Frequently Asked Questions

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Water Damage Remediation

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration is the professional process of removing unwanted water, drying and cleaning the structure and contents, and returning the property to its pre-loss condition. Restoration is completed by certified technicians to follow industry standards using the proper methods and tools.

How much does water damage restoration cost?

The cost of a water loss varies greatly depending on the severity of the situation.

Is it safe to stay in your home if it’s flooded?

It’s likely unsafe to stay in a flooded home or business. If you come into contact with or ingest flood water, if it’s contaminated, you can become sick. Standing water inside an inhabited structure poses a risk of electrocution, as appliances and electrical outlets can continue to be live and energized.

How long does it take to dry out water damage?

Drying out your home or business depends on the severity of the water damage and the type of structure– an average situation takes 3–5 days. That being said, the time it takes can vary considerably, depending on the magnitude of damage, the amount of contents affected, potential demolition required, and any hazardous materials. 

Returning your home or business to its pre-loss moisture levels is closely monitored, with our team of professionals adjusting equipment to help ensure the area is recovering as safely as possible.

Who should I call if there is water damage in the ceiling?

We get it; seeing a bubble grow in your ceiling and on the verge of bursting can be scary. Octagon Cleaning & Restoration can immediately assist with this unsettling emergency. Call 2074898582 (ME) or 6032078526 (NH).

Locate the source of the leak, if possible. If an internal plumbing water source is causing it, turn off the water to that area if it can be safely done.

Is my insurance going to cover this water damage to my home?

Many homeowner insurance policies provide some coverage in a water damage situation, but you will need to contact your agent for details about your policy. The source of the water damage is essential when dealing with insurance. 

Some flooding related to weather events requires special insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Mold Removal

How long after water damage does mold grow?

Mildew and mold likely begin growing within a day or two after water damage occurs. Mold can develop quickly–within 24-48 hours– and will continue growing until water is removed. We urge you to act quickly when water damage occurs to your property because waiting too long to fix the damage could result in more problems, like mold.

Do I really need mold remediation?

Finding mold in your home or business can be troubling, and it’s natural to want to get rid of it fast. Mold spreads quickly and can sometimes be inconspicuous, so it’s best to call professionals like Octagon Cleaning & Restoration to diagnose and address the mold issue for you.

Can you stay in your house during mold remediation?

Depending on the severity of the mold in your home, it is possible to remain in the home or business during remediation. Before starting remediation work, one of the first things we do is erect containment around the affected area to isolate and limit cross-contamination in areas unaffected.

Can mold cause long-term health problems?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is sufficient evidence to link mold exposure to upper respiratory tract symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, in people who are otherwise healthy. Evidence was also found linking indoor mold exposure and respiratory illness in otherwise healthy children.

It is best to be cautious around mold, limit your exposure, and contact a professional trained in mold remediation to handle the situation.

How much does it cost for mold removal?

Mold removal cost drastically varies, depending on the affected area’s size and severity. A trained Octagon Cleaning & Restoration professional will inspect your property and create an estimate for services.

Fire Restoration

How to clean after fire damage?

Most cleaning after a fire removes soot residues from the structure and contents of the home or business. We have a specific process we follow for each fire damage situation.

What is the first thing I should do after a fire?

Experiencing a fire in your home or business is traumatic. Knowing what to do after a fire can seem overwhelming. Still, the first thing to do is contact a local disaster relief agency and your insurance company for immediate assistance– especially if you’ve been displaced. Try to locate any necessary documents you’ll need, like a driver’s license and other records, but don’t enter the structure unless the fire department has deemed it safe for you to do so.

Can smoke damage be removed?

Yes! Smoke and soot damage can be stubborn, but Octagon Cleaning & Restoration employees are trained in the most effective residue removal methods. Our team has specialty cleaning tools and products developed exclusively for fire restoration. 

Anytime an item is deemed salvageable, we will work to clean it ourselves or coordinate with a vendor who performs specialty cleaning for that specific item type.

How much does it cost to fix a fire-damaged home or building?

The cost to fix a fire-damaged property varies greatly and depends on the severity of the fire and its effect on surfaces and materials, the size of the building, and the amount of contents affected.

Who is liable for fire damage?

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover fire damage, including repairs to your home and its contents through dwelling and personal property coverage. You should also check your policy for personal liability or personal umbrella insurance, which may help cover a situation where a fire in your home spread into a neighboring residence.

Octagon Cleaning & Restoration will work closely with you and your insurance company to navigate the claims process, helping to take the stress away from you as a property owner.

What should I do with all the water used to extinguish the fire?

Professionals should remove water leftover from firefighting activities. Octagon Cleaning & Restoration technicians are trained in fire and water damage restoration, using specialized equipment, tools, and products. Our experts can safely remove the water and dry the home so that no further damage is caused by standing water or mold.