FAQs

FAQs - Restoration 1 of Morris County

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

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Water, Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration FAQs

Most people have questions once a fire has occurred, mold is discovered, or there’s been flood damage. We have the right answers to your most commonly asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

        To protect your safety, call 911 once a fire occurs. When the fire is extinguished, you can call an expert to have them assess the damage. Contact us so we can evaluate the building and begin the first step of restoration.

    How long does it take to clean up fire damage?

        The cleanup process will always vary depending on the severity of the damage. Most properties take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to complete. Factors that influence the timeframe include the size of the property and the number of furnishings inside. We’ll give you an estimate on the timeframe after evaluating the extent of the damage.

    Can I inspect my home and belongings after fire damage?

        We suggest leaving the inspection to one of our professionals. There’s a possibility of inhaling the hazardous chemicals left behind by the flames. The structural integrity of the home may also be affected.

    Should I try cleaning myself?

        It’s important to avoid cleaning the interior yourself due to harmful chemicals from the fire. We use professional equipment and gear to protect ourselves.

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

        We’ll attempt to salvage as many items as possible, but there may be some belongings that can’t be restored and will have to be discarded.

    What are some safety concerns?

        Some of the top safety concerns include inhaling hazardous chemicals and becoming injured due to the structural integrity of the building.

    What items do I keep in my possession?

        The amount of items that can be saved depends on the severity of the fire. Our professionals will remove as many items as possible and return them to you. 

    How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

        Our process includes maintaining an inventory with details of non-restorable items and writing down the condition of each one. If it can’t be salvaged, we’ll take notes and inform you of how we disposed of it.

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

        We encourage you to inform us of valuable or sentimental items in the home to ensure we can make them our top priority. We’ll handle the items with care and give them the attention they require.

    Who is responsible for paying for the service?

        Contact your insurance company to determine what your policy covers and how billing works. There may be specific details or instructions you need to be aware of when filing a claim.

    Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

        Each case differs. It’s necessary to determine how the claim can affect your premiums. Talk to your insurance company to learn how they handle claims on the policy.

    Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

        We’re happy to answer any questions your insurance adjuster has about our services.

    What if my house has asbestos or lead?

        We’re trained to identify any harmful or dangerous chemicals present in the building as we examine your property. If we think the condition of your home is beyond our expertise, we’ll contact a professional to assist with the process.


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

        We can offer upgrades on top of the restoration service to ensure you’re satisfied with the work. However, if you want specific additions, you may need to work with a professional contractor.

    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. 

    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.

    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. 

    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. 

    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 

    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. 

    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! 

    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. 

    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. 

    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.

Mold Remediation FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions
    What is the difference between mold and mildew?

        Mildew has a very dark gray appearance and is flat. Mold typically has either a green or gray color. Mold is a serious issue and should be removed by a professional, but mildew can easily be eliminated with household cleaning products.

    What does mold look like?

        Mold has a raised surface, unlike mildew, and is dark gray or green. Mold is typically found in areas of high moisture or humidity. 

    How much does mold remediation cost?

        Mold has a raised surface, unlike mildew, and is dark gray or green. Mold is typically found in areas of high moisture or humidity. 

    How long does it take mold to grow or spread?

        Mold can begin to spread after 24 hours and will continue to grow in the following weeks.

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

        We suggest hiring an expert to remove mold due to the professional equipment required. Experts will also be able to determine if mold is hiding in the walls or under floors.

    How long does it take to remove mold?

        It can take a few days to several weeks to remove mold, depending on how much is present on the property. 

    What is mold remediation?

        Mold remediation involves removing mold and sanitizing the affected area. Moisture that’s present can be an indication where mold may be growing. Preventing the mold from returning is also included in the services.

    How is mold growth detected?

        Professional equipment is used to detect mold growth. To confirm where mold is present, it may be necessary to rip out the floor and walls.

    What health problems can mold cause?

        Health issues linked to mold include coughing, sneezing, irritation of the eyes and skin, and nasal congestion. Many of the symptoms are similar to allergies.

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02 Apr, 2020
Throughout Morris and surrounds, we have seen rapidly changing and evolving situations when it comes to virus updates. For the last decade, Restoration 1 of Morris County has specialized in bio-hazard cleanup, which means our certified experts are ready for all your virus disinfection and sanitation needs. Rest assured, our team is equipped with advanced equipment and trained on the latest techniques to clean up any type of bio-hazard. We are stocked with CDC and EPA approved cleaning agents to effectively clean and sanitize your floors, bathrooms, keyboards, shelving, door knobs, storage areas and all other surfaces people may have come in contact with. On top of this, we are fully trained and equipped with the proper safety equipment to reduce the risk of contamination or illness from any bio-hazard materials. The sooner we get on the job, the better. We offer 24/7 emergency services and flexible scheduling to work with your individual needs. Here’s How Restoration 1 of Morris County Will Complete a Virus Disinfection & Sanitation: Our team is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration Certification) when it comes to disease cleanup Restoration 1 uses the approved CDC and EPA industrial-strength disinfectants to decontaminate and disinfect surfaces. We properly handle hazardous and infectious bio-hazard waste, such as infected materials Restoration 1’s cleanup technicians are always dressed in fully encapsulated personal protective equipment with a full-face respirator masks How You Can Prevent Virus and Disease From Spreading Stay Informed. We recommend that you check the following resources daily for the most up to date information: Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov Google Blog: https://www.blog.google/inside-google/company-announcements/covid-19-how-were-continuing-to-help/ American Public Health Association: https://www.apha.org/topics-and-issues/communicable-disease/coronavirus/in-the-news World Health Organization: who.int Health Resources and Services Administration: https://www.hrsa.gov/public-health/index.html Your State and Local Public Health Websites, such New Jersey Department of Health For general questions about corona virus, call the Morris County Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.. Viruses often spread via human contact. They can also spread via respiratory particles that are left on surfaces and objects. These infected particles can come from coughing or sneezing. The particles can continue to live on a surface for weeks even after first contact. If someone else comes into contact with these particles, and then touches their face, mouth, nose or eyes without washing their hands, they are also at serious risk of contracting the virus. Avoid coming into contact with people, maintain a safe distance in social situation Do not shake hands or hug people Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially if you feel you may have been in contact with infected particles Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you have recently washed your hands Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you are feeling sick, unless you need medical assistance Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze with a bent elbow Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily When it comes to virus disinfection, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Contact our Morris County branch today, on 973-810-4145. Disclaimer: Please be advised that nothing completely eliminates bacteria or viruses and these are efforts to contain and control the spread of a virus.
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