Fires, floods, or natural disasters that cause water damage can strike unexpectedly as the result of natural events, accidents, or willful acts such as vandalism. When those types of disasters occur, water damage restoration companies can help you as a homeowner switch your priorities from focusing on what has been lost to helping you salvage your remaining damaged property and structures. While it may seem a losing cause, whether national or local, restoration services can show you that your situation is not as bleak as it may seem after an event. Choosing the right local or national water restoration service to help with water damage can be difficult, requiring careful consideration about what each company offers. The top nationwide providers of water damage services are ServiceMaster Restore, Stanley Steemer, and ServPro.
Water damage restoration requires many complex processes such as drying of building structures and the removal of sewage or mold. They clean surfaces, remove damaged materials and dispose of toxic debris. These processes can be risky for both your home and your health, which is why they should be left to professionals who have specific expertise in those situations.
ServiceMaster Restore has been in business for over 50 years, and provides disaster-restoration services, specializing in repairing fire and water damage from top to bottom. They are a reputable nationwide service that currently operates over 4,500 franchises worldwide, so there is bound to be a franchise near you.
Other than obvious flooding or disasters such as a leaky ceiling or busted plumbing, swollen walls or paint that is bubbling, cracking or peeling are always a bad sign. If your linoleum is peeling, wood or laminate flooring is buckling, or your grouted tiles are becoming loose, you may have a water problem in your subflooring.
Stanley Steemer is a nationwide company that offers residential and commercial cleaning services, as well as water damage restoration services that include the steam cleaning of furniture, carpet, hard surfaces, tile and grout. Stanley Steemer also provides hardwood flooring and air duct cleaning in addition to water restoration services.
Often in the event of a fire, the water used to put out the fire damages the building and its contents, creating an atmosphere conducive to rot and mold.
The water or moisture sits in your home, the more damage it does. You could be running the risk of cultivating health-threatening mold, creating hazards from mold or electrical issues, or allowing the structure of your home to be compromised.
ServPro, one of the most well-known and reputable cleaning services, provides fire, water, and storm damage solutions. They also offer mold remediation, which is a common side-effect of water damage. Known for their attention to detail and quality service, they are family-owned and have had the same owners for over 40 years.
Whether you are looking for a nationwide or local company, look for certified experts. Ensure the company has the required, up-to-date state and local certifications. Ask for certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as well as IICRC sub-certifications for mold remediation or structural drying.
The best referral is always word of mouth from friends and family, but they might not have experienced water damage. Online reviews on social media sites such as Yelp and Angie's List offer local reviews from people in your neighborhood who have dealt with the specific companies and give honest feedback.