FAQs About Restoration Services in South Windsor, CT

F. A. Q

Frequently Asked Questions

Water Damage Mitigation/Restoration:

How much does water damage restoration cost?

The cost of restoration will depend on many factors and vary greatly based on the severity of the water damage. We will assess the water damage present to give a proper estimate. We will be sure to communicate with you clearly so you understand the process and cost involved.

Is my insurance going to cover this water damage to my home?

Many homeowner insurance policies do provide some level of coverage in a water damage situation. However, you will need to contact your agent for details about your policy. The source of the water damage is essential when dealing with insurance. Some flooding related to weather events requires special insurance that is gained through the Federal and Provincial Insurance Programs.

What should I do after a water damage event?

When a water emergency occurs in your home or business, it’s only natural to want to take action immediately. Here are a few preliminary steps you can take before we arrive, but only attempt what you can do safely.

Shut off the water source, if possible. If you need to find out where the water is coming from, we’ll inspect and handle the situation as soon as we arrive.
Remove excess water by mopping, blotting, or wiping. This could include flooring with standing water. Do not use your household vacuum to remove water since it could damage the vacuum or be unsafe.
Place aluminum foil or parchment paper between furniture and wet carpets or rugs to protect carpets, rugs, drapes, and upholstered items from further damage. Remove books, magazines, or other colored items from carpets and rugs. Hang draperies up with coated hangers to avoid contact with damp floors. Remove pillows or cushions from wet upholstered items.
Avoid using electric or electronic items that have come into contact with water. These may include light fixtures, ceiling fans, televisions, or appliances. If someone else on the property may turn on an electric item that has come into contact with water, consider turning off the power to individual circuits within the property’s power distribution panel.

How long does it take to dry?

Drying time will depend on the class and severity of the water damage. 3-5 days is average, but if flooding is severe or has been present for a while, it can take a few weeks.

Do I have to move out of my house so the work can be performed?

If your loss has impacted your kitchen ba, bathrooms, or bedrooms, you should have coverage in your policy for hotel and meals. Please check with your insurance company or agent.

Can I turn off the fans?

No, turning off the fans will delay drying, increase restoration costs, and possibly result in mold growth. Leaving the fans running will help speed up the drying process and keep costs down.

Can I have the items that were replaced?

Check your policy; some insurance companies have a different department that handles damaged personal effects that are not structural or attached to the house.
We’ll assess your content to determine what items can be successfully restored.

Fire Damage Mitigation/Restoration:

How is fire damage repaired or restored?

When a home or business is damaged by fire, several different services are involved. Our technicians are trained to handle this complex process and get you back into your property as soon as possible.

Mitigation—We’ll secure your property to prevent additional damage. Any entrance or access will be boarded up, debris removed, and general corrosion mitigation started to reduce the likelihood of further damage to surfaces. If water damage from firefighting efforts has occurred, we’ll work to remove the water and begin the drying process.
Structural Cleaning & Damaged Material Removal – Non-salvageable surfaces and materials will be carefully removed and disposed of. Smoke residues will be removed from salvageable walls, ceilings, and other structural components of the property.
Contents Cleaning – Your personal property may need additional attention. Cleaning can take on-site or off-site, depending on the situation.
Specialty Restoration Services—If anything requires special attention (electronics, art, furniture refinishing), we’ll ensure a specialist is tasked with completing the work.
Reconstruction –We may have to build back areas that were too damaged to restore.

Can you get the smell out?

We can remove the smell by air scrubbing with HEPA air scrubbers, removing all porous materials, cleaning with approved soot-removing agents, drying chemical sponges, demolition, and encapsulating non-porous areas.

Do I have enough coverage?

Check your policy or talk to your insurance agent to make sure you have coverage. As time passes, the prices of materials and labor go up, and we should make sure that our coverage is enough to cover a loss in today’s market.

Will you have to replace all porous materials like insulation and carpets?

Yes, the IICRC does not recommend leaving porous materials in place. Carpets need to be replaced if they are contaminated or damaged by fire, smoke, or soot. Smoke damages them even if they don’t look charred.

Do I really need professional cleanup if the fire was small?

Yes, most likely. Smoke and soot residues from a small fire or even a neighboring fire can cause extensive damage to walls, ceilings, and contents in a home. This residue will need to be professionally removed, or damage and odor can worsen over time.

What should I do with all the water that was used to put out the fire?

Professionals should remove water leftover from firefighting activities.
Our technicians are specially trained in both fire and water removal, using specialized equipment, tools, and products. Our experts can adequately remove the water and dry the home so that no further damage is caused by the standing water, like mold.

Mold Remediation/Removal:

How fast can mold grow?

Certain types of mold species can start to grow within 24 to 72 hours.

Is black mold the killer mold?

Mold impacts everyone differently. There are thousands of mold species and more than one is black. Some are harmless, some are allergens, and some are toxic. Depending on the species, prolonged exposure can make you sick and even kill you.

Is mold covered under the water mitigation policy, or is it an extra policy?

Water loss and mold are often covered separately, so you will need to check your policy.

Do I have to get it tested to find out what species of mold it is?

You do have to get the mold tested to see the species. Testing will also help determine the source of mold growth, and help develop a protocol to remediate it if necessary.

Biohazard Cleanup:

How long will the cleanup take?

Depends on the size of the impacted work area.

Is it safe to come back in after you clean it?

After the clean-up process is completed, we test the areas with an ATP tester. Certain thresholds must be met to call the area clean, and we must keep cleaning until those thresholds are met.

Does my insurance cover the cleanup?

Check your insurance policy and some organizations help out with trauma cleanups as well.

Storm Damage Mitigation/Restoration:

What can I do until help arrives?

After any water damage situation, your primary focus should be safety: Is it safe to stay in the house? Electrical and “slip and fall” hazards are some of the most prevalent concerns. When in doubt, wait for the professionals. Only do activities that are safe for you to perform.

How long will it take?

It depends on the size of the scope and whether it grows with unforeseen damage that was not previously seen.

Does my insurance cover it?

Insurance will cover most reconstruction that was caused by a water loss, fire, or natural disaster. Please check with your insurance company or agent.

Rebuild/Reconstruction:

How long will it take?

It depends on the size of the scope and whether it grows with unforeseen damage that was not previously seen.

Does my insurance cover it?

Insurance will cover most reconstruction that was caused by a water loss, fire, or natural disaster. Please check with your insurance company or agent.

Are reconstruction services covered in the same claim as water damage or mold remediation?

It depends on the insurance company, but in many cases, it is under one insurance claim.

Anything more you want to ask