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. Doing this helps prevent mold and mildew growth.

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 mold?

Mold is toxic, dangerous, and potentially damaging. It can cause wood rot, structural decay, and other problems for your home, as well as health issues like difficulty breathing, sneezing, rashes, and flu-like symptoms. If you have mold, it’s best to have it treated as quickly—and safely—as possible.

Is mold a health hazard?

Mold is very much a health hazard, especially for those with weakened immune systems, breathing problems like asthma, or other health problems.

Even if you think you have cleared up a mold problem, if you haven’t handled the source of the issue—for instance, a leaky pipe or hole in the wall—it’ll just come back.

Our experts help you with long-term mold remediation and check your air for toxins.

How do I know if I’m having a reaction to mold?

Reactions to mold include:

• “Brain fog”
• Difficulty breathing
• Irritated eyes
• Coughing
• Sinus problems
• Itchy skin

Headache and nausea are also common symptoms. If your home is prone to dampness and you are experiencing any of the above, you may be feeling the effects of mold exposure.

How can I tell if I have mold in my home?

Mold loves wet and dark areas. When it’s growing on your home’s surfaces, it can be easy to spot. Look for mottled spots of green, grey, black, brown, or red with a fuzzy, texturized appearance. Sometimes, mold may be invisible, buried beneath paint, tile, or drywall. In such cases, you can look for other hints, including water stains or a musty odor.

What does a mold test involve?

Our certified technicians have specialized air testers to check for mold spores in the air. We also use cameras and other instruments to determine whether mold is growing in hard-to-reach places. Digital moisture meters, hygro-thermometers, and infrared cameras can help us detect hidden mold.

How do I get rid of mold?

Mold is stubborn. Even when washed away, it’ll return so long as moisture remains present. At DKI Contrast, we remove mold using specialized cleaning tools, products, and equipment. These tools allow us to perform our work efficiently and with greater safety and more consistent results. We then treat the source of the moisture so that mold won’t return in the future.

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

Mold can become a serious health problem if not handled properly. We recommend that you call our experts as soon as you think you have a mold problem.