FAQs

FAQs - Restoration 1 of Summit, NJ

It may seem like there are more questions than answers when you're dealing with water, mold, or fire & smoke damage. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions.

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Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs

Our customers often have questions when they’ve suffered from water, fire, or mold damage on their residential or commercial property. Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly asked questions we receive.
Frequently Asked Questions
    What's the first thing I do after a fire?

        It’s important to call 911 to protect your safety. Once the fire is extinguished, contact a professional technician to assess the damage. You can contact us so we can promptly begin the first stage of restoration.

    How long does it take to clean up fire damage?

        Each situation is unique, but the cleanup process for fire damage can take from several days to a few weeks. The number of items in the building and the size of the building influences the time it takes to restore the property. We can provide you with an accurate time frame after assessing the damage.

    Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?

        To protect your safety we suggest contacting us first, because fires can affect the structural integrity of the building and are a safety issue.

    Should I try cleaning it myself?

        Our experts recommend leaving the cleaning to the professionals, because inhaling the residue from the fire can be hazardous to your health.

    What will happen to the items left in the home during a fire restoration?

        We’ll salvage as many of the items as possible while cleaning and restoring the property, but some belongings must be discarded if they’re beyond repair.

    What are some safety concerns?

        Many safety issues need to be kept in mind after a fire has occurred, and that includes avoiding entering the building. An additional risk is inhaling the chemicals left after the fire.

    What items do I keep in my possession?

        Each situation is different regarding how many items can be salvaged after a fire. This depends on the severity of the fire.

    How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

        We create a comprehensive inventory when we find non-restorable items, which will include a description of each product and its condition. If an item cannot be restored, we’ll keep you informed and will advise you on the method of disposal. 

    What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

        We encourage our customers to inform us of any special or valuable items. We can make these belongings our top priority and handle them with care.

    Who is responsible for paying for the service?

        You’ll need to contact your insurance company to determine how billing works and what your policy covers. There could be coverage restrictions or details that you need to understand. 

    Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

        Every situation differs. You can evaluate how each claim will affect the premiums, which will influence if you should file. You can also ask how the insurance company will handle the claim.

    Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

        We can always communicate with insurance adjusters if they have questions about our services.

    What if my house has asbestos or lead?

        We’re trained and experienced in handling dangerous chemicals and materials. Safety is our top priority during the restoration process. If the damage is beyond our expertise, we’ll contact a professional to assist.

    What if I'd like to upgrade or remodel my house?

        Performing upgrades is included in our services if you want to remodel the house, but you may need to hire a contractor for significant additions.

    What are some common effects of water damage?

        Water damage can cause serious problems throughout your entire home. The excess moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow. This fungus growth can contribute to health problems, including allergies, skin infections and diseases. It can even weaken and compromise the structure of a building. Water damage can warp wooden floors and ruin ceilings, while also causing problems with metal and cement materials. 


        While there are various levels of water damage, all require special kinds of treatment to ensure that your home or business is restored to a safe, healthy state. 

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    What does the water damage restoration process involve?

        Water damage restoration must be conducted with care, using specific procedures and safeguards. A restoration company will bring in heavy-duty equipment that can mitigate the effects of excess water and dry things out thoroughly. This process may also involve removing damaged parts of the structure. Because some damage is hidden, rely on professionals to get the job done right.

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    How does the water damage restoration process work?

        After the initial assessment, Restoration 1 will use the following steps to repair and control the water damage: 


        Step 1: Dry out the affected areas with large fans, wet vacuums, and pumps. All moist surfaces and carpets will be targeted. 


        Step 2: Pull up the carpet and padding that cannot be saved. While the team members at Restoration 1 do their best to salvage what they can, some parts of your home may need to be removed. 


        Step 3: Restore personal belongings. Restoration 1 will work to put all of your books, art, furniture, and other items back in their original places. 


        Step 4: Clean and dehumidify. To prevent the growth of mold, we will professionally sanitize and dry everything in the home or business. 


        Throughout each step of the process, at Restoration 1 we make protecting your home and keeping your family safe our number one priority. 

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    How much does it cost to fix water damage?

        Prices can vary depending on the severity of the damage and the amount of work involved in the restoration process. 

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    What are the major causes of flood damage and water damage?

        Floods and water damage can be caused by a variety of problems. Some of the most common include: 

        • Leaking dishwashers, washing machines, and pipes 
        • Excess amounts of rain and drainage problems 
        • Clogged sinks or toilets that overflow 
        • Hidden moisture beneath your floors or in your walls 
        • Cracked pipes due to severe weather or faulty plumbing 

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    Can water damage be hidden? If so, what are the signs?

        Absolutely – and more often than not, you won’t notice that water damage is occurring until the need for repairs has become very obvious! Signs of hidden water damage can be as subtle as an unpleasant odor, or slight staining on the walls and ceilings. You may also notice peeling paint, warped floors, or mold growth in the nooks and crannies of your home or business. 

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    What actions do I take when I first notice the damage?

        At the first signs of water damage, you should attempt to air out the property as much as possible. Turn on fans, open windows, and blast the AC if you have to. Hang up your rugs and cushions in a safe, dry location, then collect loose items that are at risk. Mop up as much standing water as you can, and try to keep the moisture from spreading. 


        As soon as you’ve made the situation somewhat stable, call in an experienced restoration service like Restoration 1. Our highly-trained technicians will bring advanced, heavy-duty equipment to start on your professional water damage treatment right away! 

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    How do I hire a professional restoration company?

        First things first: Research companies that are certified, licensed, and insured. It’s also smart to go with a company that can respond immediately to your water damage emergency – one that can also offer a 100-percent satisfaction guarantee! Call Restoration 1 so that our trained professionals can give you the prompt, effective service you need. 

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    How do I file a claim for water damage?

        First, you should review your insurance policy to see if it covers water damage at all. For example, some policies may cover floods but not mold remediation, while others only handle sewer or drain backups. Find out what your policy covers specifically, so that you understand the terms before speaking with an agent. Because Restoration 1 has experience with all insurance companies, our team can help you navigate the sometimes complex claims process. 


        Second, make a detailed list of what has been damaged. You should write everything down, from the flooring to the bookshelf that wasn’t salvageable, and so on. You should also keep your receipts and other forms of evidence (including photos) that support your damage claims. 


        Finally, when you file the claim, it will probably take your company a few days to get back to you. In the meantime, do not begin any permanent repairs to your home. You’ll want to wait for permission to do so before spending money on the restoration process. 

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    How can I remove standing water easily?

        Although the best way to remove standing water is to call in a professional service like Restoration 1 to use heavy-duty equipment, you can attempt to remove some of the water on your own. Use buckets or a water pump to drain the area, then mop up the excess water on the floor.

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Mold Remediation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
    What's the difference between mold and mildew?

        Mold is known to have a black, dark gray or green color, and mildew has a gray appearance. Mildew can easily be cleaned with household cleaning products, but mold will need to be removed by a professional who has the right equipment. 

    What does mold look like?

        Mold tends to have a raised surface and needs immediate attention because it can spread quickly. 

    How much does mold remediation cost?

        The cost of mold remediation varies depending on when it’s discovered and how much of it is present. Its location and the repairs needed are additional factors that influence the cost.

    How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

        Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours and will continue to grow and spread each day.

    Do I need to hire a mold remediation/removal expert to remove mold, or can I do it myself?

        A professional is needed to examine the property and determine if you have a mold problem. Mold can spread quickly, which can make it difficult to know everywhere it’s present in the building.

    How long does it take to remove mold?

        The mold removal process can typically take several days or weeks, depending on the circumstances.

    What is mold remediation?

        Mold remediation includes removing mold and sanitizing the affected area. It also includes taking preventative measures to stop the mold from developing in the future.

    How is mold growth detected?

        Professional equipment is used to detect mold growth. Moisture that’s present behind walls or under floors can be a sign of potential mold. Using special equipment or removing the building’s floors or walls may be necessary to confirm mold growth.

    What health problems can mold cause?

        Health issues often triggered by mold include eye and skin irritation, sore throat, nasal congestion, and coughing.

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