Frequently Asked Questions
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. Through consistent monitoring and evaluation of the drying process, we can determine when the drying is complete. Your carpet may feel dry to the touch, but padding and subfloors may still be wet underneath. While there are no rules to determine how long your property will take to dry, we can tell you it may take between three and five days or more, depending on the conditions.
Proper testing with our specialized equipment is how we determine if things are completely dry. Touch alone may be a false indicator.
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.
Wood flooring must be evaluated during the drying process. We employ specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers that enable us to create an environment where wood floors can dry more efficiently and resume their original shape. Due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane finishes, drying may take up to three weeks or longer. If you filed a claim, your insurance adjuster will work with you to make the final decision as to whether floors will need to be refinished or replaced.
The extent of damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. Your furniture must be dried before damage can be adequately assessed. Unsalvageable furniture will be documented for you, and if any items need to be discarded, a customer release form will need to be signed.
If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from your 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 we require your supervision to make sure no children play with it. Air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise and make your property drafty for a few days. It is important that the equipment remains on, so if the noise is disruptive to you, you might want to consider an alternate place to stay.
It is not unusual to smell odors during the drying process. Increased heat and humidity can also lead to increased odors that may be coming from the drying building materials, or dormant spill and accident areas. Do not confuse these normal odors with the odor of mold. As the drying process continues and humidity levels drop, you’ll notice these odors disappearing on their own. Deodorizers are often used to minimize these effects as well.
Not usually, but if items do need to be moved out, we will let you know ahead of time.
Our technicians will evaluate moisture content, determine the severity of the damage and may have to remove some of your ceiling for proper ventilation. Wet insulation can also be a hazard and may need to be removed.
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.
We strongly suggested that you keep the traffic in the affected area to a minimum.
A few reasons your carpet may not be salvageable:
- Delamination (occurs when the backing separates from the carpet fiber)
- Loss of adhesion (may be caused by prolonged exposure to water or the age of the carpet)
- Permanent Stains
- The condition of flooring under the carpet (if carpet covers wood flooring, it may need to be removed to salvage the wood flooring)
- Sewage contamination
Nonporous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly.
Carpet on the stairs is generally not removed for safety reasons. Exposed tack strips or staples, especially on steps, is dangerous. However, there are situations where removing carpet from stairs is necessary to prevent damage to hardwood steps or in the case of sewage contamination. Removing tack strips is not advised, as this may damage the hardwood or the subfloor. Extreme caution must be used whenever the tack strip is exposed or when the carpeted stairs are damp. If the carpet left on the stairs is unsalvageable, it will be removed when the new carpet is installed.
A sample of your pad is brought to our office for a match. When available, an identical pad will be used. When your original pad is not available, we will provide a pad of the same quality, thickness, and density. A similar pad may differ in color based upon the time it was manufactured.
Rugs are taken to our facility for special care. They need to be dried carefully to minimize bleeding of colors and discoloration. Your rugs will be dried, cleaned and returned.
When water damage has occurred, water can be absorbed into the drywall (sheetrock), baseboards, subflooring, etc. Drying these surfaces requires high-velocity air movers to accelerate the release of absorbed water into the air. Dehumidifiers are necessary for removing this excess moisture to help protect property and create conditions for efficient drying. It is important not to turn off or move drying equipment without first contacting CTR.
Our water damage mitigation specialists will place and monitor equipment to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time. Please make sure no one turns the equipment off or moves it. Please notify our office immediately if the power goes off or if the equipment turns off.
Based on average electrical rates, it may cost about $1 per day per piece of drying equipment to operate. Actual costs can vary depending on current rates from your local electricity provider.
Hard, nonporous-surfaces can be cleaned and sanitized. Affected items that cannot be sanitized require disposal. Porous materials, such as drywall, ceiling tiles, insulation, particleboard, paneling, etc., that have been directly affected should be removed during the emergency service visit.
There are many variables and many services involved in fire and smoke restoration, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the complete restoration will take. Your CTR Technician will be able to give you the estimated dates and phases of your restoration project.
We suggest that you do not attempt any “do-it-yourself” cleaning methods. It is important to be using the right cleaning agent for the particular item, mixing deodorizing agents with cleaning solutions and using correct dilution rates are just some of the ways a fire restoration technician expertly controls the results. Professional cleaning systems and products used by experienced, trained CTR technicians give you the best chance for complete restoration of your belongings.
Occupant and worker safety is the top priority. During the initial inspection, safety hazards are identified and addressed, including debris removal, air quality, electrical hazards, slip and trip hazards, etc. Burnt electrical cords and appliances are separated out for disposal, and questionable electrical appliances are unplugged and tagged for evaluation of safe operation. Electrical power may be turned off and kept off until evaluation by a licensed electrician.
We recommend that you not turn on your furnace or air conditioning unit without clearance from the HVAC contractor.
- Cash
- Medications
- Valuable Jewelry
- Checkbooks
- Personal Documents
- Valuable Paintings
- Flammables
- Pets
- Weapons/Ammunition
- Gasoline Cans
- Stamp/Coin Collections
We recommend you make a list of items (including food items) deemed nonrestorable. Make a copy for your insurance company and keep one for yourself.
This is ultimately your decision. Some things you may want to consider are safety concerns, how bad is the damage, odors, electricity, noise from equipment, etc. If vacating your premises for any length of time consider the following: forward your mail to your temporary residence; stop newspaper and other deliveries; notify utility company, cable company, etc., temporary suspension of services.
There are some items that may require general contractors such as drywall/painting; electrical; plumbing; roofing; framing/finish carpentry; flooring/carpet; installation of doors, windows, cabinets, post-construction cleanup, etc. CTR is a full-service restoration company and we will handle all the contractors that will be working to restore your property.
Depending on the source, nature, and extent of the fire, it may be best to remove all belongings to a secure facility for cleaning, storage and to make room for restoration or construction. CTR will work with you and your insurance claims representative to manage this process. CTR uses a state of equipment that tags and keeps track of all your items.
Yes, with advance notice we can schedule time for a technician to meet with you and provide access to your requested items. A service charge may apply.
Some high-value items require restoration by a specialist. Working with your insurance claims representative, we can help you identify these and locate a qualified restorer.
Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment and will need to sign a form authorizing payment for the restoration services. If this is an insurance claim, CTR generally collects only the deductible (co-payment) amount from you and bills the balance to your insurance provider as a service to you. If you have a large loss, your mortgage company may be included as a payee on the payment from your insurance company, and you may need to obtain a signature from them as well. If your claim is not covered by insurance or you decide not to file a claim, you will be expected to pay in full.
Mold is a microscopic fungus that is part of the natural environment and necessary for our ecosystem. While it is necessary in the outdoor world, too much mold inside a structure can be dangerous and unsanitary. Mold produces spores as part of its lifecycle, and these spores float through the air both inside and outside which can cause a danger to you and people who reside in your home or office.
Many people aren’t aware that mold can cause serious structural damage to homes and businesses, which, if left undetected, can cause a property to lose value and/or require significant repairs. And if you have ever suffered from allergies, exposure to molds can often cause nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, skin irritation or even more severe reactions.
Mold needs a moist environment, temperatures above freezing and a food source, which could be leaves, paper, dirt, wood or other building materials. Mold is more likely to be found in damp, dusty spaces or areas with stagnant air.
If you see mold growth or water stains, a mold test can help identify related microbial activity. You can also look for areas where water leakage has occurred, such as roofs, pipes, ceilings or walls. Musty smells may also indicate the presence of mold.
The most effective means to keep mold in check include keeping the humidity level of your home at 40–60 percent, using an air conditioner and/or dehumidifier during humid months and in damp spaces like basements, and always utilizing exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens, along with dryer vents outside your home. Lastly, if there are leaks in your roof, walls or plumbing, it is important to repair them as soon as possible.
Most experts recommend a professional remediation company when elevated mold levels are detected. Remediation professionals are specially trained to isolate and treat mold-affected areas to avoid contaminating adjacent spaces.
Sometimes you will hear terms like “toxic mold” and “black mold” used to refer to molds. While identifying the type of fungus or mold may be interesting, it doesn’t affect the course of action. If mold is present, the CDC has strongly recommended that it be removed, no matter the type*.
All of our teams are licensed, bonded and insured. You can trust that anyone entering your home from our team will be trained, trustworthy, courteous and compassionate.
We prefer to work with the customer in the home, but under specific medical situations, we can do so with their input, even if they’re not present. We will never clean out a home without the customer’s knowledge, approval, and understanding.
While we do not ask the customer to physically move items, we do ask for their guidance when it comes to making decisions. After all, the more involved in the clean up the customer is, the greater the chance they’ll have a positive experience and outcome.
Our job is to help the customer clean up their home. We focus on building trust first and teaching skill sets second. While the customer may get pushed beyond their original comfort zone as the cleaning advances, our teams are trained to identify and communicate with the customer when the cleanup becomes challenging.
Because homes are filled with high emotional situations, our experience has shown that friends, neighbors, and church groups are best suited to be support groups after the cleanup has been completed.
Absolutely. our team will work with the customer and their family members to help them better understand the cleaning plan. We’ll invest the time to make sure all parties are fully informed.
Every job is unique and pricing will vary depending on the situations, including the size of the home, type of items kept, ability to make decisions and hazards found in the home. We provide free estimates and will work with the family to find a solution that works for your needs.
Timing differs for each home depending upon volume, hazards and more. An average home takes between 3 and 5 days. Preparing for the cleanup can take weeks, but the actual cleanup is usually less than a week.
Each job will be tailored to the customer’s ability to focus and make decisions. Whether that means we work half days or full days, we’ll monitor the customer’s well-being and encourage breaks as needed.
Any valuables found in the home are the property of the customer. During a cleanup, finding valuables is an exciting event that we use to build confidence and momentum. Something of value (emotional or monetary) is brought to the customer immediately, and the story of the item is shared with the crew. Taking the time to acknowledge and hear these stories is an important part of the process.
Yes, our team will help assist with the details of donated items. Once the customer selects a preferred donation organization, our team will sort and document all items and can take them to the donation center. We will take a detailed inventory, fill out the donation receipt and return it to the customer for tax purposes.
Many of our locations do have the ability to store items in our warehouses for an additional fee. If our location does not have internal storage, we have partners nationwide that can affordably store items. In all cases, our team will handle the logistics of getting the items to storage locations. However, long-term storage after a clean-out should only be used in special situations.
Animal hoarding is a reality of our business, and we understand that our customers have the best intentions for their pets. Depending on the severity of the situation, we will partner with local animal control, veterinarians, adoption agencies, shelters, and rescue teams to gain the healthiest and safest location for the animals. Please call with questions about your specific situation and know that all calls are confidential.
CTR offers a full suite of services to clean and repair mold, water, fire and smoke damage, as well as odor and hazardous materials. The services are an additional cost and will be discussed during the cleaning evaluation and again at the end of the cleanup.
Our teams are highly trained to recognize any dangerous situations, from structural issues to mold and fecal matter and everything in between. After walking through the home, we will let the customer know if there are any dangerous situations and will discuss how it can best be handled.
We’ll help the customer and family create a plan to maintain a clean home. In addition, we’ll follow up by phone to see if the customer is doing well, or if help is necessary.
We understand that privacy is of extreme importance. We will work with the customer to be as discreet as possible.
Because of the many variables involved, it is difficult to predict exactly how long the reconstruction project will take. Your project manager will be able to give you more info on the phases of your reconstruction project and an estimated completion date.
CTR is responsible for returning your home to how it was before the damage occurred, or its pre-loss condition. We use materials of like kind and quality. There may be some damage that existed prior to your loss. Therefore, these damages have not been included in the scope of repairs.
At your request, CTR will provide you with an estimate for any additional renovation projects, also called non-insured work.
Any renovation project unrelated to your loss is considered non-insured work. At your request, CTR will provide a separate estimate for a non-insured renovation project, and we will require separate authorization and payment terms. If non-insured work will delay the completion of an insured portion, then the situation must be discussed with your Insurance Adjuster and the CTR Project Manager.
When required, your CTR Project Manager will take out the appropriate permit(s) on your behalf. If applicable, permit fees are included in the estimate and may be covered by the insurance company.
It is an upgrade that is made when your home’s pre-loss condition no longer meets legal building codes. Your insurance company may recognize code upgrades in the estimation process. Any questions regarding code upgrades should be directed to your insurance adjuster.
No, we will do our best to make sure you may go about your daily routine. For site access, you can provide a key to your Project Manager or opt for a lockbox on the property.
Depending on the scope of work, contents may remain on location. We will take appropriate measures to securely cover and protect contents. Any construction-related dust that collects will be addressed in the post-construction cleaning.
In addition to providing emergency services during regular daytime business hours, CTR can help with an emergency 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
Some problems, such as flooding, missing shingles, or blown-out windows, are obvious. However, much of the damage from storm-related events like wind or hail is not so easy to detect, and it may not be safe to investigate on your own. Call us for a free inspection.
Crime scene cleanup centers on safer assessment, cleaning, sanitizing and detoxification of contaminated crime scenes. Our professional technicians devote their time, resources and focus on helping affected victims or property owners to start their emotional recovery journey. Blood cleanup technicians play a significant part in protecting us from blood-borne infections like HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis Professional crime scene cleaners are highly trained, compassionate, efficient, licensed and competitive for customer satisfaction purpose.
No, you shouldn’t. Improper handling or disposal of biohazard materials is highly dangerous. Blood cleanup is always left to professionals for a reason. Doing it yourself can put your family, friends or relatives at risk of highly communicable blood-borne diseases like AIDS, MRSA, and Hepatitis.
The duration of the crime scene cleanup is dependent on several factors. A minor or mild crime scene cleanup process can take between 4-10 hours depending on procedures and techniques used. Surprisingly, crime scene cleaning can take up to 48 hours particularly in more serious scenarios. CTR has an incredible reputation for being fast, efficient and reliable. We accomplish this goal through our high-quality crime scene cleanup services.
Crime scene cleanup is your responsibility as a victim or property owner. You can either pay for it out of pocket or file a claim through your insurance company.
Yes, we can secured and repair your property and completely remove graffiti vandalism with no damage to your property. The CTR team has the tools and technology to clean and restore your property to its original state.
Depending on the situation your property contents may have to be removed from the property to keep it safe and for us to clean it if necessary.
Your items will be stored safely in one our secured climate-controlled warehouses.
We use state of the art software that will catalog, photograph, assess damage, and track each item that is removed from your property. It will also keep track of the progress of each item whether it was able to be cleaned or was a total loss and then we can generate a report for the insurance agent.
We use ultrasonic cleaning technology for most of the items that need to be cleaned. It uses non-toxic ultrasonic cleaning bubbles which eradicate even microscopic grime in the tiniest crevices, outperforming conventional hand scrubbing with harsh chemicals which might damage items.
Yes, when fire or water damage occurs, time is of the essence in restoring books and documents. Depending on the temperature and humidity, within 48 to 72 hours fungal growth begins, and after five days damp or wet paper records begin to chemically break down.
CTR utilizes two successful processes for document drying: air drying, a very labor intensive process that is most commonly used; and vacuum freezing, which uses “sublimation,” a process that turns a solid to a gas in one step. This method, although very efficient, can be costly and is used mainly in the restoration of irreplaceable documents.
After the structural construction and repairs are complete, your property is returned to you using the same inventory procedures and documentation that was used during the pack-out process.
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