Damage Restoration: 101

Flash floods, hurricanes, heavy rain, storms, snow, burst pipes, overflowing bathtubs, a backed-up toilet… As a home or business owner, all of these scenarios are enough to send shivers down the spine.

Not only can they cause significant damage to a property’s structure, furniture and personal belongings, if not addressed correctly, they can also lead to dangerous and potentially costly long-term consequences.

Disaster restoration services are there for moments just like these. But what do they do?

What is damage restoration?

Damage restoration refers to the process of repairing and restoring a property that has been damaged by a disaster, whether man-made or natural.

The goal of damage restoration is to return the property to its pre-disaster condition and ensure that it is safe, functional and livable.

This process typically involves assessing the damage, cleaning up debris and contaminants, repairing or replacing damaged materials, and taking steps to prevent future damage. 

Damage restoration can be a complex and time-consuming process that in most cases requires the expertise of trained professionals.

Different types of damage restoration

Given that there are many ways a property can be damaged, it goes without saying that there are also various types of damage restoration services offered by restoration companies. Typically, they’re the following.

1) Water damage restoration

Water damage can occur for a variety of reasons, including extreme weather, such as torrential rain, floods and hurricanes, but also burst pipes, leaks or overflows.

Failing to address water damage promptly can result in a range of complications, from mold growth to severe structural damage.

To mitigate these risks, water damage restoration services use advanced water extraction equipment to remove excess water and then restore, repair or replace the damaged materials.

2) Smoke and fire damage restoration

Fire and smoke damage can be among the most devastating events that a property owner can face. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), structure fires can release up to 1,200 toxic gases, underscoring the critical importance of professional restoration services. 

Restoration companies use various processes and techniques to restore fire-damaged properties to their pre-loss condition. This involves removing any debris and cleaning up the affected areas to eliminate any contamination, odors, and smoke and soot damage.

Fire damage restoration professionals will also repair any structural damage to the property, such as replacing damaged walls or roofs, and will work to prevent further damage by boarding up any openings in the property. 

3) Flood damage restoration

Flood damage restoration is the process of restoring a property that has been damaged by water due to flooding or water-related disasters, such as storms or burst pipes. 

Restoration professionals typically perform the flood damage restoration process once the water level starts to recede. This involves removing external debris from the building, pumping out any standing water and excess moisture water, and removing any furniture or appliances that are beyond repair.

The next step is to decontaminate and thoroughly clean the building, while also replacing damaged walls or floors and working to prevent future flooding by addressing any underlying issues with the property's drainage or plumbing. 

4) Storm damage restoration

Major storms, such as blizzards, tornadoes and hurricanes, whether expected or unexpected, can cause significant damage to properties due to high winds, hail and uprooted trees.

Expert restoration companies offer prompt assistance to secure a building in the immediate aftermath of a storm. This may include installing tarps or temporary roofs, and boarding up windows and doors to prevent further damage.

Then, the focus is on removing fallen trees or other debris and locating and repairing sources of water infiltration.

5) Mold damage and remediation

Buildings that have been exposed to water damage or moisture issues are at high risk of developing mold growth and damage.

While there are several hundred types of molds, nearly all of them pose health hazards and air-quality problems for those residing in the affected building.

The removal and remediation of mold require more than simply washing the affected area and visible traces of mold with bleach and washing powder. Proper mold remediation demands a professional removal plan orchestrated by mold damage and remediation professionals.

Contracting a professional damage restoration company

Right after a disaster strikes, to avoid the pitfalls of DIY restoration and to get efficient and effective results, damage restoration experts need to be on the scene as quickly as possible. Only they can ensure the job is done correctly and avoid damaging and costly long-term consequences.

That said, after a storm, flood or fire accident, the first thing a home or business owner should do is contact their insurance company. If you don’t already have a vetted company already in mind, they can provide contact details for restoration companies tied up with them or available for immediate help within the vicinity.

Then, once the restoration company representatives arrive at the site (generally within an hour), they will carry out a thorough inspection of the building and devise a detailed restoration plan with an itemized estimate, outlining the type of services that will be performed, how much labor will be required and how much it will cost.

Once the client has agreed to the estimate and signs the contract, the restoration company will start immediately. After all, with damage restoration, time is always of the essence. 

Restoration companies have a lot of experience working with insurers and know exactly how to document and report damage for a successful claim. Therefore, they can process all of the required paperwork on the client’s behalf and can obtain reimbursement directly from the insurance companies for their services.

However, there will still likely be some work that the client will have to pay for that won’t be covered by the policy.

AmPm Restoration, the full-service restoration company

In the aftermath of any disaster, AmPm Restoration can help.

We’re an established, full-service restoration company serving homeowners and property managers in Bradenton, FL, no matter their emergency.

With more than 10 years of experience and a team of highly trained and qualified technicians, we have the expertise, equipment and resources to help customers with any type of damage restoration project, whether as a result of a flood, fire or leak.

Call us today at (941) 946-7807 to schedule a consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to respond to your needs!