Frequently Ask Questions

In case of a storm or other disaster that causes flooding in your home, it is usually recommended to contact a professional water damage restoration company like Thompson Restoration before contacting your insurance company. If your basement, house, or business is affected by a flood, don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. Our team will respond quickly and efficiently, perform an assessment, and with your approval, begin the process of removing water from the property. We will also collaborate with your insurance company throughout the process, including submitting a claim and working with the adjuster.

The time it takes for a property to dry after water damage will depend on a number of factors, including the extent of the damage, the type of water (clean or contaminated), the type of materials affected, and the humidity and temperature of the environment. In general, it can take several days to several weeks for a property to fully dry.

The water restoration company you hire will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of drying time based on a thorough assessment of the damage and the use of specialized equipment like dehumidifiers, air movers and heaters. Also, it’s important to note that if there is a large amount of water or if the water is contaminated, the process will take longer to complete.

The cost of a water damage cleanup will vary depending on a number of factors, such as the extent of the damage, the type of water (clean or contaminated), the type of materials affected, the size of the affected area, and the location of the property.

In general, water damage cleanup can range from a few hundred dollars for a small, isolated incident to tens of thousands of dollars for a large, severe incident.

It’s important to note that water damage cleanup costs will also vary depending on whether the water is coming from a clean source (such as a broken pipe) or a contaminated source (such as a sewer backup). Clean water damage is generally less expensive to clean up than contaminated water damage, as the latter requires additional steps for decontamination and disposal of affected materials.

There are several common signs of water damage that homeowners should be aware of:

• Visible water or water stains on walls, ceilings, or floors
• Musty or moldy smell
• Warped or buckling of walls or floors
• Peeling or bubbling paint or wallpaper
• Swelling or warping of wood flooring or furniture
• Discoloration or staining on walls or ceilings
• Slow draining sinks or toilets
• Condensation on windows or pipes
• Water leaks or seepage
• High humidity or moisture levels in the home

It’s important to note that water damage can also be hidden and not easily visible, such as in the case of a leak behind a wall or under the floor.

There are different types of water that can cause damage to a property, and the type of water will affect the extent of the damage and the cost of cleanup.

Clean water: Clean water is water from a broken pipe, faucet or other clean source. Clean water is relatively safe to handle, and cleanup is relatively simple.

Gray water: Gray water is water that is slightly contaminated, such as water from a washing machine or dishwasher. Gray water may contain small amounts of dirt, soap or other contaminants and may cause some damage to the property.

Black water: Black water is water that is highly contaminated and can cause severe damage to the property. Black water may contain harmful bacteria, sewage, or other contaminants, and cleanup will require specialized equipment and procedures to protect against the spread of disease and other health hazards.

It’s important to note that the type of water will also affect the type of cleanup process, the amount of time needed for the process, and the overall cost. Clean water damage is generally less expensive to clean up than gray or black water damage, as the latter requires additional steps for decontamination and disposal of affected materials.

At Thompson Restoration, we are dedicated to adhering to the guidelines set forth by the IICRC. We make it a priority to implement these standards in all of our projects. Additionally, we ensure the safety and protection of our clients by maintaining full liability and worker’s compensation insurance, and are accredited by the Better Business Bureau.

There are several ways to determine if your property is completely dry:

Moisture meters: These are devices that can measure the moisture levels in various materials, such as wood and drywall. When the moisture levels reach normal levels, it indicates that the property is dry.

Visual inspection: A trained professional can perform a visual inspection to look for signs of moisture or mold. If none are present, it is likely that the property is dry.

Thermal imaging: This technology uses infrared cameras to identify areas of moisture. Once all areas show normal temperatures, it means that the property is dry.

Dehumidifiers and air movers: These machines are used to dry out a property. If the humidity and moisture levels are within the normal range, and the machines have been running for the appropriate amount of time, it means that the property is dry.

It’s important to note that if you suspect a water damage or mold, It’s highly recommended to reach out to Thompson Restoration to help inspect and dry your property, we will use the above methods to ensure that your property is completely dry.