Frequently Asked Questions About Fire and Water Damage Restoration

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Water, fire and flood damage cleanup is a highly technical process, so it’s normal to have questions about the restoration process, and what to do if you have a property damage emergency. 

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Can I clean up water damage myself?

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While some sources of water damage can be cleaned up yourself, it is always safer to hire a professional. Not only can a professional restoration company clean up all the water safely, they will also make sure to clean, dry and restore your home and prevent mold growth.

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Will my home insurance company pay for the water damage cleanup and restoration?

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Maybe - this depends on what caused the damage, or what we call the "cause of loss". Water damage caused by overland flooding may not be covered. If it was caused by burst pipes or a sewer backup, then your insurance company should cover the cost for water damage restoration and all other aspects of the recovery.

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How does the water damage restoration process work?

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Water damage repair or water cleanup is a multi-phase process. The first step is to remove all standing water from flooring, wet carpet, and other affected materials. Once the water is removed, dehumidifiers and other specialized equipment are used to dry the affected areas. This can take multiple days, depending on the amount of water and extent of damage. After the process is complete, we use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras (when applicable) to make sure your property is thoroughly dry. Water damage restoration may also involve drywall removal, carpet cleaning, wood floor repair, odor control, air duct cleaning and mold removal.

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My house is flooded, should I call my insurance company first?

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No. As a matter of fact, your insurance company would prefer you call a water damage restoration company to begin water cleanup and restore water damage as soon as possible. The faster our crews arrive, the more damage we can prevent, which saves time and money for you and your insurance company. You may still want to call your insurance company to make a claim, but you should not wait for a claim representative to respond before calling a professional restoration company to begin with cleanup, drying and repairs.

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Many homeowner insurance policies do provide some level of coverage in a water damage situation, but you will need to contact your broker or agent for details about your policy. The source of the water damage or "cause of loss" is important when filing an insurance claim. Some flooding related to severe weather events, catastrophes or "overland flooding" may require special coverage.

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How long will it take to dry my water damage?

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Drying times vary depending on the area and types of material damage. Usually, however, we are able to finish the drying process within 3 to 5 days. In every case, we will work quickly to get the area thoroughly dried, cleaned and sanitized as quickly as possible.

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Is my home at risk of mold after water damage?

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Mold thrives in moisture and can start growing in as little as 24-48 hours. Mold can also grow in porous surfaces, including drywall, wood and carpet if your property is not dried properly. When you hire SELECT Restoration Services, you can be sure that your home won’t be at risk of mold growth after it has been cleaned, dried and restored. If you do find mold in your home after a water damage emergency, we can clean that up, too!

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Will my flooring need to be replaced after water damage?

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It depends. The source of the water damage and water damage timeline can determine whether or not the flooring (wood, carpet) can be saved. If the water came from a sewer backup or other contaminated source, it is best to replace the flooring. If the water was from a clean source, it may be possible to dry and repair your flooring without replacing it.

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What is the first thing I should do after fire damage?

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Experiencing a fire to your home or business can be traumatic and stressful, and knowing what to do after a fire can seem overwhelming. First, contact a local fire damage restoration company and your insurance company for immediate assistance, especially if you’ve been displaced. Try to locate any necessary documents you’ll need, like a driver’s license and other records, but don’t enter the structure unless the fire department has deemed it safe for you to do so, first.

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Do I really need a restoration company to clean up a small fire damage?

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

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Can smoke damage be cleaned?

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Yes! Smoke and soot damage can be stubborn, but our employees are specially trained in the most effective smoke and soot cleaning methods. We also have specialty cleaning tools and products that were developed exclusively for smoke and fire damage restoration. Anytime an item is deemed salvageable, we will work to clean it ourselves or coordinate with a vendor who performs specialty cleaning for that specific item type.

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How much does it cost to fix a fire damaged house?

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The cost to fix a fire damaged property varies greatly and depends on the severity of fire and its effect on surfaces, materials, the extent of structural damage, and the amount of contents affected. We use Xactimate, the most widely accepted industry-standard estimating and appraisal software for restoration contractors and insurance companies.

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#1 Fire and Water Damage Restoration Company in the Toronto Area

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As a full-service disaster recovery company specializing in property damage insurance claims, we handle the project from start to finish. Our goal is to help you by streamlining the claims process while minimizing costs to achieve peace of mind knowing that your property is in good hands.

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As your emergency service provider, we promise to consistently offer premium quality restoration services while providing an extraordinary customer experience. We are always available to provide the guidance, expertise and personalized care needed to ensure your life gets back to normal, quickly. Our trained technicians work by your side providing efficient property damage restoration services with expert guidance.

 

Have a Question? We Can Help

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We are here to help, even if you just have questions. Get the help you need and the peace of mind you deserve. Experience matters when you have a property damage claim - don't hesitate to contact the experts at SELECT Restoration Services. Call us today for a free estimate of 1-833-24EMERG.

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Have questions? Fill out the form below or call us.

 

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