Water Damage Restoration FAQs

Water damage can lead to standing water in your home, which can saturate flooring, drywall, and seep into ceilings from upper levels. Left unaddressed, water damage can lead to contamination and mold growth.

The first step of the water damage restoration process is to remove any standing water, then begin the drying process using air movers and dehumidifiers. Equipment may be in place for several days until the structure is dry. If contamiantion or mold growth is present, those must also be addressed. 

The cost of water damage restoration depends on the size, scope, and type of loss. The size of the loss will be used to determine the proper amount of equipment needed, and the type of loss (clean water, flooding, sewage) will determine which steps are necessary to restore your property back to normal. If your loss is covered by insurance, we will work with them on your claim.

The most common causes of water damage are plumbing issues, such as a burst pipe, a slow leak, or a backed up drain. Heavy rains, a leaky roof, or local flooding are also common causes of water damage.

It is absolutely possible for your property to have water damage that goes unnoticed. Slow leaks or water damage that originates from a pipe in a wall or floor can take time to appear. You may notice wet or cool patches on walls, staining, mildew, or soft spots in areas where water damage may be present. 

It’s essential that you act quickly whenever you discover water damage. If the water is coming from your plumbing or appliance, turn off the water supply immediately to stop the flow of water. Next, call Restoration 1 of St. Augustine for immediate help removing the water and drying your property.

Just pick up the phone and call! If you are planning to file an insurance claim you should also contact your insurance company and let them know you are working with Restoration 1 of St. Augustine.

First, you’ll want to call your insurance provider and start the claims process. They will require evidence of the damage, usually a few photos or a video, and then they will send an insurance adjuster to evaluate the damage. You should not perform any repairs or restoration before the adjuster evaluates the loss, but you should take action to protect your property from further loss.

This is a job best left to the experts. While you can mop up some water using towels, a mop, or a wet vacuum, a professional will be equippped with high-powered extraction equipment that will remove most of the water with ease.

Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs

Always prioritize your health and safety! Call 911 for emergncy services, and once the fire is out, call Restoration 1 of St. Augustine. You should avoid entering the property as it may be unsafe to do so.

Each situation is different, and the amount of time required to restore your property after a fire will depend on the size, scope, and type of fire. We will assess the damage and can provide an estimate.

Because of the risk to your health and of further damaging your belongings, we do not recommend entering your home after a fire. We will evaluate the damage and your contents will be inventoried, evaluated, and restored as possible. We’ll communicate with you so you know exactly what is happening with your belongings.

 

All of your items will be processed and evaluated to determine if they can be cleaned and restored, or if they have suffered permanent damage and must be replaced. We will provide a full inventory of your items and will work with your insurance company to document the loss for your claim. 

The homeowner is responsible for payment, however you may opt to submit an insurance claim, in which case you would be responsible for your deductible. Your insurance company will dispatch an adjuster to example the damage, and your insurance company will determine if it is a covered loss. 

You should contact your insurance company right away to begin the process of submitting your claim. In some situations, homeowners will forego submitting a claim and opt to pay out of pocket for minor repairs. This varies depending on your individual situation.

 

Yes! We work with all insurance companies, and make sure to provide any documentation they may need for your claim. 

If you know your home contains asbestos or lead, please let us know right away. We are fully trained and equipped to handle these hazards, but do need to follow specific protocols to ensure the safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials.

Mold Remediation FAQs

Mold and mildew are both a type of fungus that is common in areas of high moisture. Mildew can be removed easily, and is not as harmful as mold. Areas of mold growth are often indiciative of a larger problem, and should be treated seriously.

Mold is often identfied as an area of fuzzy, raised growth on a wall or other surface. Mold can come in a number of different colors including black, green, grey, yellow, and white.

The total cost of mold remediation will depend on the size and scope of the mold remediation project. We can provide an accurate estimate following an in-person assessment. 

Mold growth can begin as soon as 24-48 hours after water damage occurs. 

When you discover mold growth in your property, it’s always recommended that you consult a mold remediation expert. The cause of the mold must be remedied, and the mold growth may extend beyond what you can see. We will make sure it’s handled properly and that the mold is contained during removal.

Typically, mold remediation can be completed anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. We will be able to provide a more accurate timeline once we have evaluated the mold growth in your home or business.

Mold remediation is the process of safely and effectively removing mold from your property. We will identify and remedy the cause of the mold growth, contain the area to prevent the spread of mold spores, and clean and remove the mold from the impacted areas. 

Mold can be hazardous to your health, particularly if you are allergic to mold or have a compromised immune system. Most ofen, mold can contribute to respiratory illness, coughing, wheezing, asthma, and skin irritation. Serious complications from mold exposure are possible.