Homes Reinvented by Satin Touch
The Top Benefits Of 24 Hour Restoration Services
Right after a fire or flood is the most emotional time for many people. It is the moment that you return to your house and survey how badly your home was effected, and you realize just what it will take to return to normalcy. It can be tempting in that situation to put off working on your home. Perhaps you contact a restoration company with limited hours of operations and accept that they will return your call after the weekend. This ignores the many benefits of calling someone who has a 24-hour emergency service.
Preventing Mold
Mold can start growing in warm, moist conditions within 48 hours. Those spores are sneaky, and they can hide out in the forgotten crannies of your house until a flood or a fire gives them the ideal growth medium. Don’t forget, fires that are put out with water will leave waterlogged sections which can give mold a place to grow before you have even moved your furniture. A company that provides 24-hour emergency service can get to all those potential mold hot spots before the mold can become a problem.
Protecting Your Lungs
Smoke from even small fires can get into your HVAC system and leave soot circulating through your home long after the fire has been extinguished. Mold spores can also grow in the vents after they have been soaked to extinguish a fire. Either of these situations can hurt your health: the soot can scar the alveoli of your lungs and the mold spores can trigger allergic reactions. Restoration companies that get to work on your home right after you call clean out the soot before it gets embedded in the duct work and becomes part of the air you breathe.
Prevents Further Damage To Your House
The worst part about fires and floods is that their initial damage is not the end. No, the water introduced from putting out the fire and bacteria brought in with the flood water fester in tiny nooks of your home, slowly eating at the wooden substructure of your home. Termites, mold, and wood rot follow. A professional who gets into these tiny nooks within the first 48 hours after a disaster protects your home from those outcomes.
Smooths Over The Insurance Process
Paperwork can only get worse the longer you ignore it. You forget important items and details of the disaster. However, having a third party catalog the items that got damaged immediately after the emergency ensures that nothing is lost or forgotten. You can also focus on filing everything that needs to be filed if a professional has already squared away the physical signs of the disaster.
Saves Your Favorite Furniture
The sooner that you remove your sofas from a flooded room, the less damage it will sustain. The mold spores won’t have a chance to start growing on the fabric if it is dried out quickly. The wooden parts of the furniture don’t have a chance to warp, and the soot particles can’t get ground into the fabric so that your furniture smells permanently of smoke. Depending on how badly your house suffered, you could also need to protect your furniture from the elements. Holes in the wall can expose your beds and chairs to rain and UV rays, which will further damage them. A 24-hour service can pack them up and clean them up before any of those things happen.
Contact A Professional Who Has 24/7 Emergency Services
We at Satin Touch understand how distressing floods and fires are. This is why we can be reached at any time at 763-954-0744. Once you call, we will pack out damaged furniture and ship it to a warehouse to repair. We’ll provide a week’s worth of clothing for you, and, space permitting, find you and your family temporary housing.
Satin Touch performs a variety of home repair. We have experience in water intrusion, storm damage, fire damage, remodeling both commercial and residential properties, and painting. If you have any question about home repair, contact us. We’re here to help.
How Satin Touch Works With Your Insurance
If you have suffered fire or water damage to your home, you are going to need to deal with your insurance company along with a restoration company. Satin Touch understands this and works with your insurance company to make it a smooth process from start to finish. The first thing is emergency mitigation. Our technicians will get the cleanup or water removal process started so life can return to normal as quickly as possible.
First Things First
Safety is vital, and the first thing our company worries about. We make sure your family and pets are in a safe environment, even if that means moving into temporary housing. If the situation calls for it, we offer counseling resources as well. Once you are settled, favorite snacks included, then it’s time to move onto problems such as dealing with insurance. No need to stress – we work with all kinds of insurances. With over 30 years of experience, we make the process go smoothly.
Know Your Policy
Before you begin the claim process, read through your insurance policy. Most policies will state that immediate notification is crucial. The policy should explicitly state what type of damage is covered and what is not covered. If you cannot stay in your home, keep track of expenses. This can include hotel fees, food purchased, or receipts from restaurants and gas receipts for required travel. Understanding your policy will ensure you are able to make a claim for what you are entitled to with no wondering what is covered.
Filing Your Claim
The first step is filing your claim. This is typically done by phone or the internet but can be done by mail as well. You speak to a representative from your provider. At some point, you will need to talk to your agent to make sure you fully understand what needs to be done. It may be wise to talk to your agent in person from the beginning to things from becoming confused.
Your Property Adjuster
Once your claim is submitted, and the ball is rolling, you will be assigned a property adjuster. The adjuster is the one who will continue the claim process. He will do an in-person inspection of the property and assess the damage. Then he will continue the paperwork and let you know what else is needed to keep the claim moving forward.
Work with Your Insurance Company
Once your claim is filed, and Satin Touch is on the scene, the rest is in the hands of the insurance company and us. We will keep them appraised every step of the way. Your insurance provider should be willing to work with you to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. We understand the terminology and what is required for claims to go smoothly.
Getting Paid for Damages
How you get paid for restoration can vary with each insurance company. Some payments will go straight to the restoration company, and parts of the bill are taken care of immediately. In other situations, the money will get sent to you, and you pay portions of the bill directly. No matter what the payment situation, Satin Touch works with you to take care of all the financial stress.
Work With a Restoration Expert You Can Trust
Satin Touch restoration has the experience to give you your home back. It doesn’t matter whether it’s fire or water damage; we are prepared with trained technicians to clean, repair, and restore. When it comes to your home, don’t settle for less than the best in restoration. Contact Satin Touch, and let us help you come home.
5 Common Questions About Water Damage Restoration Services
When your home suffers water damage, you probably have a lot of questions about what to do next. Water intrusion can happen for a number of reasons. Here are several common questions homeowners ask about residential water damage restoration.
What causes water damage?
Water damage has a number of potential causes. Some of the most common include:
Leaking Pipes
Pipes leaking or bursting are a frequent reason for water damage. If you notice stains on your ceiling, discoloration on your walls, or a persistent mildew odor, you may have a leaking pipe. If you see any of these signs, you should have a plumber inspect your pipes.
Appliances
Dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters are often sources of leaks. Overflowing toilets are another common culprit for water damage.
HVAC Problems
Your heating and cooling system requires regular maintenance. When your HVAC is not properly serviced, moisture can build up inside your air conditioning unit and cause a leak. The moisture can also provide a breeding ground for mold.
Storms or Natural Disasters
While you can’t control the weather, you can take steps to protect your home before a severe storm hits. Keep your gutters clear to prevent them from overflowing. Have your roof inspected to ensure all sealants are in good repair. Make sure your attic is properly insulated; this will help prevent ice dams from forming.
Whatever the cause of water damage, we’re here to respond.
What are the signs of hidden water damage?
Water damage is sometimes hidden. Here are several signs of hidden water damage. If you notice any of these warning signs, call a water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
- Dark spots or discoloration on ceiling and walls
- Bubbling, peeling, or cracking paint or wallpaper
- Buckling or warping ceilings, walls, or floors
- Musty or moldy odors
- Sudden increase in water bill
Why do I need to hire a water damage restoration company?
Water damage is best handled by professionals. The benefits of hiring a water damage restoration service include:
Quick Response
When your home sustains water damage, time is of the essence. Water damage will only continue to get worse if it’s not addressed right away. Hiring a water damage restoration service will help to minimize the amount of damage to your home.
Mold Remediation
In the right conditions, it only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to develop. Mold can grow anywhere that’s moist, and spread quickly. Professionals can identify sources of mold and ensure it’s completely removed.
Help With Insurance
Your water damage restoration contractor will keep detailed records of the extent of the water damage. These records can be valuable for processing insurance claims. Help from a professional will take the stress out of filing an insurance claim.
What happens during the restoration process?
During the water damage restoration process, we will:
- Assess the scope of the water damage.
- Perform water removal and extraction.
- Dry the damaged area using professional drying equipment and highly effective dehumidification techniques.
- Clean and sanitize the damaged area.
- Restore your property to its previous condition.
How long will it take to restore my home?
There isn’t one single answer to this question. How long your home will take to dry depends on the scope of the water damage. Drying time is also affected by the amount of moisture, the type of material, and how long the material has been wet. We will work to restore your property as quickly as possible.
Our water damage specialists are available 24 hours a day. If you have additional questions about residential water damage restoration, contact us. We will be glad to assist you.
How to Prevent Summer Water Damage in Minneapolis
Water damage during the summer months are commonly the result of torrential rains, damaged rooftops, gutter overflows, or faulty air conditioning units. Water and storm damage to residential or commercial properties average $2,665, but can exceed $13,000 depending on the true extent of the damage, according to HomeAdvisor.com.
Also, property owners must consider the additional, long-term problems that flooding can cause, including mold, mildew, and wood rot from clean sources of water and health or quality of life issues when unclean water enters the home’s drywall, carpeting, and wood flooring. Continue reading to discover ways you can prevent summer water damage in Minneapolis.
Keep Gutters Clear of Debris
Gutters can be the cause of interior water damage during heavy summer rains when leaves, sticks, dirt, and grime are allowed to build up. Water overflowing from gutters can enter a home by seeping beneath the siding or ponding at the home’s foundation. If you notice the landscape around your home is eroding, the basement walls are wet after a heavy rain, or the fascia boards on your eaves are starting to rot, you should have your roofing system, gutters, and downspouts inspected, cleaned, and repaired.
Fix Leaky Bathroom Fixtures
Your bathroom or kitchen plumbing is often a source of water damage either by accidental events or hidden pipes that are leaking or broken fixtures. The most damage occurs over time, where a slow leak behind a wall can weaken flooring members. When this occurs, homeowners may require a major bathroom restoration to shore up structural elements. A large increase in your monthly water bill and these other signs may point to leaking fixtures in the kitchen or bathroom:
- An earthy or musty smell in the bathroom
- Signs of mold around windows and outside tub
- Bathroom flooring seems weak or bouncy
- Discoloration on ceiling below the bathroom
Inspect AC Units for Standing Water
If the AC unit is leaking water from drain lines or the condensate pump, your home can suffer water damage, mold and mildew growth and even the possibility of electrical wires becoming wet and causing a short circuit. If you AC unit shows signs of leaking above and beyond the normal condensation you would expect to see, it is important to stop the leak before water damage occurs. Check for a blockage in the drain line and make sure the AC unit is level so that excess water does not flow into the home. Summer is the perfect time to have your AC unit inspected and tuned up.
Foundation or Grade Problems
Look for the signs of a bad grade on your property which would cause rain water to flow towards the home and penetrate the structural foundation. Noticing these early warning signs can save your home from major water damage after heavy rains:
- basement wall cracks
- sagging floors
- wet crawl space
- high indoor humidity
- basement smells musty
- doors that stick
- pooling water near home
Broken Windows or Frames
A more obvious way to prevent summer water damage is to have broken windows replaced or frames repaired. The combination of a faulty frame and rain that is driven by the winds can turn a small amount of water infiltration into a more serious problem. Water forced through window and frame cracks can discolor wall paint, destroy wall papering, and cause floor damage and wet carpet. Any moisture that is hidden has the potential to damage the home’s framework and subflooring.
Summer is the perfect time for a home inspection for hidden water damages and sources of water infiltration. Contact Satin Touch to discuss our full service offerings for water damage and restoration in Minneapolis homes and businesses.
How To File A Water Damage Insurance Claim
If your home has suffered water damage, you might be worried about how to pay for repairs. Many people rely on their insurance company to pay for repairs. While making an insurance claim can be difficult, there are several things you can do to make it easier. Here are several steps to take when filing an insurance claim for water damage to your property.
Document all damage to your property
The most important thing you can do when suffering water damage is to document what’s broken as soon as you can. This type of documentation can be difficult and time consuming, but it’s necessary for reimbursement.
It’s important to be as detailed as possible. This means documenting the damage as much as you can. You should take photos and video of all the damage along with writing down any notes. Take more photos and notes than you think is necessary. Take photos before any repairs are started and save samples of destroyed materials.
Get an estimate for repairs. This provides more information that your insurance company can use when evaluating your claim. Also, save all written estimates, receipts for all payments made, and any other documents you think might be relevant to your claim.
Also, make sure you check what documentation is done by your restoration company. They may take photos or do testing as part of their repair services. Their documentation may save you time or provide you with additional evidence you can present to your insurance company.
Document all damage to personal property
In addition to documenting damages to your property, you need to document all damaged personal items. Make an itemized list of all damaged items. Record any make, model, and serial numbers. Figure out the cost to replace the item along with the actual cash value of the item. Take photos of all items and write a description of the damage to each item.
Start the claims process
You should start the claims process as soon as possible. Before you begin, check to see what your insurance covers. Your insurance may cover damage from burst pipes, but not flood damage. Before you call, you should know what part of your insurance policy you can use to claim reimbursement.
Have your policy number ready and be ready to answer any questions. Also, have a pen and paper nearby to take any notes and document the insurance company’s response.
During your first call, find out the next steps from your insurance company. Often times, the insurance company will describe the claims process and tell you what further responsibilities you have. Make sure to ask any questions you have at this time.
You should get information on who will be handling your claim. You may get a name right away, or they may take a day or two to assign someone to handle it. Before you hang up, make sure you know who to contact if anything else comes up.
Follow up on the claim
Once you have filed a claim, make sure to follow up with the insurance company. If they request more information, make sure to provide it as soon as possible. If the company sends an adjuster to inspect the damage, make sure to be present during the inspection. Being available for the inspection allows you to point out all the damage and answer any questions.
You will get an initial estimate from the insurance company. This estimate may change during the process. If your claim has not been fully settled within 45 days, make sure to ask a written explanation why it is still ongoing.
If your claim is rejected, your insurance company is required to give you the reason in writing. If you are not satisfied with the insurance company’s decision, you may need to file an appeal.
Contact us if you need help repairing water damage
Dealing with water damage is a difficult process for everyone. If your home has suffered water damage, contact us today. We can help get your house back to normal while guiding you through the process.
How to Manage Flood Damage in Minneapolis
As the winter snow disappears, the melt water makes its way into lakes, rivers, and streams, causing them to overflow their banks. While the rushing water can be a serious hazard, it’s what the water contains that is truly dangerous. Bacteria, waste materials, oil and fuel, and other contaminants mix with the water and create a health concern for humans and animals alike. When this contaminated water makes its way into your home, it’s imperative that you follow these basic tips to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your property safe.
Wait Until the Flooding Stops
Although you may be tempted to take action during the worst of the flooding, it’s not a good idea. Besides the fact that there may be contaminants that can harm you, flood waters pose other dangers. Flood water is often murky and full of debris that can cause serious physical harm. It’s not worth the risk. Wait until the majority of the water has receded before attempting to enter a flooded area of your home or property.
Don Protective Clothing and a Mask
Before you enter a flooded area of your home, make sure you’re fully protected. Because you don’t know what kinds of nasty things are lurking in the water, it’s best to assume it’s toxic and to act accordingly. A mask, rubber gloves, waterproof boots, and protective clothing are essential. If you don’t have these items on hand, do not attempt to enter the area, assess the damage, or take action to clean up, your health depends on it.
Be Aware of Mold, Mildew, and Fungus
Water build-up inside your home, especially during the warm months, can lead to the growth and spread of dangerous mold, mildew, and fungus. Even if there are no visible signs of mold growth, it can still be there. Remember that mold can begin developing in as little as 24 hours and once it does, it will spread quickly throughout the space. If mold was already in place, a flood will only make the problem worse.
Assess the Flood Damage
Once the water level lowers, make sure the electricity is turned off and that the structure is safe enough to enter. Thoroughly inspect your home, making note of any damage caused by the flooding. It’s a good idea to take pictures and document everything before you begin any clean-up or restoration activities. This way, you’ll have what you need to show your insurance company when it’s time to file a claim.
Not Everything Can Be Saved
You might be tempted to remove items from your home that you’re attached to, either because of sentimental value or because they’re expensive. Soaked items can sometimes be saved, but this isn’t always the case. For example, porous materials like drywall, particle board furniture, books and papers, and some furniture may need to be removed and discarded as they are impossible to clean and disinfect.
Call a Water Damage Specialist in Minnesota
Dealing with water damage is no easy feat, in fact, it can be dangerous and extremely difficult, which is why it’s best to leave it to a professional. It’s understandable that you just want to get the water out of your home so you can get back to life. But, if you aren’t careful, you could end up causing yourself more problems. The water damage specialists at Satin Touch are experienced and have all the equipment necessary to get your home back in order after a flood. Contact us online or call 763-954-0744 if you’re experiencing flooding. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays and we’re always ready to act.
How Water Damage Restoration Commercial Services Helps Your Business
Water intrusion happens to even the most careful property managers and business owners. Building age and accidents happen. It isn’t always obvious however, and you can end up with water damage from a hidden leaking pipe or a malfunctioning washing machine. When that happens, you want to hire water damage restoration companies that know how to help you. The right company can:
Make Insurance Claims Easy
Having professionals evaluate items that were damaged by water keeps everyone involved happy. Tenants and employees are relieved of the stressful process of thinking about all they have lost, and insurance companies are reassured that the evaluated correctly.
Save Tenant Or Office Property
It is sometimes necessary, in extreme cases, to pack up items in a building and remove them to a warehouse where they can be restored. This is a complicated operation that requires inventorying items that are being removed and noting any damage that was there before the water did its work. Once it is done, though, it keeps tenants happy since their beloved possessions are preserved.
If it was your office that got flooded, vital items for your work need to be saved. Computers that hold the only copy of your project can sustain damage, and machinery unique to your operation can start to rust. Removing them from the encroaching water and professionally preserving them will ensure that your projects can continue, even in the face of an emergency.
It also allows the crew to get to the flooring and walls more quickly for a thorough restoration.
Quick Turn-Around
Efficiency is important for a number of reasons. Mold starts growing within 24 hours of finding warm, damp conditions, and mold hurts building materials. Even if things can’t get moldy because of cold conditions, water damage worsens over time. For instance, water that has crept up through the basement can continue to creep up, warping floorboards and causing sticky doors, until the underlying problem has been fixed. Tenants don’t want to live with that if they don’t have to. They will appreciate you hiring a company that deals with it quickly.
Another reason that is almost as important as preserving your property from more damage is that you may have to provide a different place for your employees to work while an office is being cleaned up. Homes Reinvented can provide temporary shelter for tenants if there is space, but you might need to borrow specialized equipment to work while the office is being restored. None of this is cheap, and it is upsetting to everybody. The sooner the old building is restored, the sooner everyone is happy.
Some of the quick turn-around comes from the efficient, modern techniques used to dry out and repair the home. Much, though, comes from being available immediately. The sooner a company can start on their work, the better for the building.
Professional Work
Dehumidifying a building and fixing it is not something that anyone with a manual can do. Professional companies that specialize in repairing water damage tend to be the people with the equipment required to do a thorough, quick job. Outdated equipment and techniques can leave water behind and allow mold to start growing. This is an area where doing it right the first time is critical, and you want the professionals on the job.
Homes Reinvented wants to help companies thrive after suffering water damage. We offer a pack-out program for severe cases, and they have their own software for tracking items that they have to take to a warehouse for restoration, and we go the extra mile to make your tenants comfortable. Space permitting, we can even temporarily house your tenants until their home is fixed. For more information about what we can do for you, contact us.
Why Repair Your Roof Immediately After Minnesota Storm Damage
Seasonal storms are something that every homeowner needs to worry about. When the storms of your region blow through, how much should you trust the integrity of your roof? How often should you get roof inspections and repairs when storms are pretty frequent?
As it turns out, your best bet for both maintenance today and your eventual home sale price is to get repairs immediately and maintain your roof regularly. There are several good reasons to get schedule a roof inspection and repairs promptly after each bad storm. Storm damage can be brutal but regularly maintaining your roof in the face of these storms can be excellent for your long-term home value.
Storm Damage is Bad News for Your Roof
When a storm hits, it can wreak all kinds of damage to your roof. Roof damage caused by a storm is often much worse than it looks from the ground. A badly damaged roof that is likely to leak during the next storm might look just a little rougher from your vantage point standing at the curb. But that rough look is actually dozens to hundreds of damaged shingles that are no longer holding on as they should.
High-speed winds can peel up shingles, break them, and fully remove shingles from the top layer of your roof. And even a windless hail storm can pulverize your roof and shake the UV-resistant granules right off the top. If the storm involved snow, then piles of snow left up there can turn into dangerous in-place moisture exposure.
Even the nearby trees pose a hazard because both wind and snow can drop a tree branch right into your roof and cause impact damage.
Storms are incredibly dangerous to your roof and two storms in a row without repairs can result in damage most homeowners don’t care to contemplate.
Prevent Serious Underlying Roof Damage
Part of the reason for prompt post-storm repairs and regular roof regular maintenance is because it prevents long-term damage to underlying roof structures.
You see, if even a small leak is allowed to begin, a leak so small you’ll never notice it downstairs, this can start to rot away at the underlayment and beams that support your roof. If you only maintain your roof right before sale, there might be some serious rot, mold, or buckling.
But if you get your roof repaired after each storm when damage is most likely to happen, your roof will never get the chance to leak and certainly not a continuous leak.
Recent Roof Repairs Increase Immediate Home Value
Everyone knows that one last round of roof repairs before putting your home up on the market can really make a house shine. Let your roofers know you’re about to sell and they may take extra care to ensure your roof looks smooth and beautiful from the ground for perfect pre-sale curb appeal.
In order to get the best possible price for your home, whenever you eventually sell it, the key is to take care of regular roof maintenance in preparation for that day. Not only are you protecting your home’s integrity against seasonal weather in the years between buying and selling. You are also ensuring that the roof is in top condition for your future buyers. In fact, a nice roof can boost your home selling price by as much as $2800 higher than your base listing price.
If the weather hammers down on your roof or blows away shingles, you know those need to be fixed promptly to maintain the long-term value of your home. If the housing market in your region is highly competitive, it’s vital to keep up maintenance and repairs to make sure your home is in a better position than those that are only fixed up right before being sold. Be sure to schedule early to ensure that your local roofers can get your home looking beautiful by the time you’re done repainting and staging for market.
Here at Satin Touch, we can help you take care of all your storm damage home repair needs. Contact us today to consult on the kind of repairs you may require and to schedule your initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.
How To Find The Best Home Remodeling Company in Minneapolis
You love your home’s location, but you’re ready for a change. Maybe it’s just that your kitchen is outdated and dysfunctional, or your bathrooms are worn and aged. Perhaps you want to transform your entire home into a stylish, new space that functions as well as it reflects your taste. Remodeling projects aren’t something you take on every day and finding the best home remodeling company in Minneapolis can be daunting. But,don’t worry, by following a few simple tips, you’ll be able to find the perfect remodeling company for your project.
Be Clear About What You Want
The process of finding the best home remodeling company starts with you. Before you start contacting contractors, or asking for quotes, you need to have a very clear idea of what you expect. For example, are you interested in a complete remodel of your kitchen and dining rooms, or just new cabinets, paint, and flooring? Write out, in detail, your plan for the remodel and your vision for the end result.
Ask Friends and Family for References
If you know someone who has recently had a home remodel project completed, ask if you can see the results. Inquire about the contractor they used and whether they’d hire them again. Consider the scope of work on their job to the work you expect to be done on your project. These personal references can be a good way to narrow down a list of potential contractors, but don’t base your choice solely on this information.
Research Remodeling Companies Online
Reliable remodeling companies in Minneapolis will have some type of web presence, usually a website and maybe a social media account. This is a good place to get information about the company and read reviews from previous customers. You can also find the company’s Better Business Bureau rating, which lets you know how the company handles complaints and other issues.
Meet With Remodeling Companies In-Person
After you’ve gone through the process of getting recommendations, reading reviews, and researching remodelers online, it’s time for face-to-face meetings. During these meetings, you’ll want to ask for the contractor’s license, insurance, and other information. Then, you’ll share your plans, vision, budget, and timeline and discuss the remodeling company’s ability to complete the project you’re requesting.
Ask for References and View Examples
Most often, remodeling companies have a portfolio of their work for potential customers to view. After all, they’re proud of the work that they’ve done and want to show it off. But, pictures only tell part of the story. The experience of the homeowner is also important. A truly reputable remodeling company will happily give you a list of references and encourage you to contact their past customers.
Get Detailed Written Quotes
As you narrow down your choices to just a couple of remodeling companies, it’s time to get a solid bid for the work. Any quote that you receive should be written in an extremely detailed way. Everything from the demolition of the original space to the materials that will be used in the new space to the time it will take has to be accounted for. Once you have several quotes, you can compare them side by side to choose the right one.
If it’s time to remodel your Minneapolis home, you can rely on the professional, responsive remodeling services offered by Satin Touch. With more than three decades of experience reinventing homes in the area, you can rest assured we’ll get the job done right, on budget, and on time, every time. Contact us online today, or call 763-954-0744 to schedule a consultation today.
The Water Restoration Process
Water intrusion and water damages can be devastating, no matter how minor. Your residence (or business) is impacted to varying degrees. Water restoration for damages caused by water intrusion may be simply vacuuming up water and drying out a room, or it can involve reconstruction of large areas. By contracting with qualified professionals, you ensure that your property will be returned to its pre-damaged condition quickly and efficiently.
Qualified contractors will:
- extract the water,
- dry out the premises,
- remove mold,
- repair structural damage,
- clean the upholstery and carpets,
- deodorize,
- and restore your property expeditiously and efficiently
Once the job has been completed to your satisfaction, they will bill your insurance company.
WATER RESTORATION – THE PROCESS
Water damage can happen for a variety of reasons, and it’s essential to act quickly. Wet sheetrock, wet carpet, and sub-flooring, and standing water create a biohazardous environment where bacteria and mold can grow, resulting in airborne pathogens that can trigger allergies or other respiratory conditions.
Restoring to pre-damage condition
Most standard policies cover water damage claims for internal water damage; however, they typically do not cover damage from neglect or lack of maintenance, nor damage from a flood (unless you carry a flood endorsement on your policy).
The water restoration process involves water removal, decontamination, drying, and mold treatment where necessary. Reparations start with a thorough inspection of the damages, including floors, sub-floors, walls, cabinetry, and ceilings –any place the water has seeped to and caused damage.
Besides the physical structure of the premises, other components may have suffered water damage as well:
- Ductwork
- HVAC systems
- Insulation
- Wiring
How long do repairs take?
On average, it takes 72 hours for one room to be completely dried out and ready for reconstruction, but it all depends on the materials and the degree of damage. After that, it takes on average of 1-2 weeks for the water damage repairs to be completed.
Water Damage Classes and Categories
ASSESSMENT – an insurance adjuster will come out and conduct a premise inspection of the damages. They will classify and categorize the type of water damage to determine the best course of action for repairs.
The 4 Classes of Water Damage:
- Class 1: least level of damage: the entire room is not involved; minimal moisture absorption.
- Class 2: the entire room has been affected by water damage; walls and carpeting have absorbed as a considerable amount of moisture.
- Class 3: the highest level of damage: water damage has occurred to walls, with widespread saturation, and may include ceiling damage.
- Class 4: special drying equipment for stone, hardwood, and concrete is necessary for this level of water damage
Categories of Water Damage
- Category 1 – Broken pipes, toilet tanks and other sources of clean water
- Category 2 – “grey water,” from dishwashers or washing machine as well as toilet overflows with urine
- Category 3 – water comes from unsanitary sources with bacteria and microbes, such a river flooding, sewage, as well as standing water
WATER REMOVAL – The amount and types of equipment used includes pumps and vacuums and depends on the extent of the damage. Preventing mold and bacterial growth is critical.
DRYING – Drying and dehumidifying starts once all water and porous surfaces have been vacuum-dried. This part of the process can be time-consuming and take several weeks.
CLEANING – All personal effects will be cleaned, sanitized, and receive antimicrobial treatments to prevent unwanted mold and bacterial growth. Air scrubbers may be installed temporarily to remove airborne particles and moisture from the air.
RESTORATION – Restoration can require replacing a few sheets of drywall or replacing entire walls. For hidden damages that have persisted over long periods, causing unseen mold growth, the restoration process takes even longer.
In Case of Water Damage…
Removing all contaminated and wet materials is time-sensitive. The EPA recommends disposing of any materials that have not been thoroughly dried and cleaned within 48 hours of the occurrence. By removing these “contaminants,” air quality is improved, and also makes the restoration process more manageable. Airborne microorganisms and pathogens are less likely to multiply and spread.
Once you have removed all contaminated materials, contact the insurance adjuster to let them know they can send an inspector who can then start the restoration process.
Mold Remediation
Mold spreads very quickly. So, it is especially important to remove excess water and thoroughly dry all personal effects and furnishing as soon as possible. If you hire the contractors, remember to request certificates for any mold remediation.
Temporary Living Arrangements
Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to move to temporary facilities while your home or offices are being restored. Based on your coverage, the insurance company will pay for a temporary relocation and other essentials. Ask your contractors if they will bill your insurance company directly. Keep all of your receipts.
Work with Professionals
Water can cause severe damage that may become irreversible quickly, so start the remediation process as soon as possible. Your insurance company has worked with many professionals in your area; they can handle all the repairs and schedule for you. They can handle all of it, part of it or none of it – the more they manage, the quicker the process.
When it comes to your property, you need a restoration company you can trust. Turn to Satin Touch (Homes Reinvented), a locally owned and operated company. We are a professional and responsive company that offers 24/7 service and support. We carry full liability and worker’s comp.
If your property has suffered water damage, give Satin Touch (Homes Reinvented) a call today and let us help you get things restored quickly. We’ll get everyone back up and running in no time!
