Restoration companies clean up property damage caused by storms, fire, water, mold, and biohazards. They also offer carpet and furniture cleaning, HVAC duct cleaning, and other maintenance services.
Two-thirds of restoration businesses rely on referrals for work, so providing superior service is crucial to a successful franchise. To help prevent home disasters, check out this list of tips from restoration companies.
Water damage restoration companies specialize in restoring homes and businesses that have suffered from flooding or other water-related issues. They often have the right equipment to rapidly and safely get rid of any standing water, as well as specialized drying tools that will help minimize structural damage and other problems caused by moisture. They can also assist you file an insurance claim and deal with your insurer to cover the damages, which can save you a lot of stress and hassle in the long run.
One of the first things that a water damage restoration company will do is to identify and shut off any sources of moisture, such as leaking pipes or overflowing sinks and toilets. This can decrease the amount of damage that is done and prevent mold growth. They will then dry out the affected areas, which usually involves using large fans and dehumidifiers to draw the moisture out of the air and walls. This will drastically reduce the chances of mold development and mildew damage.
Some of these companies will even have the skills to salvage some of your most valuable belongings, such as heirlooms and antiques. They can use specialized techniques to dry out these items and restore them, which can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Water damage restoration companies can also help you deal with any other issues that may arise due to the disaster, such as sewage backups or electrical hazards. They will handle all of the dirty work so that you can focus on recovering from the loss. Additionally, they offer 24/7 emergency situation services, so you can rely on them when you need them the most.
Fire Damage
Fires can be terrifying and devastating. A top restoration company can help homeowners recover from fire damage by assessing property damages, securing the building, and restoring it to its original state. They can even provide additional services like water damage restoration and reconstruction services.
When the fire is extinguished, restoration professionals typically begin by boarding up any broken windows or doors. Then, they use specialized equipment to dry out any water damage caused by firefighting efforts or rain.
They will also inspect the structure for additional damage that may have occurred during the fire. For instance, drywall that was soaked by water during the fire can be swollen and weakened. If it is deemed that the structure is unsafe, they will board up damaged areas and create an emergency exit plan for the homeowner.
A fire restoration company will also restore any belongings that were salvageable from the fire. This will involve cleaning, deodorizing, and repairing them to their pre-fire condition. A good restoration company will also document these items and include them in a detailed insurance claim.
Homeowners should consider the length of time a fire restoration company has been in business when choosing a provider. Longer-established companies are more likely to have a proven track record of successful projects and happy customers.
When hiring a restoration company, homeowners should also pay attention to their customer support team’s availability. It’s a good idea to choose a provider that is available 24/7, as this will ensure that they can respond to any urgent calls quickly and efficiently. The customer support staff can also help with filing an insurance claim or answering any questions about restoration costs.
Mold Remediation
Mold growth is a major concern for property owners. It can ruin building materials and cause health concerns for occupants. It releases mycotoxins and spores into the air that can be harmful if inhaled. Professional restoration companies provide mold remediation services to protect occupants and restore the property’s integrity.
Detecting and assessing the extent of the mold is the first step in the process. All contaminated areas are marked and containment is established to prevent the spread of mold. Any porous material such as carpeting or drywall is removed and replaced. The space is cleaned and sanitized using disinfecting agents. The cleaning includes spraying and scrubbing all surfaces to remove mold spores and contaminants. Any contaminated materials are bagged in plastic to lower the risk of spores spreading and contaminating clean areas. The space is also tested to ensure the mold has been eradicated.
Once the space has been sanitized, the next step in the process is drying. This step can take up to five days depending on the size of the space and how much moisture is present in the contaminated materials. To speed up the process, expert restoration companies may use fans or dehumidifiers. Any discarded materials are disposed of according to EPA standards.
The final step in the process is repairing any areas that have been affected by the mold and checking for signs of further contamination. Mold recurrence can occur quickly if the underlying conditions are not addressed, such as water leaks or high humidity levels.
The best way to avoid future mold problems is to hire a restoration company that offers both water and fire damage repair and remediation. This way, if any areas are damaged by smoke or fire, they can be repaired and restored before a mold problem develops. They can also recommend preventative measures like lowering the level of ambient moisture and using mold-resistant building materials.
Storm Damage
When tornadoes and hurricanes ravage communities, they can leave behind catastrophic damage. These weather disasters can dismantle the entire structure of buildings, stripping roofs and breaking windows. A storm restoration company must be prepared to offer emergency board-up services and structural repairs as well as complete water damage, mold remediation, and even fire repair.
A great storm restoration company should also have experience dealing with home insurance companies, as this is an important part of the process. Without this experience, you may run into delays and other difficulties when trying to get your claim approved. A company that has this experience can help you navigate the insurance claims process and ensure that you are getting all of the benefits you deserve from your coverage.
Another thing to look for in a storm restoration company is if they can handle biohazard cleanup, which involves cleaning up contaminants that pose a health risk. This is often necessary after sewage backups or floods from outside sources, which can introduce bacteria and other harmful materials into your building. A specialized company that offers this service can protect your family or employees from the risks of these contaminants and ensure that your property is safe to inhabit again.
Water damage is a common problem after a storm, and many restoration companies are equipped to handle it. However, it is important to find a company that is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and has 24/7 availability so they can respond quickly to any emergency situations. The best companies are prepared to extract water, dry soiled surfaces, and disinfect areas affected by flooding or other water-related issues to prevent the spread of contaminates and ensure that your property is safe for occupation again.
Biohazard and Crime Scene Cleanup
Blood, bodily fluids, and other biohazards pose a risk to anyone who comes into contact with them. These substances carry dangerous viruses and bacteria, including HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B & C, and tuberculosis. Crime scene cleanup is a specialized service that requires trained professionals to thoroughly and safely remove contaminated items, clean and disinfect the area, and dispose of all biohazards.
The work involved in this type of restoration can be extremely dangerous. Reputable restoration companies will provide a team of experienced, certified professionals with the proper training and equipment to perform this type of work. This includes personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks, protective eyewear, gloves, and properly designated waterproof coveralls. In addition, PPE is used when handling waste and biohazards for proper transportation, treatment, and disposal.
Crime and trauma scenes can be incredibly disturbing to anyone who enters them. Professional cleaning technicians have the skills and experience to handle the cleanup process quickly, while maintaining compassion and empathy for those affected by the incident. After police have completed their investigative work, a restoration specialist can safely restore the scene to its original state.
Crime scene cleanup is a specialized industry that requires a lot of training and a very specific personality to be successful in the field. Crime scene cleaning companies follow strict OSHA and EPA guidelines for biohazard remediation. They also use adenosine triphosphate testing to guarantee that the scene has been completely disinfected. The ATP test measures the amount of energy (ATP) present in living cells. When the ATP is no longer detectable, it’s an indication that the biohazards have been successfully removed and destroyed. If organic material has been left to decompose, it can release noxious gases and putrid odors into the air. This can affect the health and comfort of employees, customers, and visitors.