At ServiceMaster by Reed, we are proud of the reputation we have for delivering outstanding, individualized water damage restoration to our clients in Miami, Broward County and Dade County. Our goal is to eradicate flood water damage from your property as quickly as possible. We also want to remain transparent, so we’ve compiled a series of questions and answers, which should give you a clearer picture of what to expect from us when you contact our technicians.
How long will it take my property to dry?
The amount of time required for drying is determined by a number of elements, including the location, duration, and source of water, the type of building materials used, the weather conditions, and the speed with which emergency services are initiated. We can identify when the drying process is complete by continuously monitoring and evaluating it. While your carpet may appear to be dry to the touch, the padding and subfloors may still be damp. While there are no hard and fast laws regarding how long it will take for your property to dry, we can estimate that it will take between three and five days or longer, depending on the conditions.
How do I know when my property is completely dry?
Proper testing with our specialized equipment is the only way to ensure that everything is fully dry. Touch alone may be deceptive.
Will turning up the heat help dry things out?
Not always. We’ll set the temperature to the optimal level for optimal drying conditions. Please do not adjust the temperature or turn off the HVAC system; doing so may cause the drying process to take longer.
My wood floors are wet and buckling. Will they have to be replaced?
Wood flooring must be evaluated during the drying process. We utilize specialized drying equipment and dehumidifiers to create an environment conducive to the quick drying of wood floors and their restoration to their original shape. Drying times may be extended due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane treatments. If you have filed a claim, your insurance adjuster will consult with you to determine whether the floors should be refinished or replaced.
Can you restore my wet furniture?
The degree of the damage and the construction of the furniture will determine whether it is possible to restore it. Before the damage to your furniture can be thoroughly assessed, it must be dried. Unsalvageable furniture will be documented for you, and if any things must be thrown, you will be required to sign a customer release form.
Do I need to move out of my property during this process?
If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from your insurance representative. However, this is a decision that you must make independently. Numerous aspects must be considered. Safety is critical. While we make every effort to keep our equipment childproof, we demand your supervision to ensure that no youngsters play with it. For a few days, air movers and dehumidifiers will generate noise and make your home drafty. It is critical that the equipment remains operational, therefore if the noise level is too high for you, you may want to consider staying somewhere else.
Will your restoration services leave any residual odors?
It is fairly uncommon for scents to be detected throughout the drying process. Increased heat and humidity levels can also result in an increase in scents caused by drying building materials or inactive spill and accident areas. Contrast these natural odors with mold odors. As the drying process progresses and the humidity level decreases, you’ll notice that unpleasant odors gradually dissipate. Additionally, deodorizers are frequently used to mitigate these effects.
Does everything need to be moved out during restoration?
Not usually. If items need to be moved out, we will let you know in advance.
My ceilings are wet. What actions are required?
Our professionals will identify the moisture level, the extent of the damage, and may need to remove portions of your ceiling to allow for ventilation. Wet insulation, on the other hand, can be a hazard and should be removed.
Is it necessary to open the windows to help in the drying process?
It is not always advisable to open your windows to help in the drying process. Outside weather conditions fluctuate, and the technician will assess when and if it is appropriate to use outside air.
Can I walk on the area during the drying process?
It is strongly suggested that you keep the traffic to a minimum. Wearing shoes is recommended for your safety.
Can my carpet be restored or will it have to be replaced?
A few reasons your carpet may not be salvageable:
- Delamination (occurs when the backing separates from the carpet fiber)
- Loss of adhesion (may be caused by prolonged exposure to water or age of the carpet)
- Permanent stains
- Carpet covers wood flooring (to salvage the wood flooring)
- Sewage contamination
Carpet and Floor Coverings
Why does my specialty floor need to be removed?
Non-porous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly. Specialty floors are evaluated and efforts to restore them will be made.
Why did the technician leave wet carpet on my stairs?
Generally, carpet on stairs is not removed for safety reasons. Exposed staples or tack strips, particularly on steps, are dangerous. However, there are instances when removing carpet from stairs is important to avoid causing harm to the hardwood steps or to prevent sewage contamination. It is not recommended to remove tack strips, since this may cause damage to the hardwood or subfloor. When the tack strip is exposed or the carpeted steps are damp, extreme caution must be exercised. If the carpet left on the stairs is unsalvageable, it will be removed during the installation of the new carpet.
How are you going to match my carpet pad?
We bring a sample of your pad to our office for matching. When an identical pad is available, it will be used. In the event that your original pad is no longer available, we will replace it with one of comparable quality, thickness, and density. A similar pad may have a different color depending on when it was created.
What are your plans for my area rugs?
Rugs are transferred to our warehouse where they receive special treatment. They must be dried gently to avoid color leakage and degradation. Your rugs will be dried, cleaned, and returned as soon as possible.
Equipment
Why does my specialty floor need to be removed?
When water damage occurs, it can penetrate into the drywall (sheetrock), baseboards, and subflooring, among other places. To dry these surfaces, high-velocity air movers are necessary to expedite the absorption of water into the air. Dehumidifiers are needed to remove this extra moisture, thereby protecting property and facilitating the drying process. Kindly refrain from switching off or relocating drying equipment without first contacting ServiceMaster by Reed.
Who is in charge of inspecting the drying equipment?
Our water damage mitigation specialists will strategically position and monitor equipment to ensure that the best outcomes are achieved in the least period of time. Please ensure that no one shuts off or moves the equipment. Kindly notify our office immediately if the power goes out or if any of the equipment fails to operate.
How much will the drying equipment cost to operate?
On average, it may cost less than $1 per day to operate a piece of drying equipment. Actual expenses will vary according to your local electricity provider’s current rates.
Can you restore items that have sewage contamination?
Cleaning and sanitizing hard surfaces is possible. Items that cannot be sanitized must be discarded. Porous materials such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, and paneling should all be removed during the emergency service visit.
Payment
How much will this all cost?
ServiceMaster by Reed will not bill you for any services rendered following the submission of an insurance claim. All services will be billed directly to your insurance provider and are often paid in full. If you decide not filing a claim, contact us for a quote on our services.
Do I need permission from my insurance adjuster before I do anything?
No. You are accountable for restoring your home. While notifying your insurance carrier of the damage to your house is critical, it is primarily your obligation to guarantee that it is restored effectively and expeditiously.
Mold and mildew are two of the most serious concerns linked with standing water. Often, when the insurance adjuster arrives, he or she discovers that the carpet and baseboards have been removed. ServiceMaster by Reed will deploy air movers and dehumidifiers to expedite the drying process and avoid the growth of mold and mildew.
However, if it is present, an additional quote will be presented to remove it. If this is not addressed, more harm, such as mold, may occur.
What is a deductible and how does it work?
Your deductible is the amount you pay in addition to your insurance company’s claim to cover the cost of the repair. If your restoration firm charges you $2500 for repairs and your deductible is $1,000, the insurance company will issue you a check for $1500.
Who is responsible for paying for the service?
At the end of the day, you, the property owner, are ultimately accountable for payment. You will be required to sign a paper authorizing the work and payment as the property owner. If this is an insurance claim, ServiceMaster by Reed typically collects only the deductible amount and invoices the remaining balance to your insurance provider as a courtesy. If you sustain a significant loss, your mortgage company may be added as a payee on your insurance company’s payment, and you may need to secure their signature as well. If your claim is denied or you choose not to file one, you will be required to pay the full cost of service at the time of service.
Do you offer financing?
Yes, ServiceMaster by Reed offers financing through Green Sky.
Schedule an Appointment With Our Water Damage Specialists in Miami, Florida
For a fast response to your mold emergency, ServiceMaster by Reed is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (954) 922-2020. We service residential and commercial properties in Miami, Florida and surrounding areas and counties.
You may also connect with us online to schedule an appointment, or email us at smreedoffice1@aol.com. Our office is located in 1210 Stirling Rd. Unit # 8A Dania Beach, FL 33004.