Frequently Asked Questions

  • This is one of the most common restoration questions we hear. The answer is no! It is your choice which restoration company you use.
  • Even if it is implied by your insurance adjuster, you get final say which company you want to restore your property to pre-damage state.

  • Insurance! Our customer service specialists work hand in hand with all insurance providers to make sure your restoration is fully funded, so you can get back to the things that really matter.
  • We understand the importance of fast flood water damage removal from your home to avoid further damage. We respond quickly! Floods and fires can happen at a moment’s notice, causing chaos and destruction, but with the exceptional fire and water damage restoration services of all is not lost.
  • We use Xactimate(R) Estimating software for both fire and water damage claims to determine loss scope accurately. Because we use this insurance-industry software and our team has I.I.C.R.C. industry training, it’s easy for insurance companies to process the paperwork. We speak their language, in other words, which reduces confusion and any “back and forth.”

  • Many homeowner insurance policies do provide some level of coverage in a water damage situation, but you will need to contact your agent for details about your policy. The source of the water damage is important when dealing with insurance.
  • Some flooding related to weather events requires special insurance that is gained through the Federal and/or Provincial Insurance Programs.

  • To start, we clean up all standing water still present in the property. Next, we assess the water damage. We determine what can be salvaged and what needs to be disposed of, then make sure the area is dried and dehumidified.  Staying ahead of any potential mold growth is something we prioritize with water damage restoration.
  • We train our technicians to restore property before replacing it, if possible. DEFCON 1 Restoration Services is not a construction company that got into restoration. We are foremost a mitigation company, then a repair company.

  • Drying out a structure depends on the severity of the water damage that occurred, and they type of structure, with an average situation taking 3–5 days. This can vary greatly though, depending on the magnitude of damage, amount of contents affected, any demolition that may be required, and the presence of any hazardous materials.
  • Returning a home or business to its pre-loss moisture levels is a closely monitored process, with our professionals making adjustments to equipment to help ensure the area is recovering as quickly as safely possible.

  • Moisture or dampness in your carpet or other floorings. Many times, people have water in a crawl space and are unaware.

  • Yes. Some signs of hidden house flood water damage include:
    • Peeling paint and wallpaper
    • Visible mold
    • Moisture and condensation
    • Musty odors
    • Increase of insect or pest activity

  • Most people don’t realize that it’s not just serious water damage, such as flooding or a visible leak that leads to mold. Any kind of leak that isn’t properly fixed can cause mold to grow. … Under the right conditions, mold can begin to grow and spread in a matter of 24 to 48 hours
  • How long does it take for mold to grow?

    • Mold can grow immediately after water damage, but it usually takes anywhere from 24-48 hours to establish itself.
  • Does water damage get worse over time?

    • Water damage can cause serious issues in any home and if you don’t spot and deal with it quickly, then it is likely to deteriorate over time. Water damage not only tends to spread, but it can also cause the development of mold, which will grow on any surface it comes into contact with.

  • It all depends on the size of the mold infestation and its location within your business. Mold removal estimates are given on a case-by-case basis, so it’s difficult to give a time frame. It’s also a bit of a misnomer to say, “remove mold completely.” 
  • Mold is a naturally occurring organism, there are over 100,000 types and some is always present in trace amounts. We remove mold from your home, commercial property or business to restore it to pre-damage conditions or what’s considered “healthy.” Because of the complexity of types of mold, there’s actually no recognized “safe level” of mold.
  • Keep in mind though, bleach does not remove mold. It simply removes the color from the mold you can see. It’s important to remove it at the root. We attack the mold from all angles and remove it discreetly.

  • Restoration companies should employ technicians trained by a respected organization like the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). The IICRC offers several courses on restoration, including a structural drying course and a microbial remediation course. This training will prepare technicians for a variety of job situations and keep them safe when working around hazardous fluids.

  • After the damage is mitigated, repairs may be necessary. We are a full-service contractor and can make any repairs for you, leaving your business in excellent condition when we leave.