Dealing with water damage in your Orlando home or business is stressful and overwhelming. You need to quickly contain the water, then begin the mitigation and restoration process to prevent further issues like mold growth. But how do you choose the right water damage restoration company to handle such an important job? Here are the most important things to look for when picking an Orlando contractor to restore your property after water intrusion.
Certifications and training
There are recognized certifications companies earn to prove proper training in established water damage restoration procedures. The IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification) offers trusted certifications like Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) and Applied Structural Drying (ASD). Technicians with these credentials have undergone verified training specific to water mitigation.
Experience
Find a contractor with extensive real-world experience performing water extraction, drying, and restoration in Orlando homes and businesses. They should have dried a wide variety of flood scenarios and damage levels. This experience equips them to create customized drying solutions for each unique situation. Be sure to ask about their average drying times for homes of similar size and damage level to yours.
Local reputation
Choose a mitigation company with an excellent reputation locally in the Orlando area. Read online reviews and check with organizations like the Better Business Bureau. Reputable companies have many positive reviews praising their responsiveness, effective drying skills, professionalism, and compassion. A solid local reputation is a good indicator of satisfied customers go to the website damagecontrol-911.com/.
Available equipment
The company should have a full arsenal of commercial-grade drying equipment like heavy-duty dehumidifiers and air movers. Their equipment should include infrared cameras, moisture meters, hygrometers, and air quality monitors to detect all moisture and confirm dryness. Having ready access to the right equipment ensures they start drying quickly and not cut corners.
Response time
Find a water restoration company that offers 24/7 emergency response in Orlando. Flood damage spreads quickly, so you need technicians on-site to begin mitigation ASAP. Even outside of declared emergencies, their average response time to calls should be within a few hours. The slow response gives water more time to cause structural issues and mold growth.
Detailed drying process
A thorough drying process is key, so the company should explain its system in detail. It should involve extracting excess water, drying all affected materials to proper moisture levels, treating any mold growth, and verifying dryness before reconstruction. Referrals vouch whether the company sticks to its stated process during actual projects.
Moisture testing and verification
The company should use moisture mapping procedures to locate wetness and verify drying. This includes testing with moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, hygrometers, and other methods until standards are met. Drying equipment should run in a space until readings normalize. Cutting corners on verification testing leads to lurking moisture and mold.
Odor treatment
Musty odors often remain after the underlying moisture is addressed. Choose a company that includes odor removal in its process. Ozone treatment and commercial deodorizers should be used to restore indoor air quality. Lingering odors indicate incomplete drying and the potential for further issues.
Reconstruction services
Many water restoration companies have partnerships with contractors to also handle reconstruction after mitigation. Choosing a company that directly manage both major phases of restoration under one roof provides greater continuity. Be sure they have strong referral relationships with licensed, insured Orlando contractors.