Drying time depends on several factors, including the source and duration of the water, the affected building materials, weather conditions, and how quickly emergency services begin.<br><br>Our technicians consistently monitor and evaluate the property to determine when drying is complete. Carpet may feel dry while the padding and subfloor remain wet underneath. Although every property is different, drying may take three to five days or longer, depending on the conditions.

Testing with specialized moisture-detection equipment is the proper way to determine whether affected materials are completely dry. Touch alone can be a misleading indicator.

Not necessarily. Our technicians will adjust the temperature to support the proper drying conditions. Please do not change the temperature setting or shut off the HVAC system, as doing so may prolong the drying process.

Wood flooring must be evaluated throughout the drying process. We use specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers to create conditions that allow wood floors to dry more efficiently and potentially return to their original shape.<br><br>Because hardwood flooring and urethane finishes are dense, drying may take longer. If you filed an insurance claim, your adjuster will work with you to make the final decision about whether the floors should be refinished or replaced.

The extent of the damage and the construction of the furniture will determine whether it can be restored. Furniture must be dried before the damage can be properly assessed.<br><br>Items that cannot be salvaged will be documented. If anything must be discarded, we will ask you to sign a customer release form before taking action.

That decision depends on the conditions inside your home, the amount of equipment required, and whether the affected areas can be safely avoided.<br><br>Air movers and dehumidifiers can be noisy and may make the home feel drafty. The equipment must remain operating, and children and pets should be kept away from it. Your restoration technician and insurance representative can provide information to help you decide whether temporary accommodations are appropriate.

It is not unusual to notice odors during the drying process. Increased heat and humidity may intensify odors coming from damp building materials or previous spills and accidents.<br><br>These normal drying odors should not be confused with mold. As drying continues and humidity levels decrease, the odors will often fade. Deodorizers may also be used to minimize them.

Not usually. If furniture, belongings, or other items must be moved, we will let you know in advance and explain the next steps.

Our technicians will evaluate the moisture content and determine the severity of the damage. A portion of the ceiling may need to be removed to improve ventilation and access trapped moisture. Wet insulation may also present a hazard and may need to be removed.

Opening windows is not always recommended. Outdoor temperature and humidity can interfere with the controlled drying environment. Your technician will determine whether outside air will help or hinder the process.

We strongly recommend keeping foot traffic in affected areas to a minimum. Wear shoes when entering permitted areas, and ask your technician which parts of the property are safe to access.

<strong>Several conditions may prevent carpet from being salvaged:</strong><br><br>• Delamination, which occurs when the backing separates from the carpet fibers<br>• Loss of adhesion caused by prolonged water exposure or the age of the carpet<br>• Permanent staining<br>• Damage to the flooring beneath the carpet<br>• Sewage contamination<br><br>If carpet covers hardwood flooring, it may need to be removed so the wood underneath can dry properly.

Nonporous flooring can trap water underneath and prevent affected materials from drying properly. Specialty flooring will be evaluated before removal, and reasonable efforts will be made to preserve it when conditions allow.

Carpet on stairs is often left in place for safety reasons. Exposed tack strips and staples can be dangerous, especially on steps.<br><br>However, carpet may need to be removed when sewage contamination is present or when removal is necessary to protect hardwood stairs. If the carpet cannot be salvaged, it may be removed when replacement carpet is installed.

A sample of the existing carpet pad may be brought to our office for matching. When available, an identical pad will be used. If the original pad is unavailable, we will provide one with a similar quality, thickness, and density. The replacement may differ slightly in color.

Area rugs may be transported to our facility for specialized care. They must be dried carefully to minimize color bleeding and discoloration. Depending on their condition and materials, the rugs will be dried, cleaned, and returned.

Water can be absorbed into drywall, baseboards, subflooring, wood, and other building materials. High-velocity air movers accelerate the release of that moisture into the air, while dehumidifiers remove excess moisture from the environment.<br><br>Together, this equipment helps protect the property and creates conditions for efficient drying. Please do not turn off or move drying equipment without contacting ServiceMaster Restore.

Our water damage mitigation specialists will place and monitor the equipment to support efficient drying. Please make sure that no one turns off or moves the equipment. Notify our office immediately if the power goes out or any equipment stops operating.

The cost depends on the type and number of machines being used, local electrical rates, and the length of the drying process. Your actual electricity costs may vary, so your technician can explain which equipment is required and how long it is expected to operate.

Hard, nonporous surfaces may be cleaned and sanitized. Items that cannot be safely sanitized may need to be discarded.<br><br>Porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, and paneling that have been directly affected by sewage will typically need to be removed during emergency service.

Before work begins, the property owner or another responsible party will need to sign an authorization for the work and payment.<br><br>If the work is part of a covered insurance claim, ServiceMaster Restore may collect the deductible and bill the remaining approved amount to the insurance provider. For larger losses, a mortgage company may also be listed as a payee on an insurance payment.<br><br>If the claim is denied, the damage is not covered, or you choose not to file a claim, you will be responsible for payment according to the service agreement.