Frequently Asked Questions

Insurance coverage is very situationally dependent. Each policy from each different company will have different levels and types of coverage. The best way to know if your damage is covered is to keep a copy of your policy on hand and call your agent directly with any questions you might have.

As a homeowner, seeing your home damaged is extremely stressful and it's difficult to know the right course of action. Will trying to clean up on your own help or just make things worse? No matter what kind of damage you've incurred, the very first thing you should do is take photographs as long as the area is safe for you to be in. If you have water damage, the best thing to do is extract as much standing water as you possibly can while you wait for help. If you have fans, set them to start drying things as much as possible. They won't be enough to completely dry the area, but they can help to minimize the chance of secondary damages.

The length of time for proper restoration to occur is dependent on the type and size of the damage. A typical water damage project usually takes 5-7 days for drying and removal of any unsalvageable materials. Keep in mind, these are estimates and they're only for the mitigation portion of the job. The rebuilding portion of the job, where everything is put back into place, has its own separate process and timeline.

If the water damage involves Category 1 water (clean and free of microbes and bacteria), many of your personal belongings can be salvaged. Category 2 water would include other water sources, including rainwater, that, while not containing biohazards or sewage, still pose health risks and the potential for destructive microbial growth and mold. A water damage restoration technician will help you sort through the contents of the property to determine what can be safely dried, what can be restored by a textile/contents technician, and what can't be saved or salvaged. There are off-site facilities in the area that specialize in restoring water-damaged contents. Your restoration team will document all of the contents leaving the property for restoration or disposal for your records and also for reimbursement from your insurance company.

Most homeowner's policies cover most water damages, but not all water damages are created equal. There can be a lot of exceptions to coverage depending on the intricacies of your policy. This is why it's a good idea to be familiar with your policy and call your agent right away when damage occurs.

A good portion of water damage can be prevented by proper household maintenance. Routine plumbing maintenance, as well as sump pump and appliance maintenance, are effective ways to avoid preventable damages. If you live in a cold climate, preparing your home for the winter can also help avoid damage. Finally, it's a good idea to regularly check the exterior of your home, particularly your roof, for damage to ensure water isn't unexpectedly leaking into your home.

Water damage insurance claims depend on a few different criteria. Ultimately, that's a question you'll have to clarify with your insurance company. However, we can tell you that the viability of water damage insurance claims depends primarily on what caused the damage (storm, burst pipe, plumbing malfunction, localized flood, sump pump failure, etc.). Some insurance policies will outline scenarios that will NOT be covered without specific riders like flood insurance, or sump pump failure insurance.

Contacting a restoration contractor as well as your insurance adjuster at the same time is a good idea because the restoration contractor will help make sure that not only will the water extraction and dry out be covered but the rebuild process that should follow. If the full scope of the claim isn't outlined and agreed upon from the start, there may be issues down the line, and property owners may find themselves having to pay out of pocket to get the property completely back to normal.

That depends on the types of materials that were affected by water. Drywall, carpet, and hardwood floors will take longer to dry than other materials in the space. We use moisture meters throughout the process and in many different locations to gauge the moisture levels and will continue to adjust our fans and dehumidifiers to achieve an efficient but effective dry time. The bare minimum of "three days to dry" may only produce a surface dry, but can still leave behind moisture levels that create an ideal environment for mold to grow.

Most homeowners start trying to remove the water themselves before they realize they'll need to contact their insurance company about a claim so they can call in a water damage restoration company. However, standing water around anything with a power cord or outlet or sagging ceilings make the area unsafe. Also, many insurance claims require documentation of the loss BEFORE any work is done, including removing the water. Always take plenty of photos of the damage you see before taking any action to start cleaning up the mess. Your restoration contractor will be able to back up your insurance claim scope with the necessary technical documentation as well.

Identifying the source of the water damage is one of the first steps in both the insurance claim process and before beginning to dry out and repair the damaged areas. After all, if you replace a sagging, wet ceiling that was caused by a roof leak but don't fix the roof, too, the next rainstorm will start the cycle all over again. The buckling to your hardwood floor could be caused by a leaking pipe. We will pinpoint the exact cause of your water damage and make sure the source is repaired. We make sure your restoration job is done right the first time.

The first step is a thorough assessment of the property to determine the extent of fire, smoke, and soot damage. After that, a restoration plan is developed to address repairs and cleanup.

The timeline varies based on the severity of the damage, but most projects take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. A professional restoration company can provide a more accurate estimate after an inspection.

Common causes include burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, roof leaks, flooding, and sewage backups.

Water damage should be addressed immediately to prevent mold growth and further structural damage. Mold can begin to develop within 24-48 hours.

Structural drying is the process of removing excess moisture from building materials such as walls, floors, and ceilings to prevent further damage and mold growth.

Professionals use industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to ensure thorough drying of affected areas.

Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and pathogens that pose serious health risks. Professional cleanup ensures thorough sanitation and safe restoration.

Common causes include clogged pipes, tree root infiltration, damaged sewer lines, and heavy rainfall overwhelming the system.

Sewage damage is a water loss caused by category 3 water which is defined as water that is grossly contaminated and can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Sewage damage can come from many difference sources including:

• Toilet Seepage
• Pipe Corrosion
• Pipe and Sewer Main Blockages
• Sewer Overflows

Yes, damage from sewage can be dangerous. Sewage water is grossly contaminated water that poses serious risks to human health. Sewage can be contaminated with dangerous bacteria, parasites, and viruses. These pathogens and parasites can cause serious infections and diseases that can be life threatening. Because of this, it's important to always have sewage damage professionally mitigated. Improperly cleaned and dried sewage is a risk not worth taking.

Call for help – immediately. Time is of the essence with any water damage, but particularly with sewage. The longer the sewage sits, the more damage it causes and the greater risk to the health of the inhabitants of the home. Call the IICRC certified professionals at Elite Restoration 24/7 to get started immediately. Also be sure to call your insurance company to go over your policy and to start the process of filing a claim.

The answer to this is twofold – some things will be salvageable and some will not. Many items will be considered unsalvageable, but our team is trained and certified to identify what can be saved and what can't. Many porous materials are extremely difficult to sanitize and attempts to sanitize should only be performed by IICRC professionals. Most non-porous materials are easily sanitized and can be saved. IICRC standards say that saturated materials that cannot be washed in water at a temperature of at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit for at least ten minutes must be removed and properly disposed of. This includes things like:

• Carpet and Carpet Padding
• Bedding and Linens
• Fabric and Clothing
• Drywall and Insulation
• Upholstery

This is a question that can only be answered by your insurance company. Your policy will determine your coverage and you will have to consult with your agent and/or adjuster to find out what your coverage is. Fortunately, at Elite Restoration, we work with all major carriers and can work directly with your insurance company to clean your home in the most expedient way possible.

Structural drying is the removal of excess moisture from building materials. The term structural in this case can be somewhat confusing for the uninitiated because it doesn't necessarily always mean materials that are part off the building structure, but to the parts of the building that are necessary to dry without the need for extensive demolition.

There are multiple aspects of the drying process that are used in combination to efficiently and effectively dry a property. Water extraction is the physical removal of excess water which can look like pumping out standing water or extracting water from a carpet. Air movement is integral to the drying process. Without proper air circulation water will not evaporate and will continue to saturate the surfaces where it sits. Not only does this slow the drying process and cause more damage to the excess materials, it can create the potential for mold and other microbial growth. Finally, dehumidification is one of the most important parts of the drying process. Dehumidifiers are used to collect excess water vapor by pulling it from the air. This helps pull water out of porous surfaces and other trapped spaces.

There are many kinds of equipment that are important to complete drying of a water damage. At Elite Restoration, our knowledgeable staff utilizes the best equipment available to ensure your home is completely taken care of.

Air Movers

Air movers, more commonly recognized as fans, come in different shapes and sizes. Each job is unique and will require different numbers and sizes of air movers. Our professionals have the knowledge to create the appropriate combination of fans and other equipment to effectively dry your home.

Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are integral to the drying process. hey pull excess water from the air and from building materials to ensure complete drying. Like fans, there are many different sizes and styles of dehumidifiers that can be used in combination to create the best solution possible for each job's specific needs.

Meters

Without meters, restoration professionals cannot determine the extent of the damage nor track the progress of drying. There are varying types of moisture meters, but all of them serve the same function: determine the amount of moisture in the materials that were affected by the water.

As with all insurance related questions, the answer is that it depends on your coverage. Usually, though, the answer is yes. While there are some types of water damages that aren't covered by standard policies or reasons your policy might not cover the damage, if the water damage is covered by your policy the drying process will also be covered.

We utilize a state-of-the-art blower door system that depressurizes the home and helps us track down exactly where the leaks are specifically in location. They are not where you usually think they are. Many leaks are present in the crawlspace and the attic (HVAC system included). These are the main focus areas in a weatherization job.

It depends. Windows themselves have such a low R-value (resistance value), that investment to return in a weatherization aspect alone isn't great. However, going from a single-pane aluminum framed window to a newer double-pane vinyl window will have much better effects on your home's cash value. In any weatherization job, air sealing is much more effective than changing out a window. With that being said, there are specific cases where changing out windows is imperative to reducing energy costs, mostly in mobile homes.

Blown insulation offers better coverage and adapts to irregular spaces, providing superior thermal protection compared to batt insulation.

Dense packing is defined as blowing insulation into a wall cavity at 3.5lbs/ft3. This achieves not only a high R-value but also a superior air barrier. Dense packing is most commonly used when wall insulation is non-existent.

There are a few different methods of achieving this, the most common is in part with re-roofing the mobile home after blowing insulation into the attic cavity.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is a type of insulation material commonly used in buildings to provide thermal insulation and air sealing. It is made by mixing two components, usually polyol resin and isocyanate, which react to form a foam when sprayed onto a surface.

The term "closed-cell" refers to the structure of the foam, where the tiny cells within the foam are sealed off from each other, creating a barrier that blocks the passage of air and moisture. This makes closed-cell spray foam insulation highly effective at preventing heat transfer and improving energy efficiency in buildings.

Closed-cell spray foam insulation is known for its high insulating value, ability to add structural strength to a building, and resistance to water and moisture. It is often used in areas where space is limited or where a high level of insulation is required, such as in walls, roofs, and crawl spaces

While spray foam insulation offers numerous benefits, it also has some disadvantages:

1. Cost: Spray foam insulation can be more expensive upfront compared to other insulation materials like fiberglass or cellulose.
2. Installation: Proper installation of spray foam insulation requires specialized equipment and training. Improper installation can lead to performance issues and potential health hazards.
3. Health concerns: During installation, the chemicals used to create spray foam insulation can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other potentially harmful substances. Proper ventilation and safety precautions are necessary to minimize exposure.
4. Environmental impact: The production process of spray foam insulation involves the use of chemicals that can have environmental impacts. Additionally, spray foam insulation is not biodegradable and can contribute to landfill waste at the end of its lifespan.
5. Off-gassing: After installation, spray foam insulation may continue to off-gas VOCs for a period of time, which can contribute to indoor air quality concerns.
6. Rigid application: Once spray foam insulation has been applied, it cannot be easily removed or modified without significant effort and expense.
7. Potential for expansion: Closed-cell spray foam insulation can expand if not applied properly, potentially causing damage to walls or other structures.
8. Fire hazard: While spray foam insulation can be fire-resistant when properly installed and treated, it can also pose a fire hazard if exposed to high temperatures or if the chemicals used are not properly controlled.

Despite these disadvantages, many homeowners and builders still choose spray foam insulation for its superior insulating properties and air-sealing capabilities. However, it's essential to weigh these factors against your specific needs and budget before deciding on insulation materials.

A professional insulation contractor will help you determine the best approach for your home. Generally, a mixture of multiple insulation types is used to utilize the advantages of the different types.

Yes, blown insulation can be installed in various attic configurations, including those with irregular shapes or obstructions.

With proper installation and maintenance, blown insulation can last for several decades, providing long-term energy savings and comfort.

While some homeowners may attempt DIY installation, professional installation ensures proper coverage and safety compliance, minimizing the risk of issues such as settling or compression.

The amount of insulation needed depends on factors such as attic size, desired R-value, and local climate conditions. An attic insulation contractor can provide an accurate assessment and recommendation based on your specific needs.

Many types of blown insulation, such as cellulose, are made from recycled materials and are considered environmentally friendly options for attic insulation.

It's never a quick fix, though we've gathered together a multi-disciplined team of contractors and technicians to work in tandem to complete the work as soon as possible. From structural repairs to sand/soda-blasting to odor removal to contents cleaning, our fire damage restoration crew begins as soon as the project scope is determined, and we don't stop until the job is done and both you and the insurance company are satisfied with the results.

Most often, yes. You'll need to check your specific policy for the full scope of coverage, but generally, it's covered if a flame caused the damage. Your best bet is to hire a professional restoration company, like Elite Restoration, to help you through the claims process. We know how to avoid some common missteps when it comes to making sure the entire loss is documented and covered. Many homeowners and insurance companies forget, for instance, to consider that your HVAC system will need to be cleaned of soot, and since fires are extinguished using water, many areas of your home may need to be restored due to water damage even if they weren't directly affected by the fire.

Depending on the extent or location of the fire damage, some homeowners can move back in a few days or longer. The fire department will usually turn off electricity and gas to the property right away, and that won't be restored until a building inspector says that it's safe to turn those utilities back on. If you experienced significant smoke damage and the home's occupants include elderly persons, young children, or those with chronic health conditions, you may be wise to stay until the smoke cleanup is complete. Contracting with a company experienced in fire damage restoration can often get you back home sooner because they'll have the resources to hire and manage the many tradespeople who will need to work together to make the home liveable again.

DIY soot removal is not recommended. Commercially available products can actually cause permanent damage to surfaces. Soot itself is primarily oil-based, but that residue also contains toxic, possibly biohazard contaminants.

Smoke damage is rarely limited to one area of the house, and it leaves behind a residue that can hide in crevices and out-of-reach areas, and a simple "airing out" may not be sufficient. We recommend consulting with a smoke damage technician who can help you troubleshoot the next steps.

Common signs include gnaw marks, droppings, nests, and strange noises coming from the attic.

Seal any potential entry points, such as gaps in the roof or vents, and trim overhanging tree branches.

In many cases, yes. Contaminated attic or crawl space insulation can harbor odors and pathogens, necessitating removal and replacement.

It's recommended to sanitize annually or as needed, especially after remediation or suspected contamination.

While some tasks can be DIY, such as cleaning and disinfection, professional remediation is recommended for complex issues or extensive contamination.

Contact a certified mold remediation specialist, like Elite Restoration to assess the extent of the problem and recommend appropriate solutions.