ServiceMaster S&R Systems FAQ
Water Damage Restoration
How long does water damage restoration take?
The length of time it will take to dry homes and buildings affected by water or flooding and restore the resulting damage will depend on the source of the water, the extent of the damage, how quickly restoration professionals are called, the duration of the water damage, and where in your property it occurred. Our professionals will do a thorough inspection of the water damage to determine the best course of action and give you an idea of a timeline.
Some cases of water damage can be restored in 3-5 days while more severe cases involving flooding may take a week or longer depending on its spread and the extent of the damage.
When is the water damage restoration process completed?
Our professionals will test your property using specialized equipment to ensure that the affected areas and materials are dried. Touching the affected surfaces and materials is not enough as there could still be water or excess moisture below the surface. Our equipment will let us know when the affected materials are fully dried.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover water damage?
Homeowner’s insurance will cover the cost of water damage if the cause of the damage is sudden or accidental such as a burst pipe or appliance malfunction. Water damage will likely not be covered by insurance if the damage was caused by an unresolved maintenance issue, sewer backup, or flood. You must purchase separate insurance policies for sewer backups and for floods that will cover the cost of water damage caused by these events.
Do I need to leave my property during water damage restoration?
This depends on the extent of the damage and safety of the living conditions. In most cases, you will not need to leave your home. However, you may need to find somewhere else to stay if there is extensive structural damage, mold growth, sewage, or other contaminants that make the living conditions dangerous.
Do water damaged wood floors need to be replaced?
Wood floors will swell and buckle as they absorb water. In many cases, wood flooring can be dried and regain its original shape. However, it may take some time for wood floors to dry completely. Our professionals can evaluate your wood flooring during the restoration and help determine if it can be saved or if it needs to be replaced.
Fire Damage Restoration
Can homes and buildings be restored after fire damage?
Fires, as well as smoke, soot, and other byproducts can cause extensive damage to affected homes and buildings and the materials within. In most cases, homes and buildings can be rebuilt and restored, however, specific materials and items may not be salvageable following damage from fire, soot, and smoke. Our professionals will thoroughly analyze the damage to your property and determine which materials can be salvaged. Building materials that cannot be saved will typically be replaced to rebuild the property.
How long does fire damage restoration take?
The amount of time it takes to restore a home or building after a fire depends on the type and extent of the damage. Fires cause structural damage while corrosive byproducts like soot, smoke, and other residue can result in the tarnishing of affected materials and odors. Cases involving fire damage in a small area may take several days to restore while widespread fire damage can take months to restore. Homes and buildings will also have to pass an inspection code after the restoration to be deemed safe for use.
What should I not do after fire damage?
Homes and buildings are typically dangerous environments following a fire. You can help keep yourself safe by avoiding certain actions. If your home or building, or a part of the property, does not appear to be structurally stable, stay out. You should also avoid heavily damaged areas as breathing in the soot and other contaminants can be harmful to your health. Do not try to clean materials affected by soot because improper cleaning methods will make the damage worse. Do not touch damaged surfaces and materials either as the oils in your hands can worsen soot and smoke damage.
Does homeowner’s insurance cover fire damage restoration?
Homeowner’s insurance does typically cover the cost of repairs to your home and the repair or replacement of damaged personal items following a fire. This includes coverage for repairs to the home itself and detached structures like garages and sheds. Your insurance may also cover the cost of restoring your landscaping, including trees and shrubs affected by the fire.
Do I need to move out during the fire damage restoration?
This will depend on the extent of the damage and the condition of your home. If the home is structurally unstable, heavily damaged by soot or smoke, affected by strong smoke odors, or left without water or electricity, it is best to find somewhere else to stay until your home is restored and deemed safe to enter.
Mold Remediation
What causes mold growth?
The main trigger of mold growth is moisture as areas affected by humidity, water damage, and flooding are vulnerable to mold. Mold is also most likely to grow in warm conditions between 77- and 86-degrees Fahrenheit. Common building materials like wood, drywall, carpeting, wallpaper, insulation, and more contain cellulose which is the main indoor food source for mold. When naturally occurring mold spores find areas that have excess moisture, warm conditions, and food sources, the appearance of mold growth is a high possibility.
How do I know if there is a mold problem?
Visible mold growth is the most obvious sign of a mold problem as mold growth typically appears as dark slimy or fuzzy patches. However, mold can form in hidden areas and cause immense damage before it is discovered, making it very important to recognize the more subtle signs of a mold problem. These signs include musty odors, water stains on walls and ceilings, warping, and sudden allergy-like symptoms.
How can mold affect my health?
Some types of molds that appear in homes and buildings contain mycotoxins that can be harmful to your health. Those who are exposed to indoor mold may experience allergic reactions that include coughing, trouble breathing, headaches, skin irritation, and irritation of the sinuses, eyes, and throat. Seniors, children, and those with compromised immune systems are more vulnerable to these allergic reactions and may develop more serious symptoms from prolonged exposure.
What can I expect from the mold remediation process?
Our mold remediation professionals will start by inspecting your property and finding all mold growth. We will then isolate the affected areas to contain the mold, so it does not spread. The mold growth and permanently damaged materials are removed, and non-porous materials will be cleaned and disinfected. The air will be purified with HEPA vacuuming to reduce the concentration of mold spores in the air back to safe levels. After the mold is removed, we will rebuild and restore the damaged areas. We can also address the moisture source that caused the mold growth.
How long does mold remediation take?
The time it takes to remove mold and restore your property will depend largely on the extent and location of the mold growth, as well as the amount of damage it caused. In most cases, mold remediation takes 1-5 days.
Residential Cleaning
How often should I have my carpeting professionally cleaned?
It is beneficial to have the carpet in your home professionally cleaned every 12-18 months. Your carpeting consistently gathers dust, dirt, and debris from foot traffic and airborne debris that can make it appear dull and even cause damage to the carpet fibers. Professional carpet cleaning completely removes these contaminants and restores the original appearance of the carpet.
Is professional upholstery cleaning worth it?
Professional upholstery cleaning is worth the cost to restore the appearance of your furniture and help extend its life. Consistent use of the furniture causes a buildup of dust, grime, and other debris that can eventually start to damage the fabric. Professionals can remove dirt and grime from the furniture, helping the upholstery fabric last longer and saving you the cost of replacing the furniture.
Is professional hardwood floor cleaning worth it?
Having your hardwood flooring professionally cleaned is an effective way to preserve the condition and appearance of the floors and protect your investment. Our professional cleaners will remove dirt and debris from the crevices of the floor and clean the surface of the wood panels. We can also apply a new finish to restore the shine and natural beauty of your wood flooring.
Commercial Floor Cleaning
How often should commercial carpeting be professionally cleaned?
Commercial carpeting that experiences high foot traffic on a daily basis should be professionally cleaned every 1-2 months. Depending on the foot traffic within your business, you should consider professional carpet cleaning quarterly or seasonally if every 1-2 months is too much. For offices and buildings that experience minimal foot traffic, you can have the carpet professionally cleaned once each year.
What are the benefits of commercial floor cleaning?
Commercial floor cleaning services help create a safer and more comfortable working environment by removing dirt, dust, and other allergens from the flooring. Professional cleaning also improves the appearance of the office or building which creates a more positive impression on employees, clients, customers, and visitors.
What are the average costs of commercial floor cleaning?
Professional floor cleaning typically costs between $0.07 and $0.15 per square foot on average, or between $50 and $100 per hour. Cleaning up to 1000 square feet has an average cost of $120, 1000 to 2000 square feet could cost around $200, 2000 to 3000 square feet could cost $290, and 3000 to 4000 square feet may cost around $370 to clean.
Disinfection Services
What is the difference between disinfection and sanitization?
Treating surfaces with sanitizer kills bacteria, but it does not kill viruses. Disinfection kills viruses and bacteria that cause diseases. It is recommended to have homes and commercial buildings sanitized and disinfected to effectively protect against illnesses like COVID-19.
When should I get disinfection services for my business?
You should consider disinfection services as a proactive measure to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses in your workplace. If your workplace has been exposed to an illness like COVID-19, disinfection services can help eliminate the contamination and restore safe conditions.
What are the benefits of disinfection services?
Having your home or business treated with disinfection services will create a safer environment and protect your family and employees from infectious diseases. Businesses may also experience an increase in customers who feel safer in a building that is cleaned and disinfected.
