FAQs
The duration of the fire restoration process can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the size of the property. Factors such as fire severity, water damage, and structural repairs also affect the remediation timeline. We'll work hard to complete the job in a timely manner while ensuring the highest quality results.
We understand your personal belongings have value. Our fire restoration experts are trained in contents restoration and will assess their condition to determine the best course of action. From there, we utilize advanced techniques such as specialized cleaning, deodorization, and ozone treatment to restore items whenever possible. Unfortunately, some items may be deemed unsalvageable. We will work closely with your insurance company to document the loss and assist in the claims process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your damaged belongings.
We are experts in eliminating smoke odors and restoring a fresh, clean scent to your property. Smoke can permeate various surfaces and materials, making it a challenging task to completely eradicate the smell. Our advanced procedures, including thermal fogging, ozone treatment, and air scrubbers, will neutralize and eliminate smoke effectively.
We strongly advise against addressing fire and smoke damage on your own. Fire and smoke restoration is a complex process requiring specialized equipment, expertise, and training. Attempting to perform restoration work yourself can not only be dangerous but may result in further damage.
First General has the experience and expertise to handle even the most complex fire and smoke restoration projects. Using state-of-the-art equipment and specialized cleaning techniques, we can quickly and effectively eliminate all traces of damage.
The decision to hire general contractors for reconstruction depends on the scope and complexity of the restoration project. As a full-service restoration company, our experts are trained to handle all aspects of the restoration process, from initial damage assessment to complete reconstruction. This streamlined approach ensures efficient communication, seamless coordination, and timely completion.
Even after the fire has been extinguished, smoke and soot can still pose a danger to your health. Wearing protective gear such as gloves, a face mask, and safety glasses is crucial when entering a fire-damaged property.
In addition, fire and smoke damage can weaken the structural integrity of a building, so it's essential to have a professional conduct an inspection before entering to avoid potential collapse.
While the cost of fire cleanup services can vary depending on the size and severity of the fire, we believe in transparent pricing and will provide you with a detailed and customized cost estimate. Our priority is to provide you with efficient and affordable fire cleanup services, helping you rebuild and restore your space.
In many cases, insurance policies will cover fire damage restoration services. However, you will need to review your insurance policy and contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and claim process. Our team works closely with insurance companies and will provide you with detailed documentation of the damage, restoration plans, and cost estimates to facilitate a smooth and successful claim. Our goal is to help you maximize your insurance coverage and minimize out-of-pocket expenses while restoring your property to its pre-fire condition.
Water damage can result from various sources such as burst pipes, leaking appliances, heavy rain, or flooding. To prevent it, regularly inspect and maintain plumbing systems, seal windows and doors properly, and ensure good drainage around your property.
It's crucial to address water damage immediately to prevent mold growth, structural damage, and other costly issues. The longer water sits, the more damage it can cause, so prompt action is essential.
The water damage restoration process typically involves assessment, water extraction, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and sanitizing, and restoration of damaged areas. Professional restoration companies use specialized equipment and techniques to ensure thorough restoration.
The duration of water damage restoration depends on factors such as the extent of damage, the size of the affected area, and the type of water involved. However, restoration efforts usually take several days to complete, with more severe cases taking longer.
Most homeowner's insurance policies cover water damage caused by sudden and accidental events like burst pipes or appliance malfunctions. However, coverage may vary, so it's essential to review your policy and consult with your insurance provider to understand what is covered.
Look for a restoration company certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and with experience handling various types of water damage situations. Additionally, seek out references and reviews from past clients to ensure reliability and quality service.
Storm damage refers to any type of damage that is caused by a severe weather event, such as a hurricane, tornado, hailstorm, or heavy rain. This can include damage to roofs, siding, windows, and other parts of a home or building.
Some signs of storm damage include missing or damaged roof shingles, dents or cracks in siding or windows, and water damage or leaks. It's a good idea to have your home inspected by a professional after a severe weather event to assess any damage that may have occurred.
While minor repairs may be possible for homeowners with some DIY experience, it's generally recommended to hire a professional contractor for storm damage repair. They will have the experience and tools necessary to properly assess and repair the damage, and can ensure the work is done safely and correctly.
The cost of storm damage repair can vary widely depending on the extent of the damage and the location of the home. Insurance may cover some or all of the cost of repairs, so it's important to contact your insurance company as soon as possible after a severe weather event.
The timeline for storm damage repair will depend on the extent of the damage and the availability of contractors and materials. Minor repairs may be completed in just a few days, while major repairs or rebuilding may take several weeks or even months.
If you have storm damage, the first step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others. If there are any downed power lines or gas leaks, evacuate the area immediately and contact emergency services. Once it's safe to do so, contact your insurance company and a professional contractor to assess the damage and begin repairs.
We have a NEW top of the line Truckmount unit with over 300 ft of large hose! Major heat and suction! This unit is awesome for carpet, tile and upholstery! Great for houses, town houses, low level condos and commercial work!
For higher up where the truck mount can't reach we use powerful upgrated portable machines that have multi staged vacuums and can reach temperatures up to 240f. We also use a CRB (counter rotating brush) this agitates the detergents, scrubs down deep and pulls debris like dirt and hair up and out of the carpets.
Our commercial machines for VLM are top of the line orbital machines that clean down deep.
Before we arrive please make sure to:
- Have the carpeted areas cleared of any small furniture, boxes or debris.
- We love pets but please have them in a secured area before we arrive.
- Pre-vacuum! You will receive a better outcome by having your carpets pre-vacuumed.
- Have a water source available. We don't need a ton! Tub, laundry sink or tap work well.
- Tell us what exactly you want done and if you have any special requirements.
- Identify any troubled spots or stains or pet stains.
- Let us know if you would like to add a protectant to your carpets after to keep them looking cleaner longer.
That's up to you! You are welcome to stay in the residents though it might be loud from the powerful vacuums running. You can leave and we will call or text you when we are finished or we can lock up for you when we are finished.
We accept e-transfers, cash, credit cards, and cheques.
If you NEED to you can with clean inside shoes or slippers. Please keep the pets off the carpets as long as possible.
It's better if you can keep everything off the carpets until it's fully dried to prevent wicking or running of the furniture coatings.
That depends on a lot of factors such as cleaning method, carpet type, pile, how badly it was stained ect. It's nomally dry in less than 24 hours.
Airflow is your friend! You can turn on a fan, turn your furnace to circulate air, turn on your bathroom fans or open a window if it's warm outside.
To keep your carpets maintained and clean it's recommended to have traffic areas done every 6 months and all the carpets cleaned every year.
Biohazardous waste includes materials contaminated with biological substances that pose a threat to human health or the environment, such as blood, bodily fluids, or infectious materials. Professional cleanup is essential to ensure proper containment, removal, and disposal of these hazardous materials to prevent exposure and contamination.
Biohazard cleanup services are needed for various situations, including crime scenes, trauma incidents, unattended deaths, hoarding cleanup, sewage backups, and infectious disease outbreaks. These situations can involve dangerous pathogens and require specialized cleaning procedures to ensure safety.
Biohazard cleanup companies follow strict safety protocols and regulations established by organizations such as OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). They use personal protective equipment (PPE), containment measures, and disinfection techniques to minimize risks to their team and the environment.
The biohazard cleanup process typically involves assessment of the situation, containment of the affected area, removal and disposal of biohazardous materials, thorough cleaning and disinfection, and deodorization if necessary. Specialized equipment and cleaning agents are used to ensure effective decontamination.
In many cases, biohazard cleanup may be covered by homeowner's insurance, depending on the circumstances and policy coverage. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage and any requirements for filing a claim.
When choosing a biohazard cleanup company, look for firms with experience, proper certifications (such as from the IICRC), and positive reviews from past clients. Ensure they have the necessary licenses and insurance coverage and are compliant with all relevant regulations and standards.
Mould removal is the process of eliminating mould and mildew from homes or buildings to ensure a healthy and safe environment.
Mould removal typically involves identifying and containing the mould, using specialized equipment for removal, and applying treatments to prevent its return.
Mould can pose health risks and damage property. Mould removal ensures a clean and safe living or working space.
Look out for musty odors, visible mold growth, water stains, or allergic reactions like sneezing and coughing.
The timeframe varies based on the extent of the mould problem. It can range from a few days to several weeks.
It's best to hire professionals with the right expertise and equipment for effective and safe mould removal.
Crocidolite (blue), amosite (brown), and chrysotile (white) – Probably too small for you to see.
1977 in homes (They had it slowly fizzled out as people still used the products, they had already purchased which is why it is found in materials up to 1990).
Drywall mud compound, ceiling tiles, vinyl floor tiles, roofing shingles and siding, tar paper, sealants, caulking, tape on pipes, insulation, linoleum floor adhesive.
Nothing, unless it's has become disturbed, and particles are airborne it is not a hazard to you. If it appears disturbed, cover it with plastic. Always test material before demolition, call an asbestos testing company to complete tests, if positive, call an abatement company or us to remove it safely for you.
Asbestos can be found in homes 1990 and older.
Asbestos or vermiculite insulation is generally pebble-like, and it is greyish brown or gold. Cellulose insulation is grayish and appears like shredded paper.
Construction rebuild services refer to the process of restoring or reconstructing a building or structure that has been damaged or destroyed. This can include repairing or replacing damaged materials, rebuilding structures from the ground up, and restoring the building to its pre-damage condition.
You may need construction rebuild services if your building has been damaged due to a natural disaster, such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake, or due to a fire, vandalism, or other causes.
The process for construction rebuild services will vary depending on the extent of the damage and the scope of the project. Typically, it will involve an initial assessment of the damage, followed by a plan for restoration or reconstruction, obtaining permits and approvals, demolition of damaged structures, and then rebuilding or restoring the property.
The length of time for construction rebuild services will depend on the extent of the damage and the complexity of the project. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, or even years for larger projects.
Yes, it's highly recommended that you hire a licensed and experienced contractor for construction rebuild services. They will have the necessary skills, equipment, and expertise to assess the damage, develop a plan, and carry out the restoration or reconstruction process.
Yes, it's highly recommended that you hire a licensed and experienced contractor for construction rebuild services. They will have the necessary skills, equipment, and expertise to assess the damage, develop a plan, and carry out the restoration or reconstruction process.
It depends on the extent of the damage and the scope of the project. In some cases, it may be possible to continue using the building during the restoration or reconstruction process, while in others it may be necessary to vacate the premises for safety reasons.
Contents restoration services may be necessary to restore valuable items damaged by smoke, fire, flood, mould, break-in or other unforeseeable disaster.
The contents restoration timeline depends on several factors, including the type of item, the level of damage, and the specific technique used to restore it. It can be a few days or several weeks, depending on the situation. Our team will provide an estimated turnaround time during the Inventory and Evaluation process.
Our contents restoration professionals employ a variety of techniques. These include wet and dry cleaning, ultrasonic cleaning, deodorization and sanitization methods, and reupholstering. In addition, we train our technicians to handle different restoration processes on an individual basis while promoting safety and care.
Contents restoration services are typically covered under the fire, flood, mould or disaster portion of your insurance policy. Be sure to review your insurance policy and/or contact your provider if you have questions regarding claims and coverage for content restoration.
Start vetting content restoration providers by checking customer feedback and online reviews. You'll also want to look for a company with accreditations and certifications, a proven track record and excellent customer service.
