What To Do In Case of Water Damage:

• Damage from water and bacteria growth can begin within hours. Call ServiceMaster Restore for professional help and guidance.

• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.

• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached. DO NOT attempt to start removing your wall-to-wall carpet.

• Lift draperies off the floor, loop through a coat hanger and place the hanger on the drapery rod.

• Wipe furniture, prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place aluminum foil under furniture legs.

• Move photos, paintings and art objects to a safe, dry location.

• Keep books on shelves. Pack them tightly to prevent warping of pages until a restoration professional can begin this specialized drying.

• Open drawers, closets and cabinet doors to enhance drying.

Drying and Restoration May Require Up to Five Phases Before Completion

1. Inspect and Assess

Using state-of-the-art instruments, our certified teams will inspect your home for damage, identify the source, and outline the work required. We will also begin working directly with your insurance company to handle the claim process and make things as seamless as possible.

2. Remove Water

We use various methods to extract the water, including absorbing, draining, pumping, and vacuuming.

3. Dehumidification

We use dehumidifiers to reduce the moisture in the air and expedite the drying process.

4. Evaporation

Using equipment such as air movers and the proper application of temperature, we help promote evaporation from materials.

5. Monitoring

Our team takes atmospheric and moisture content readings that indicate if the area is drying, at what rate, and what adjustments, if any, need to be made to expedite the drying process and avoid excessive, uncontrolled humidity levels.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long will it take my property to dry?

Drying time is determined by a combination of factors, including location, duration and source of water, the types of building materials, weather conditions, and how quickly emergency services begin. We determine when the drying process is complete through consistent monitoring and evaluation using specialized equipment.

How do I know when my property is completely dry?

Proper testing with our specialized equipment is the correct way to determine if things are completely dry. Touch alone may not be reliable.

Will turning up the heat help dry things out?

Not necessarily. We’ll adjust the temperature as needed for optimal drying.

What about my wet furniture?

The extent of damage and construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. Non-salvageable furniture will be documented for you and the insurance company if needed.

Do I need to move out of my property during this process?

Decisions to vacate are always made by you. We’ll let you know in advance if temporary relocation is recommended.

Will I have mold?

Every water damage situation is different, so we can’t guarantee that mold won’t develop. However, we do everything possible to minimize the risk. As a preventative measure, we apply antimicrobial treatments to affected areas and monitor moisture levels closely. As always, proper cleaning and dehumidification are key to preventing mold growth.

Why do you apply antimicrobial products?

Antimicrobial treatments help prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other organisms that can thrive in damp environments. These are standard procedures for water damage services.

Why are air movers and dehumidifiers used?

Drying equipment is essential for removing moisture from affected materials. Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air, while air movers help promote evaporation from wet surfaces. This speeds up the drying process significantly.

What will you do with my area rugs?

Rugs are carefully dried, cleaned, and returned. If they are not salvageable, we’ll document them accordingly.

Why does my specialty floor need to be removed?

Non-salvageable flooring (e.g., warped hardwood) needs to be removed to stop further damage and allow subfloors to dry properly.

What if the technicians have to inspect my walls or ceilings?

Our technicians are trained to identify moisture hidden behind surfaces. If needed, we may remove baseboards or small areas of drywall for inspection. Damaged materials are documented and, if necessary, removed for drying.

Can I walk on the area during the drying process?

Yes, but use caution. Some areas may be slick. Walking with clean shoes is recommended.

Should I open the windows to help the drying process?

Depends on outdoor conditions. If the outside air is more humid, it can slow down drying. We’ll determine the best solution based on conditions.

Can any carpet be restored or will it have to be replaced?

It depends. Carpets can usually be saved if water is extracted quickly and drying begins promptly. Prolonged exposure to water increases the chances of damage or replacement.

My wood floors are buckling. Will they have to be replaced?

Wood floor damage depends on the severity and duration of water exposure. Some buckling can be reversed with proper drying, while others may need to be replaced.