Answering Damage Restoration FAQ in Delaware County, PA

What’s the First Thing I Should Do After a Fire?

Once first responders have extinguished the fire and you’ve ensured your family and pets are safe, you should call a restoration company such as Delaware County Janitorial & Fire Restoration.

How Long Does It Take to Clean Up After Fire Damage?

The necessary clean-up time will vary depending on the extent of your fire damage and the size of your home or business. You can count on our team to clean efficiently to restore your property and life.

Should I Try to Clean Up Fire Damage Myself?

Because smoke residue can be hazardous to your health, it’s best to leave fire damage restoration to the professionals. Our team has the expertise and protective gear necessary to keep us safe while cleaning up the damage.

Can I Inspect My Home and Belongings After Fire Damage?

Due to smoke inhalation and other safety concerns, we advise against you re-entering your home or business after a fire. Leave it to the professionals to inspect the damages.

What Are Some Fire Damage Restoration Safety Concerns?

Fire damage can significantly weaken your building’s structural integrity, putting you at risk for injury during a collapse. Smoke inhalation is the other primary safety concern after a fire. Fires create smoke residue and toxic fumes from melting building materials that may linger long after extinguishing the flames.

What Are Some Common Effects of Water Damage?

The longer water sits after a flood, the more damage it can cause. Water damage often leads to mold growth, which can be hazardous to your health. Other common effects of water damage include the deterioration of building materials and belongings due to water saturation.

What Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Involve?

Water damage restoration begins with the clean-up of all standing water and a thorough assessment of your property’s damage. Next, we determine which items and building materials can be restored or salvaged and which need to be thrown out for your safety. Preventing mold growth is the primary concern, as mold often leads to further damage.

How Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Work?

All water-damaged areas will need to be dried and dehumidified as soon as possible. When you rely on Delaware County Janitorial & Fire Restoration, we’ll work tirelessly around the clock on your behalf. We possess the necessary water damage restoration equipment and expertise to contain the water, clean the site, remove unsalvageable materials, and reduce your risk for mold growth. Our thorough cleaning and disinfection services ensure nothing hazardous remains once the water is gone.

How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?

Water damage restoration costs vary depending on the extent and type of damage. We won’t be able to give you specifics until we’ve assessed your damage. We usually organize a walk-through with the client to explain every detail of the process and answer any questions.

What Are the Major Causes of Water Damage?

Water damage can be caused by burst or leaky pipes, clogged drains, appliance malfunctions, flooding after severe storms, and more.

Can Water Damage Be Hidden? If So, What Are the Signs?

Yes, water damage is not always apparent. Signs of water damage may include the smell of mildew, visible mold growth, and water spots on your ceilings or walls.

Will There Be Any Lingering Odors After Your Restoration Services?

You may notice lingering odors during the drying and dehumidification process. Depending on the time of year, heat and humidity can worsen these smells. However, you shouldn’t confuse these odors with the scent of mildew or mold. If the odors are too strong for you, we may be able to use a deodorizer.

Does Everything Need to Be Moved Out During Restoration?

Not always. We’ll let you know what items need to be removed during the initial walk-through and water damage assessment.

My Ceilings Are Wet. What Needs to Be Done?

If your ceilings are wet, we’ll examine them to determine the extent of the damage and what needs to be done. We may need to remove part of your ceiling to ventilate the moisture. If there’s wet insulation present, it could be hazardous to your health and may require removal.

What’s the Difference Between Mold and Mildew?

Although mold and mildew belong to the same fungi family, they are different in their appearance and other ways. Mold is usually green, blue, black, dark gray, or red, while mildew is generally white or gray. Mold may also look fuzzy or slimy and may have a pungent smell. Mold must be removed by a professional because it spreads quickly and can be hazardous to your health due to its microbial volatile organic compounds (MVOCs). Mildew typically has a musty smell similar to damp socks, but you can wipe it away from a surface without any major health concerns.

What Health Problems Can Mold Cause?

Mold usually causes an allergic reaction with sneezing, coughing, wheezing, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, and skin redness or rashes. Prolonged mold exposure and the inhalation of mold spores can take a further toll on your health, causing severe headaches, fatigue, nose bleeds, vomiting, diarrhea, and even chronic illnesses, such as asthma, bronchitis, COPD, cancer, and more.

What Does Mold Look Like?

Mold may be green, blue, black, dark gray, or red and fuzzy or slimy in appearance. Unlike mildew, which typically has a flat appearance on a surface, mold could be raised and textured.

How Can I Tell If I Have Mold in My Home?

Water stains, musty or pungent smells, and visible growth are the most obvious signs of mold. However, mold can burrow beneath surfaces. A mold test can help you identify hard-to-see mold anywhere water leakage has occurred, including inside your walls, on your ceilings or roof, or in your plumbing pipes. Mold can be easy to miss without specialized equipment and extensive training. Call upon our experts!

When Should a Professional Remediation Company Handle Mold?

Mold removal is best left to a professional remediation company with the proper training, equipment, and protective gear to treat affected areas without contaminating adjacent spaces.