Specialists Make A Wolrd Of Difference

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Howard White, V.P. Sales

Why do I need a restoration company for my water damage instead of a cleaning company or maintenance company?

Good question! We work alongside maintenance crews all the time. It's perfectly acceptable to utilize a maintenance company for everyday cleaning issues but when faced with a more serious issue like a water damage, there are some key differences. By all means, have them do the basics like water extraction and do it quickly! However, in order to ensure the health and safety of the occupants, you will need the services of a company that is:

1) Experienced, licensed and trained to handle all phases of a property damage restoration project
2) Familiar with insurance claims to communicate with the insurance company and ease the process
3) Properly insured, specifically with pollution liability coverage for handling mold remediation.

Without the proper certifications and knowledge, you'll be taking unnecessary risks and just asking for trouble later. When handling water damages it's not as "cut & dry" as it may seem. Often the single biggest reason for getting a restoration company involved can be summed up in two words: HIDDEN DAMAGE. Let's use a one-room flood as the example. Many cleaning people have a response like this; suck up the water with a wet vac, shampoo carpets and off you go. The reality is, you can wet-vac from now until Christmas but you're never going to get all of the water out like that.

From the viewpoint of a restorer, there are many things we must consider. Where did the water come from? Above or laterally? Was it seepage from the outside? What kind of water is it? Sewage or supply line water? Is there water behind the walls? In the insulation? In the padding? Was the ceiling plenum affected? What about the HVAC? How far up the walls did the water go? Are we going to attempt drying of the sheetrock or cut it out? How much drying equipment will you need? There are many other considerations but you get the point.

Unfortunately, we see many instances where someone didn't clean up a simple water damage correctly and guess what happens next? A nasty mold condition. Now, you have a whole other set of problems which incidentally, you might not have insurance coverage for! At that point you must check your policy or get out your checkbook.

So be sure to align yourselves with a company that can protect your interests on even the simplest of damage issues and get the job done right. Many restoration companies will even consult and inspect for free so why not take advantage and get the benefit of professional knowledge?

I hope this helps,
Howard White, CR

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