributor to RestorationMasterFinder.com since 2014. Over that time, he has written numerous service pages and blogs for disaster restoration providers featured on RestorationMasterFinder.com. Vince has done extensive research and covered a wide range of topics relating to disaster restoration to help homeowners, business owners, and property managers better protect their property. He understands the problems that disasters like flooding, fire, smoke, and mold can cause as well as the best ways to respond to these issues to limit the damage.
Vince completed his Bachelor of Arts degree at Aurora University and his master’s degree at DePaul University. He has been writing SEO website pages, blogs, and press releases since 2012. Vince is also a musician and can be seen playing in the Chicago, IL area.