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Should I Hire a Restoration Company?
10/15/2015 (Permalink)
Has your home or business ever been damaged by fire or water damage? If so, then you can attest to the overwhelming nature of the situation. In many cases, an owner may have suffered a damage for the first time; what follows is typically a survey of the damage. For most owners, naturally their next thought is, “How fast can I return this building to livable conditions?”
Great question! But it is important to understand the risks involved following any type of loss and the steps necessary to remedy the situation.
In the event that a loss occurs, your first responsible step is to contact your insurance agent and file a claim. While your agent may guide you through the process, you will also have decisions to make. For example, do you hire an area restoration company or try to clean up the damage yourself? Although every loss is different, there are a few restoration thresholds to keep in mind.
In the event of a fire, it is critical that the restoration response begins immediately. Whether it is a small kitchen grease fire or a large multi-story event, this is not a job for an untrained person. Fire and smoke damage require a professional restoration effort. Smoke and odor removal should be performed by a certified technician, and these efforts can be complex. (To mitigate the spread of odors, the HVAC system should be shut off immediately.)
Several different scenarios may result in a water loss event, but, large or small, the restoration rules remain the same. Water damage is difficult to clean up. The first 24 hours are the most critical, and the water must be extracted and the drying process initiated within this window. If damaged materials have not been removed and significant drying has not taken place within 72 hours, the risks for bacterial growth increase exponentially.
By and large, it is good idea to hire an area restoration company in the event of a loss. Certified restoration professionals will get the job done quickly and efficiently, while you maintain focus on your business and/or family priorities.
SERVPRO of Carbondale/Clarks Summit/Old Forge is the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area's leading restoration company. We employ certified water and fire technicians who are trained to mitigate and restore and residential or commercial property. If you experience a water, fire or smoke disaster call us anywhere in Lackawanna County at 570-235-1646.