Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to clean up after fire damage?

The length of time it takes for restoration depends on several factors, including:

• The scope of the damage; how much water and smoke damage there is in your home
• Your level of investment in your belongings; if you're able to replace items or just want them cleaned up
• Whether or not you choose to hire professionals for the project

Can I inspect my home and belongings after the fire damage?

Yes, if possible, after being cleared by fire officials. But be sure not to disturb any damaged areas or remove anything from the building until an insurance adjuster has inspected it. You don't want to move something that might have been damaged by heat or water and cause further damage by falling on top of someone else in your home.

Should I try to clean it up myself?

Leave all cleanup efforts to professionals trained in handling hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead paint. They will know how much time they need before working in particular areas again so that they don't risk inhaling dangerous substances or ingesting them through their mouths and noses.

What are some safety concerns?

In the event of a flood, there will be many safety concerns. These include:

• Flooding
• Water contamination
• Electrical hazards and outages
• Lack of heat and air conditioning
• Food and water shortages (if you are unable to get to your neighborhood grocery store)

If you live in an area prone to hurricanes and other natural disasters, you must be prepared for the worst. Always keep an emergency kit on hand, as well as an evacuation plan for your family. 

What items do I keep in my possession?

In addition to keeping copies of your essential documents near at hand, make sure you have copies stored offsite. That way, if a disaster strikes and destroys your home or office, your documents will still be available for use by FEMA or any other organization that may need them. Consider storing these items in a safe deposit box at a bank or credit union, so they're out of harm's way but still accessible if needed. If possible, have multiple copies of these documents made and stored in different locations throughout the country so that they can be accessed whenever needed — such as when traveling for business or pleasure.

How do I keep track of non-restorable items?

If you have a flood, keeping track of your belongings is essential. You should list everything damaged or destroyed by water and take photos/videos if possible. This may help when filing claims with your insurance company or making an insurance claim later.  

What about special items? Artwork, china, heirlooms, etc.

If you have any artwork or other valuable items damaged by flooding, it is best to contact an art restorer immediately. The chances are good that they can help restore your artwork to its original condition.

Who is responsible for paying for the service?

The homeowner is responsible for paying for all costs related to the restoration service. In most cases, this includes deductibles and additional costs associated with repairing or replacing damaged items.

Should I file a claim with my insurance company?

Yes! You should file a claim with your insurance company immediately after experiencing storm damage to receive coverage for your losses. We can help you navigate this process and answer any questions along the way. However, if you choose not to file a claim, we will still help you get back on track with our restoration services.

Do you communicate with my insurance adjuster?

This decision is up to you. If you'd like us to speak with your adjuster, we can. 

What if my house has asbestos or lead?

If you suspect your home has asbestos or lead, hiring a professional is essential to test the materials properly. We can provide an asbestos and lead inspection for homes that have been flooded or suffered any natural disaster. The inspection will help determine whether these substances are present in your home and how they should be handled during restoration. 

What if I'd like to upgrade or remodel my house?

Talk with our specialists first if you want to make improvements to your home, such as adding a room or putting in new windows. They can help you plan these projects so they won't interfere with our water damage restoration work.

What are some common effects of water damage?

Water damage can cause mold growth and mildew; this is dangerous because it can cause allergic reactions and trigger asthma attacks in people allergic to molds. It can also cause dry rot and warping of wood flooring and walls. Mold may also cause respiratory problems like asthma and bronchitis, especially in children and elderly people with respiratory illnesses or weakened immune systems.

What does the water damage restoration process involve?

The first step in the water damage restoration process is removing as much water as possible from the affected area. This includes drying out hardwood floors, carpets, and other surfaces using dehumidifiers and fans. The next step is to clean up any standing water and mop up any remaining moisture with a wet vacuum. Once this has been done, you can assess the extent of your home's or business' damage using moisture meters and infrared cameras. These tools help determine how much more drying out needs to be done before the affected area can be repaired or cleaned.

How does the water damage restoration process work?

When you call us for help, we will send a team of technicians to your home or business as quickly as possible. They will do everything they can to stop the source of the water and dry out your home or business safely. This process may involve removing debris and wet materials from your property, removing water from walls and floors, installing fans to speed up the drying process, and conducting ventilation tests to determine how much moisture remains in your building after cleanup has been completed.

How much does it cost to fix water damage?

The cost of repairing water damage depends on many factors: how much water was lost; how much time has passed since the initial leak occurred; whether there was significant structural damage; if mold has grown on any surfaces; if there are other damages like electrical issues or sewage backups; etc. But one thing is certain: The longer you wait before calling us for help, the worse the damage will be. 

What are the significant causes of water damage?

1. Flooding from storm/flooding
2. Leaking or broken water lines or faucets
3. Roof leaks and roof damage from windstorms
4. Sewage backup (sewer line backup)

Can water damage be hidden? If so, what are the signs?

Water damage can be hidden and cause significant damage to your home and belongings. Water flooding your home can cause considerable damage to your valuables and electronics. The extent of the damage is not always visible at first glance and may be hidden behind walls or under floors.

How do I hire a professional restoration company?

Reach out to Tidal Wave Response as quickly as possible, and we can dispatch a restoration specialist to start working with you immediately.