Disaster Restoration FAQs

FAQ for Emergency Situations

If Not Restored, What Effects Can Water Damage Have?

If not property restored, water damage can cause severe residual damage long after the water intrusion has stopped. Immediately, any furniture in direct contact with the moisture can delaminate, crack and swell. Furniture stain may bleed into your carpet. Any drywall affected will begin to swell and wallpaper adhesive will fail, causing the wallpaper to start to peel. Your carpet backing may start to delaminate, which is when the backing adhesive begins to release the carpet fibers.

In a few days microbial growth may begin to appear, metal surfaces will begin to corrode and wood materials will begin to swell and split. Fabric dyes will discolor and bleed, and anyone with sensitivities or allergies to mold can begin to have reactions.

After a week the mold will continue to destroy organic materials like paper coverings, wood, drywall and paneling. Wood components will have split and warped, and flooring will be mostly unsalvageable. At this point the cost of restoration, and any insurance claim costs, will be significantly higher. Health problems for inhabitants may become an issue.

I've Had Water Damage. What Should I Do, and What Should I Not Do?

Call a plumber or a contractor to eliminate the water source.
Turn off circuit breakers in wet areas, unplug and remove any electrical devices on a wet surface.
Small items should be removed from wet areas to prevent rust and stains.
Aluminum foil can be placed under furniture legs to prevent stain bleeding.
Lift draperies to eliminate staining.
Remove plants, books and other items from wet carpet areas.
Contact your insurance company if you're planning to submit a claim.

DO NOT

Do not use a regular vacuum on wet carpet.
Do not place newspaper on carpet, staining may occur.
Don’t walk on wet carpet any more than necessary.
Do not use your central air or heating system to avoid spreading contamination.

What is the IICRC?

The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has served as the Industry Guardian for the cleaning, inspection and restoration service industries for more than 30 years. As a non-profit certification organization, the IICRC helps ensure that you have access to trusted and trained cleaning professionals by establishing and monitoring certification programs and standards for these industries.

To qualify for IICRC-Certified Firm status businesses must demonstrate proof of insurance, maintain a written customer complaint policy with documented follow-up and provide ongoing education and training leading to certification for all technicians. IICRC Certified Firms are also required to abide by the IICRC Code of Ethics. Services provided by IICRC–Certified professionals range from flooring inspection and cleaning to mold remediation to water and fire damage restoration.