It may seem like you may have a ton of questions when it comes to dealing with mater, fire, or smoke damage. Here are some answers to questions that are commonly asked by residents of Southern Illinois.
Questions Relating to Fire Damage
What is the first thing I should do after a fire?
After the fire, you will want to immediately call emergency services. This will get the fire department to arrive, assisting in putting out the blaze. While they are doing that, you should call us at Smoke Service Restoration. We will arrive and help assess the damage that is caused during the fire and start the restoration process.
How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?
It can take from a few days to a couple of weeks to fully and efficiently clean fire damage throughout your Southern Illinois home. We take our time to ensure that your home is safe and habitable once again for your family.
Can I inspect my home and belongings after a fire?
We recommend that only our team enters your property after the fire. This is because there are risks such as smoke contamination, structural integrity issues, and other fire damage that could lead to injuries or further damage to your home.
Should I try cleaning up myself?
Our team of highly trained professionals are properly equipped to clean fire and smoke damage properly and efficiently. This is why we ask that you do not try to clean it up yourself. Also having us do it reduces the risk of further property damage from being done.
What will happen to the items left in the home during restoration after a fire?
Any items that are left inside of your home during the restoration process will be properly assessed, salvaged, restored, cleaned, and returned to you in a timely manner. If the item is too far contained or damaged, we will dispose of it properly.
Insurance Questions for Water, Smoke, & Fire Damage
Who is responsible for paying for the service?
The client is responsible for paying for the service. However, we do suggest filing an insurance claim for any damage you experience. Your insurance company will likely pay for most of the restoration work that we do, depending on your deductible.
Should I file a claim with my insurance company?
This depends on the extent of the damage caused by the incident. For minor damage, filing a claim with your insurance company may increase your premium. However, if the damage is severe, the risk of paying more annually is most likely going to be justified.
Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?
We do communicate with the insurance adjuster throughout the entire restoration process.
Dealing with Water Damage
What does the water damage restoration process involve?
Our water damage process involves very specific safety precautions and procedures in order to repair your home. We will bring in professional restoration equipment to mitigate the water damage and being the drying process. After this, we will remove any damaged components including flooring and drywall. We also take a look inside of the walls to ensure that there is no hidden damage.
How does the water damage restoration process work?
The restoration process begins with the initial assessment. This will help us determine the extent of the damage and how we should move forward. The process then follows these steps:
- We dry the areas that are affected using pumps, industrial-strength fans, and wet vacuums.
- We then remove padding and carpet that cannot be salvaged.
- Our team tries to restore your personal belongings to the best of our abilities.
- The Team will dehumidify and clean the area to prevent worsening damage or mold growth.
What are the major causes of flood damage and water damage?
Typically, water and flood damage is caused by a variety of problems. This can include:
- Flash Floods/Storm Damage
- Hidden Moisture Trapped Underneath Your Homes Floors
- Overflowing Toilets & Clogged Sinks
- Leaking or Burst Pipes
- Leaking Appliances
What actions should I take when I first notice water damage?
When you first notice water damage, you should try your best to air out the property. Try turning on fans, opening windows, and turning up the air conditioning system. Also, if you have standing water, try mopping it up if possible. Your best option is to call our team at Smoke Service Restoration to ensure that your water damage is properly taken care of.
