Interior

• Flooring
  Some contractors and resources may claim that a quick fix can be made on your property. This carries a risk as any residual water left after the water extraction process has been completed can still cause damage to a property if left untreated. Even with proper drying equipment in place, carpet can take 24 hours or more to dry. Moderately wet drywall can take 1-3 days. Hardwood flooring, plaster, concrete and wood may require 7-10 days to dry. Contractors and claims professionals that promise to dry buildings in three days are ignoring scientific principles.
• Door Installation/Replacement
  Conduct an extensive visual check from your doors and windows to see if there are any hazards in your vicinity. Do not go outside if you can see high flood water or downed powerlines. Instead, alert emergency services that you are trapped and wait.
• Drywalls
  Whether it’s a burst pipe, flood damage, or any other number of potential causes, water damage needs speedy and effective water damage mitigation. Water mitigation is about much more than just drying and cleaning a property. There are many other factors to consider, like decontamination and treating porous materials (e.g. carpet or drywall) that can hold water. If left damp or untreated, bacteria can potentially thrive and cause future problems.
• Framing
  Once highly affected porous materials, such as gypsum board, have been removed, any remaining materials like plywood subfloors and Douglas fir framing can then be cleaned. All visible traces of mold will be removed before an antimicrobial or biocide spray is used to clean the surfaces during a wet wipe. You may have heard of "mold removal spray" products; however, these are not known to actually remove mold and only assist in cleaning after removal.
• Cabinet Installation

Construction

• New Construction
  As the #1 Insurance Restoration Company in the United States since 2001 ( Qualified Remodeler Magazine), BELFOR has successfully rebuilt tens of thousands of wind-damaged households through the years. It is in situations like these that our team’s specialized skill sets are required. Rebuilding part of a home is very different from a new construction facility. Building materials, design, and finishes must all be matched to the remaining structure, while moisture remaining in the building components may need to be addressed as well.
• Demolition
  In order to avoid any cross-contamination, areas of mold must be isolated from other areas before demolition, cleaning or drying can begin. Any airflow across affected moldy surfaces can spread mold spores around the building and spread contamination.

Landscaping and Fencing

• Landscaping
  In the short-term, taking steps such as moving belongings from the main level to upstairs rooms, raising furniture off the floor, and using sandbags to block flood water entry points can be effective in minimizing damage. Long-term flood reduction measures can include improving land grading or slope, changing landscaping, installing water barriers and new drainage systems. Our Flood Preparedness page provides many more tips on staying safe.
• Fencing

Exterior

• Window Installation/Replacement
  Carbon Monoxide and toxic particles found in smoke can irritate your eyes, nose, and throat, and may lead to nausea, light-headedness, chest pain and, in extreme cases, suffocation. If you are exposed for a prolonged period of time, toxic particles can also cause damage to your lungs. Try and limit smoke inhalation by staying inside with doors and windows closed, and wear N95 masks to filter out harmful contents of the smoke.
• Gutters
  Gutters and downspouts are essential for draining water away from a property. When gutters are clogged, however, the intended drainage path is blocked and water overflows, often going into the property. This can cause a variety of property damage issues, including some as severe as structural failure.
• Siding
  Wind is another one of the most common causes of weather-related property damage. During a severe thunderstorm, winds can reach speeds over 100 mph. Even with much lower wind speeds, tree branches, lawn furniture, and other loose items can become projectiles. When these objects are thrown around in the wind, they can break windows, dent siding, and cause other exterior property damage. Perhaps most commonly, strong winds can bring down large limbs and trees, which can cause serious damage to roofs and entire structures. Strong winds and falling trees can also lead to downed power lines, which can cause dangerous electrical shocks and start fires.
• Residential Roof Repair
  Roofing material and shape can have a significant impact on the amount of damage hail can cause. Solid roof decking and impact-resistant roof coverings will help reduce the risk of hail damage. When looking at materials for your roof, if you live in a hail prone region, try to stick to a UL 2218 class 3 or 4 impact resistance. Introducing a slope to your roof can also help lessen hail damage. Roofs with steep slopes don’t see as much damage because they don’t sustain as much direct impact from falling hailstones.
• Residential Roof Replacement/Installation

General

• Insulation
  Inadequate Insulation - Most modern homes, especially those in areas that experience harsh winters, are built with insulation around the pipes. However, many older homes, as well as those in parts of the country that don’t typically experience freezing temperatures, often have exposed pipes that are more prone to freezing. Furthermore, pipe insulation can deteriorate over time, exposing previously well-insulated pipes.
• Caulking
  Doors are the main entry point for floodwaters. Sealing your external doors by caulking around the frame can dramatically reduce the amount of floodwater that gets in. You’ll need to seal your doors in good time, before the flooding starts, because caulk needs around 48 hours to completely dry and cure.