Restoration FAQ`s

How can I find a restoration company near me?

When you’re looking for a reliable restoration company, you want to find someone in your local area with a solid online presence and an equally strong reputation.

A quick search on Google will yield you some results. Be sure to verify those results by examining the company’s work history and online reputation. If they’re a reputable company like us, they should be happy to answer any of your questions themselves.

If the fire was small and only affected a small area, do I still need a professional cleanup?

Fires—no matter how small—can leave lasting damage in any indoor area. Smoke and soot collect and create noticeable stains and long-term issues beneath surfaces. It’s best to at least call in a restoration company to assess the damage and indoor air quality to ensure your property is safe and sound.

The fire department put out the fire, but now we have a lot of water in the house. What should we do?

Post-fire water and chemical damage are very common; if left untreated, they can lead to permanent problems. If you have water or moisture, contact us to have it removed.

Are all fires alike? Are there different types of fires?

No, fires aren’t all alike. The cause of a fire and whatever it burns will affect the way a fire spreads and does damage. A fire originating on the stove will leave a different residue than a fire that burns oils, plastics, or natural elements like wood. The nature of the fire will affect how we treat the damage and how we restore the surrounding surfaces.

Can we stay in the home during the restoration effort?

That depends. If the damage is limited to one area, you may be able to stay home while we carry out our work. In the case of extensive damage, we may ask you to leave the premises for your own safety. Either way, we’ll notify you of these details after our initial damage assessment.

How long will the cleanup and restoration process take?

The length of the project depends on the severity of the damage and the size of the affected space. Restoration can take as little as one visit in some cases, while it may take several weeks in others. Our initial damage inspection will let us know how long the process will take. If you need to know now, don’t hesitate to book an inspection with us today.

How does the dry-out process work after water damage?

We extract water using professional water pumps and vacuums. Then, we dry these surfaces using industrial air movers and dehumidifiers. Once finished, we monitor the moisture levels to ensure we’ve dried out all affected areas.

Will my insurance company pay for water damage cleanup and repairs?

Your insurance provider may cover the costs of water damage, depending on your coverage and how the damage occurred. We encourage you to speak to your insurance provider directly to see what they say. In cases of full or partial coverage, DKI Contrast can help you process your insurance claim by providing a detailed damage assessment to your provider. Contact us to book a damage assessment today.

How long does the dry-out process take?

Drying out can take anywhere from hours to days, depending on the severity of the flooding. Seventy-two hours is usually a safe estimate. We recommend you book an assessment with us for a more accurate timeframe estimate.

How will you know when everything is dry?

Touch, smell, and eyesight aren’t always good at telling whether a surface has been completely dried out. That’s why we use multiple specialized instruments to detect moisture and verify that everything is sufficiently dry. It’s extra-precautionary, but it’s what ensures consistent results for our clients.

What happens to my damaged furniture and belongings?

Our cleanup process always involves a careful assessment of your property, during which we help you determine what’s salvageable. If you have furniture or other items that need to be saved, we can help you with storage solutions. As for destroyed items, we can document them, dispose of them safely, and help you file insurance claims to replace them.

Should I be concerned about asbestos?

Yes. Asbestos is a concern, especially if your home or business was built in the Maritimes before 1990. Asbestos is a hazardous fiber once commonly added to construction materials like insulation, flooring, and ceiling textures. While untouched asbestos (in good condition) poses minimal risk, cutting, sanding, drilling, or renovation work can release harmful fibers into the air. Once airborne, these fibers are easily inhaled and can linger in the environment, putting everyone inside at risk.

Nova Scotia law requires professional testing if you suspect asbestos-containing materials are present. When asbestos is confirmed, removal must be carried out by a specially licensed restoration contractor to keep your project compliant with provincial regulations.

Is asbestos a health hazard?

Asbestos is a health hazard when inhaled. Once in the lungs, these fibers can cause long-term and fatal health issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lung lining. The health risks increase with prolonged exposure, and symptoms may not appear for decades.

The severity of asbestos’ impact on human health means it’s now strictly regulated in Canada, and professional testing and removal are required to manage the risk safely.

What does asbestos look like?

Asbestos is microscopic, so without specialized equipment, you can’t see the fibers. However, it was commonly mixed into various building materials, so the visual clues depend on the product it’s found in.

You might see:

• White or gray fibrous wraps around old pipes or boilers
• Textured “popcorn” ceilings common in homes built before 1990
• 9x9-inch vinyl floor tiles, often a sign of older asbestos flooring
• Cement boards or shingles used on walls or exteriors
• Loose-fill insulation, like vermiculite, which may contain asbestos

Since asbestos can’t be confirmed by appearance alone, laboratory testing is the only way to know for sure.

What does asbestos testing involve?

Testing your home or business for asbestos involves having a licensed asbestos removal company come in and take samples of suspect materials. Containment protocols must be in place during testing to prevent fiber release. Samples are then sent to a certified laboratory where they undergo analysis using techniques like polarized light microscopy (PPLM) to confirm contaminant presence and concentration.

How do I get rid of asbestos?

Asbestos isn’t a problem unless it becomes compromised when damaged or you’d like to remodel, improve, or sell your home. Once you know its presence, you’re legally responsible for overseeing asbestos’ safe removal and disposal. There are no options to perform the removal and cleanup yourself. Nova Scotia laws require you to seek assistance from a local remediation company that holds the required licensing.

DKI Contrast removes asbestos using specialized cleaning tools, approved containment products, and advanced safety equipment. These tools allow us to perform our work efficiently, with maximum safety and consistent results.

When does asbestos need to be handled by a professional remediation company?

Provincial laws dictate your next steps when you uncover or suspect parts of your home may have been built with asbestos-contaminated materials. That means asbestos testing, removal, cleanup, and disposal must all be handled by a licensed team.

Looking for restoration services? Contact us at (902) 895-9196.