5 Services to Look for in a Storm Restoration Company in Manchester

11/12/2020 (Permalink)

When a storm or natural disaster hits your Manchester home or business, call SERVPRO of Manchester/Mansfield for professional storm damage cleanup.

In the last two years, Connecticut has suffered 15 tornadoes, tropical storm Isaias, and several heavy snowstorms. Storm damage doesn't always come from wind. Flooding, fires, and hail can demolish valuables and homes.

Fallen trees and downed power lines destroy property and create danger. High winds can rip roofs from houses, and lightning can start ferocious fires.

Once a natural disaster has occurred, storm restoration experts can help you. While some property may be a write-off, many damages are not permanent.

Storm restoration experts like SERVPRO can help you recover the residential or commercial property. Make sure you hire professionals with the skillset to handle a range of damages. All storm restoration companies should handle water, fire, and mold damage.

Storm restoration experts can help you clean, repair, and rebuild your property. Let's take a look at the five essential services to look for in a restoration company.

Prerequisites

Before we outline vital services, there are some basic essentials to keep in mind. Reputable storm restoration companies should be professional and certified. For best results, your storm restoration contractor should carry as many of the following traits as possible. 

27/4 Availability

Your chosen storm restoration company should have 24/7 availability. The first 24-48 hours, after a storm has left or calmed down, are crucial. In these hours, much of the damage is still reversible without extensive repair.

This is especially true for water damage. If water is left sitting, it can cause mold and rot. Even after draining the water, mold can cause health effects to your family. Storm restoration contractors should begin their work as soon as possible.

Certification

Seek out restoration contractors that have professional qualifications, especially for cleaning services tailored for disease prevention.

Reputable companies like SERVPRO go beyond the industry standard. SERVPRO uses its unique "three C's" approach to clean even viral pathogens. The SERVPRO model is based on bespoke consulting and expert hospital-grade cleaning.

Each location cleaned by SERVPRO will also be stamped with its own shield. All employees and customers can see the business's commitment to comfort and security.
All SERVPRO certifications comply with industry-standard CDC, RIA, and IICRC qualifications. All cleaning products are also EPA approved.

Find a storm restoration company with equal or comparable certifications. IICRC (Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) is an excellent place to start. Other qualifications to look for include the following:

• ACAC (American Council for Accredited Certification
• IAQA (Indoor Air Quality Association)

Insurance Compatible

With the hope that you already possessed storm damage insurance, make sure your contractor possesses the know-how. Storm damage restoration contractors should understand how to work with insurance companies.

Insurance can be confusing to navigate. But if not done correctly, you may end up with large bills that your insurance will not cover. Worse than having no insurance is paying for insurance and your cleaning bill.

Experienced Professionals

If you can, find a storm restoration contractor that has been in business for a long time. Storm restoration is an industry founded on experience.

Each situation is vastly different and requires a new approach. Fire damage, flooding, mold, or roof damage all demand specialized procedures.

Years of experience will ensure that companies operate safely. Companies like SERVPRO have been serving customers since 1967. With over 53 years of experience - your damaged property is in safe hands.

Range of Services

Perhaps the most crucial factor is what services your contractor offers. Every storm restoration contractor should be able to handle a few different types of damage. Often, storms will cause more than one form of damage to a building.

For example, water damage and extraction are often paired with mold treatment. If your storm restoration company can only handle one type of damage, you may have to contact several companies. Multiple contractors can be expensive and confusing.

Storm Restoration Services

Storm restoration services should include a range of possibilities. The specific services in demand may vary according to the type of damage. The following are five key examples.

1. Water Damage Mitigation

If your building suffered water damage from storm flooding, this service is vital to look for. Make sure you check if your potential contractor has this service before moving further.

Water damage mitigation takes qualified expertise to conduct well. Companies should have the correct knowledge, experience, equipment, and training.

Water damage mitigation is the repair of basement floods, broken seals, and broken or frozen pipes. Storm damage isn't always necessary; you may have a faulty, leaking water heater.

Advanced equipment helps contractors locate and extract the water before mold grows. It is key that technicians also monitor the drying process. If mold begins to grow, you may need to have an expert remove it.

2. Mold Damage

Mold damage can be tricky and dangerous for inhabitants. 24/7 availability is critical because mold can grow in less than 48 hours. 

The faster your storm restoration contractor can arrive, the cheaper the cost. Mold damage becomes more expensive over time.

Mold is often caused by leaks in pipes or heavy rain entering the home. When left untreated, mold can cause health effects.

Mold can also rot wooden structures, causing structural weaknesses. Indoor air quality is significantly reduced by mold. 

Mold doesn't need to start in your building or home. Mold spores are microscopic and can enter your home through the following:

• Air vents
• Heating systems
• Clothing or pets
• Windows and doors

3. Cleaning Services

Storms cause havoc. Most imagine wind, rain, and floods when they think of storms. But the mess left behind by storms can be a health hazard.

Carpets are ruined, strange smells begin, sewage can overflow, and more. Storm restoration contractors should be able to handle any mess. Mold, sewage, smells, and stains are all fair game.

Carpet and Upholstery

Storm damage often causes stains and soiled carpeting or furniture. Make sure your storm restoration company can deal with these types of damages.

Bonnet cleaning is ideal for low pile carpets. It uses minimal moisture and only cleans the fibers you can see, not deep into the carpet. The process involves using a bonnet cleaning machine.

After a thorough vacuum, a bonnet machine with a bonnet cleaning chemical can be effective. Devices have a circular brush that scrubs away surface stains.

Hot water extraction (HWE) combines hot water and chemicals injected at high pressure. Once the chemicals and water lift the soiling materials, a powerful vacuum removes them.

HWE can be portable or truck mounted. Portable machines reach higher floors easier.
Deluxe preconditioning and rinsing or premier cleaning restores deeply soiled areas.

This is a commercial-grade cleaning service. Dry cleaning can also help to clean upholstery that can lose its color.

Preventative maintenance can help in circumstances other than storm damage. Regular vacuuming, spot removal, and moving furniture help to keep your carpet healthy. Get a professional to clean your carpets once a year regardless of storm damage.

Sewage

Sewage spill is a serious health concern in the wake of a storm. Any water leaking from a sewer system will likely contain bacteria and viruses.

Sewage leaks should be dealt with immediately and professionally. Special training and equipment are necessary to deal with leaks of that sort. If you're unsure whether there is contamination, assume there is.

Storm restoration companies should be equipped to handle contaminated water. SERVPRO breaks down water contamination into three categories.

'Clean water' is sourced from a clean location. Broken faucets, water supply to the shower, or any clean water source. Clean water won't harm but can degrade to 'gray water' or 'black water' over time.

'Gray water' is any water that would cause health issues or concerns if ingested. Examples include toilet overflow (containing some urine) or leaks from a washing machine. This kind of water can contain viruses or bacteria.

'Black water' by comparison, is extremely unsanitary and can cause severe illness or even death. SERVPRO recommends avoiding all contact with black water. This includes storm flooding from rivers, toilet water (with feces), or water left to mold.

Black water can contain sewage and strong chemicals. Always deal with leaks or floods as quickly as possible to avoid water contamination.

Odor Removal

Removing an odor is challenging. Advanced equipment and professional expertise prevent wasting time and energy.

Odors can emanate from anywhere in or around a building. Odors can be unpleasant and make your living or working space untenable. Meanwhile, gases like carbon monoxide can cause serious harm without a trace.

Professional companies identify the cause of the odor and where it makes contact. Odors then need to be removed over time. Odor removal products aim to neutralize the scent without covering it.

4. Walls, Floors, and Ceilings

In the hopes that your building's structure is still intact after a storm - leaks can often be an issue. After clearing out the water and any potential mold growth - floors, ceilings, and walls are next.

If your business was affected, cleaning these areas is essential to the appearance of your building. Stained walls, floors, and ceilings do not make a good appearance.
If your floors are tile or stone, the job is likely easier.

Tile and stone will need deep cleaning and sanitization. Special care must be paid to natural stone and ceramic tiles. Again, prevention techniques like complete grouting treatment and the sealant help keep out dirt and water.

Hardwood floors, however, will require special treatment. Hardwood floors appear easy to maintain, but over time they can absorb soil.

Wood floors also bend and change color if they are soaked in water. Floods can ruin a wood floor if not promptly treated. Professional tools can remove stains and reapply coating to prevent further damage.

Remember that it is especially important to let wooden floors dry out after a flood. Do not re-cover wooden floors with carpeting before dehumidifying them. Wet flooring and foundations can be a breeding place for mold - much of the building's heat is often stored there.

5. HVAC and Air Duct Cleaning

Storms can whip up clouds of dust and debris, especially tornadoes. Dust or other dirt can block and cause HVAC malfunction.

Even after thorough cleaning of surfaces and smells, your HVAC system may not function well, especially if it was already in need of maintenance before the storm.
Make sure your storm restoration company takes a look at your HVAC systems. Cleaning out an odor will likely include HVAC cleaning as well.

Any other contaminants can be spread through HVAC systems. Mold or other irritants are airborne and small enough to carry through a building via HVAC. Additionally, heating systems can breed mold growth if warm water leaks.

Take Action

Storms can tear apart towns, homes, and businesses. It's imperative to take action if you can afford to do so.

Make sure you work with a storm restoration service that works with insurance. Seek out experience, certifications, and high standards. 

While a restoration service can be expensive, your home or business comes first. Make sure you get into contact with contractors as early as possible.

Early intervention lowers cost and helps you get a better price. Contact us now if you have storm damage and need help.