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Water Damage

You've Got Questions, Our Experts Have The Answers

  • How long will it take my property to dry?

    Drying time is determined by a combination of factors, including the location, duration and source of water, the types of building materials, the weather conditions and how quickly emergency services begin.

  • How do I know when my property is completely dry?

    Proper testing with our specialized equipment is the correct way to determine if things are completely dry. Touch along may be a false indicator.

  • Will turning up the heat help dry things out? What about my wet furniture? 

    Not necessarily. We will adjust the temperature to its optimum setting for the proper drying conditions. Please do not change the setting or shut off the HVAC system; doing so may prolong the drying process.

  • What about my wet furniture? Do I need to move out of my property during this process?

    The extent of damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be resorted. Your furniture must be dried before damage can be adequately assessed. Non salvageable furniture will be documented for you, and if any items need to be discarded, a customer relies form will need to be signed.

  • Do I need to move out of my property during this process?

    If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from you insurance representative. However, this is a decision you must reach on your own. Here are several things to consider. Safety is paramount. Our equipment is as childproof as possible but does require supervision to make sure no children play with it. Air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise.

  • 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.

  • Should I open the windows to help the drying process? 

    Opening your windows to assist the drying process is not always recommended. Outside weather conditions may vary, so the technician will determine when and if the outside air is appropriate.

  • Why does my specialty floor need to be removed?

    Nonporous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly.

  • What will you do with my area rugs? 

    Rugs are taken to our warehouse for special care. They need to be dried out carefully to minimize bleeding of colors and discoloration. Your rugs will be dried, cleaned and returned.

  • Who is responsible for paying for the service?

    Ultimately you, the property owners, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, ServiceMaster Restore generally collects only the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you.

WE REMOVE THE WATER DAMAGE AND THE WORRY.

Count on ServiceMaster of Chesapeake for expert guidance and the experience to fix your water or flood damage fast.

  • Water Damage Restoration

  • Water Extraction

  • Structural Drying

  • Floor Drying

  • Structural Dehumidification

  • Mold & Sewage Remediation

  • Odor & Stain Removal

OUR 5 STEP DRYING AND RESTORATION PROCESS FOR WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP & FLOOD DAMAGE CLEANUP IN CHESAPEAKE VA

1.

INSPECT AND ASSESS

Using state-of-the-art instruments, our certified technicians will inspect your home for damage and outline the work required.

2.

WATER MITIGATION

Whether it’s caused by a sudden flood, a burst pipe, or plumbing issue, water damage escalates quickly if not addressed immediately. One of the biggest problems with water disasters is the effect on carpets and floors.

3.

DEHUMIDIFICATION

We use dehumidifiers to extract the moisture from the air and expedite the drying process.

4.

EVAPORATION

Using equipment such as air movers, we help the water to evaporate more quickly.

5.

MONITORING

Our technicians take atmospheric and moisture content readings that indicate if the area is drying, at what rate and what adjustment, if any, need to be made to expedite the trying process and avoid excessive uncontrolled humidity levels.

CARPET & FLOOR DRYING FROM WATER DAMAGE AND FLOOD DAMAGE

One of the biggest problems with water damage disasters is its effect on carpets and floors. ServiceMaster of Chesapeake understands these issues and provides fast, on-site carpet and wood floor drying.

Here’s what your ServiceMaster of Chesapeake professional considers when drying carpet:

Age and condition of carpet

If a carpet is so old that it is a better value to replace than attempt restoration, we’ll let you know what makes the best financial sense. ServiceMaster of Chesapeake uses industry resources to help determine the exact value of carpet.

Length of time carpet was exposed to water

Most carpets can withstand water for up to three days, but immediate response to your loss is critical. In most cases ServiceMaster of Chesapeake can be at your site within two to four hours.

Type of water

Types of water affect the restoration process.
Clean water: Water from a clean source with no debris.
Grey water: Water that is not necessarily clean but is not hazardous (washing machine and dishwasher overflow, for example).
Black water: Sewage backup or runoff water. These losses are hazardous and should be handled with caution.

Water temperature

The temperature of the water is important to consider. For example, a hot water heater with very warm water will affect the glue used to hold carpet fibers together.

Here’s what we consider when drying wood floors:

  • Wood floors are very sensitive, so proper drying is critical.
  • Wood naturally holds water–up to 10% depending on the type of floor.
  • Wood can absorb another 5% to 10% without showing any noticeable effects. Within a few days, however, floors that cannot hold the water any longer will expand, causing cupping or crowning. Both are very difficult to restore.
  • Emergency response is critical for any damage to wood floors.

There’s no time to waste when your property is experiencing a water damage emergency. Our water damage restoration team arrives on the scene in no more than 45 minutes to perform a water damage inspection. We’ll remove any of your unaffected belongings to prevent any further damage, and then search for the source of the flooding.

Once the source of your water damage emergency is found, our technicians begin their repairs. From there, the next step in your flood cleanup is water removal. We care deeply about the future of your property, so we don’t leave a single drop behind. During the water extraction process, a drying and dehumidifying service is offered to prevent any mold infestations. We even test and evaluate the structural damage of your property to prevent any problems down the road.