Skip to Content
Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists
Call Us Today! (401) 267-9461
Call Us Today! (401) 267-9461
Top

FAQ

  • Questions about the Single Source Process

    • Why choose Single Source after a property damage disaster?

      When your property has been damaged, you need more than a company that can remove water or tear out drywall. You need a restoration company capable of managing the recovery from beginning to end.

      Single Source Disaster Recovery Specialists has been helping homeowners, businesses, property managers, and institutions recover from property damage for more than 55 years.

      From the initial emergency response through the final repairs, our goal is to make a difficult situation as organized and manageable as possible.

    • What should I expect after I contact Single Source for EMERGENCY Service


      Emergency calls are taken very seriously. If you are experiencing active water damage, fire and smoke damage, or other property damage that threatens your home or business, your call will be transferred to a Project Manager who can assess the situation and dispatch an emergency response crew as quickly as possible.

      What information should I have when I call?

      Don't worry if you don't have every detail. During an emergency, we only need enough information to understand the immediate situation and determine how we can help.

      • Your name and contact information
      • Property address
      • Type of damage
      • Whether the source of the damage has been stopped
      • Any immediate safety concerns
      • Insurance information, if available

      Additional details can be gathered once the immediate situation is under control.

    • What should I expect if it's not an emergency situation?
      For non-emergency property damage, a Project Manager will return your call within 24 hours. We will ask for the property location, a description of the damage, your contact information, and insurance information if you plan to file a claim. You can also provide this information through our online contact form and upload photos of the damage. A complimentary site visit will then be scheduled with an assigned Project Manager
    • Does Single Source work directly with insurance companies?

      Yes. Single Source has more than five decades of experience working with insurance carriers and claims adjusters. We can provide documentation and communicate with you and your adjuster throughout the restoration process

    • Should I call my insurance company first after experiencing property damage?

      Not necessarily. You can call Single Source immediately. You do not need to wait for an insurance adjuster before taking reasonable steps to prevent additional property damage. We regularly work with insurance carriers and claims adjusters throughout the restoration process.

  • Questions About Water Damage

    • Can I turn off the drying equipment at any time?

      We understand the equipment may be loud and difficult to deal with at times, but it is imperative to the dry out process of your property. We request that you leave the equipment on at all times unless you are told otherwise by one of our specialists. Any manipulating of the drying equipment will alter the amount of time until the affected area is dry.

    • How often will you monitor the drying process?

      Each property is different but typically our teams will come by anywhere from a few times a week to daily based on the size and severity of the project.

    • How long does the dry out process take?

      You may hear other companies advertise that “they can dry your property in 3 days”, but this really depends on the loss. Every loss is different and should be treated accordingly. Our certified technicians will assess the loss, determine what is salvageable and what may need to be replaced then give you a more estimate of when each phase of the project will be completed.

  • Questions about Fire, Soot,& Smoke Damage

    • What should I do immediately after a fire?

      Your first priority is safety. Do not re-enter the property until the fire department or appropriate authorities have determined that it is safe.

      Once the property has been released, contact Single Source as soon as possible. Fire damage can extend well beyond the area where the fire occurred. Smoke, soot, water from firefighting efforts, and corrosive residues can affect other areas of the property and should be addressed quickly
    • My fire was small. Do I really need professional smoke and soot cleaning?

      Possibly. Even a relatively small fire can spread smoke and soot throughout a home or building.

      Smoke particles can travel through doorways, wall cavities, HVAC systems, and other openings, depositing residue far from the original fire. Some residues can also be corrosive and may damage certain surfaces if they are not properly removed.

      A professional evaluation can determine how far the contamination has traveled and what needs to be cleaned.

    • Can I clean soot from the walls and ceilings myself?

      Can I clean soot from the walls and ceilings myself?

      It's not recommended. Different types of fires produce different residues, and using the wrong cleaning product or technique can smear soot, drive residue deeper into porous materials, or permanently damage surfaces. Single Source fire restoration technicians use specific tools and cleaners that determine the appropriate cleaning methods based on the type of residue. Air duct cleaning is also recommended since smoke and soot can go deep into vents and may jeopardize your property's air quality. All in al, it is best  to leave this task to professionals.
    • What happens to water damage caused by the fie department

      Water damage from firefighting efforts is often a significant part of a fire loss.

      Once the property is safe to enter, standing water and wet building materials should be addressed quickly. Single Source can handle both the water mitigation and the fire and smoke restoration, allowing the recovery process to be coordinated by one company.

    • Can Single Source rebuild my property after the fire cleanup?

      Yes.

      Single Source can manage the restoration from the initial emergency response and stabilization through smoke and soot cleaning, contents restoration, demolition, and reconstruction.

      Instead of coordinating multiple contractors, our customers can work with one restoration company throughout the recovery process.

  • Questions About Mold & Asbestos Remediation

    • How long does it take for mold to grow after a water loss has occurred?

      It does not take very long before the conditions are satisfactory for mold to grow. Generally mold can grow in as little as 24-48 hours if moisture is present. Unfortunately, water can travel to places that are not easily accessible without removing building materials such as flooring or drywall. If a water loss has occurred in your home or place of business, contact us as soon as possible and we would be glad to come out to inspect your property.

    • Can anyone remove mold?

      Potentially, but it is strongly advised that you use a highly experienced mold remediation contractor like Single Source who will safeguard your health and safety during the remediation process as well as perform the precautions necessary to help prevent mold infestations from happening in the future.

    • Do you do mold testing?

      Yes. When mold testing is appropriate, Single Source can coordinate with an independent third-party environmental hygienist to perform testing and determine whether mold is present. Using an independent professional helps keep testing separate from the company performing the remediation.

    • If I can see visible mold, do I still need to test for it?

      Not every situation is the same. If you have visible mold, you can use our online contact form to describe the problem and upload photographs. A Project Manager can review the information and schedule a complimentary site visit when appropriate. Depending on the circumstances, independent environmental testing may also be recommended.

  • Questions About Repair & Reconstruction

    • What happens after the cleanup and mitigation are finished?

      Mitigation is often only the first part of restoring your property.

      Once damaged materials have been removed and the structure has been properly dried or cleaned, repairs may include drywall, plaster, painting, flooring, cabinetry, carpentry, and other reconstruction work.

      Because Single Source handles both mitigation and reconstruction, you don't have to start over searching for another contractor once the emergency work is complete.

    • Will I need to hire a different contractor for repairs or reconstruction?

      Not with Single Source. We can manage the restoration process from the initial emergency response through cleanup, drying, remediation, and reconstruction.

      One Call Does It All!

    • Is all of the work performed by Single Source employees?

      The majority of property damage restoration and repair work is performed by Single Source technicians and carpenters. When specialized services are appropriate - such as independent environmental or air-quality testing - Single Source works with trusted, qualified third-party professionals.

    • Does Single Source warranty its repair work?

      Yes. Single Source warranties its repair work for five (5) years from the date the repair work is completed, excluding normal wear and tear, negligence, intentional damage, and conditions or causes unrelated to the work performed by Single Source.

  • Disaster Recovery FAQ

    • Can I stay in my home during the remediation process?

      If only a small area of your home is affected and the work we are performing is not a hazard to your health, then it may be fine to stay there. However, if the project is more extensive and the damage is throughout your entire home, it may be easier to stay elsewhere. If we are providing services that are hazardous to your health, you will be required stay away until the hazardous materials are removed. If your insurance is involved and you have the proper coverage, they can possibly provide assistance for temporary housing.

    • Are any of the chemicals used harmful to my pets?

      Under special circumstances, we do require the use of chemicals that can be harmful to your pets and possibly to you as well if you are present during and shortly after application. If we use such chemicals, we will ask you to vacate the affected area and then allow our staff, while wearing proper protection gear, to apply these chemicals safely. If requested, we can employ a Benefect, which is an organic antimicrobial disinfectant that is completely safe to you and your loved ones.

    • What needs to be done before leaving my home for an extended period to prevent an emergency from happening?

      There are a number of issues that should be addressed before you leave your home for any length of time to prevent an emergency:

      • First, you should probably allow someone you trust access to your home to check on it while you are gone. There are services such as property management companies that specialize in providing assistance while you are away.
      • Be sure to shut off your main water supply line. This is usually located outside of your home around the perimeter. Turning off the water main will avoid problems that could arise from any potential plumbing issues that we commonly see. It would be wise to inspect all plumbing fixtures before you depart or hire a company to inspect them for you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
      • Unplug any electronics that will not be left on while you’re away. In the event of a surge, you can save your electronics from being affected or destroyed while you are away. This is also keep your electric bill low in your absence.

      There are a number of other items that should be addressed before your departure but these few tips should help prevent some of the concerns related to a water loss emergency at your home. If you have any questions, please give us a call.