In September 1999, a 10-foot storm surge from Hurricane Floyd hit the Carolina coast. The shockwaves were felt far inland, as rivers across the state rose more than 20 feet above flood stage, causing entire towns to be lost underwater.
Every river basin in Eastern North Carolina reached 500-year flooding levels.
For many, flood memories like these remain as tragic pictures and videos seen on the news and across the internet, but for others, flooding represents deep personal loss, traumatic upheaval, and a sincere struggle to move forward toward a hopeful and brighter future.
But this new beginning can’t occur until a home is safely restored and water damage restoration can begin.
As the leading water restoration company, we find something incredibly fulfilling about helping families return to the place they love.
If you’re wondering “where is water damage restoration near me?” First Call has locations throughout Greensboro, Burlington, Raleigh and the Triangle areas, with multiple locations to serve you.
We know you may be wondering how long water damage restoration takes, and we’ll provide the answers along with the many different ways First Call is the right one to call when you’re hit with the unexpected.
How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take?
First, we want to be clear: the time it takes to complete a job obviously depends upon the size and scope of the project. A large warehouse or school will take more time than a two-bedroom house.
It also depends upon the type of material. This affects the amount of time it takes the material to dry out. A rule of thumb is that it takes around 72 hours for one room to be completely dried out. Once the room is dried out, it may take around one to two weeks to make the repairs.
It also depends upon the date of the home or facility. Those created before 1985 must be tested for asbestos before we open up walls in order to dry them.
The length of repair can also be influenced by mold removal if there is evidence of mold. In addition, the property has to be properly sanitized.
We understand that you want to return to your home as soon as possible—and we want you to as well—but our first priority is to ensure that you can do so safely. This is why we never take shortcuts when conducting water damage restoration.
Interesting Facts About Flooding
If you think you can’t be affected by flooding because you don’t live in a coastal area, think again.
Did you know that floods are the most common natural hazard in the United States? Add to this the fact that damages to flood losses amount to roughly $10 billion a year, and you can see how any home can fall prey to rushing waters and rising rivers.
You’re not immune if you live near or in a city. An estimated 17 percent of urban land in the U.S. is located in a 100-year or high-risk flood zone. This means homeowners have a 1 in 4 risk of being flooded.
What Water Damage Does to Your Home
Did you know that water damage starts within the first hour that water inundated your home? You’ll find that the drywall, as it becomes web, will break and bulge. Your furniture will crack, and certain surfaces will tarnish.
Mold can also start growing within 24 hours, settling into your house and preparing to create spores that will reproduce throughout your home.
Within two days, mold has spread throughout your house, and mildew can be widespread. At this point, your floors, doors and windows may warp, particularly if they are made of wood.
After more than a week, you’re facing serious structural damage to your home. If you have delayed getting help for your water damage, then you’re facing a compounded problem. If you’ve waited this long, it may take longer for water damage restoration to be completed.
One thing that is clear: Any time after a water damage disaster, there is always a serious risk of biohazard exposure.
Do You Need the Best Water Damage Restoration Company? First Call is the Right Call
Delaying getting help for your water-damaged home or office means you’re facing more extensive and serious damage. To minimize the amount of time you’ll be out of your home, it’s important to contact us immediately after water damage has occurred, whether this is from flooding, burst pipes or after a fire.
Our professional technicians will work closely with your insurance company, saving you time and headaches. We’ll treat your home with the same care and respect as we treat our own because we understand the importance of stellar customer service—it’s not just a buzzword with us; it’s a dedication to providing the best in every aspect of how we related to our customers.
We have also adjusted our procedures during COVID to be sure that our customers are safe.
Have you experienced water damage? Remember that First Call is the right call. Contact us today.
