What Does a Restoration Company Do? A Complete Guide

When disaster strikes your home or business, you need help fast. Water floods your basement. Fire damages your kitchen. Mold grows in your walls. 

These problems can feel scary and overwhelming. That's when you call a restoration company. But what exactly do these companies do? And how are they different from other workers who fix homes?

What Is a Restoration Company?

A restoration company helps fix buildings that have been damaged by water, fire, mold, or storms. Their main job is to make your property safe and clean again. They don't just patch things up temporarily. Instead, they work to bring your home or business back to the way it was before the damage happened.

Think of restoration companies as emergency doctors for buildings. When something bad happens to your property, they rush in to stop more damage from occurring. 

Then they carefully fix everything step by step.

Main Services Restoration Companies Provide

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage is one of the most common problems restoration companies handle. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage claims make up about 29% of all homeowner insurance claims. Water can come from many sources:

• Burst pipes in winter

• Leaking roofs during storms

• Flooded basements from heavy rain

• Broken water heaters

• Washing machine overflows

  
  

When water gets into your home, restoration experts use special equipment to remove it quickly. They bring in powerful pumps and vacuums to suck out standing water. Then they use fans and dehumidifiers to dry everything completely. This prevents mold from growing later.

Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration

House fires are terrifying, but the damage doesn't stop when the flames go out. Smoke and soot can harm your belongings and make the air unsafe to breathe. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fire departments respond to a home fire every 24 seconds in the United States.

Restoration companies clean up after fires by:

• Removing damaged materials safely

• Cleaning soot from walls and ceilings

• Getting rid of smoke smells

• Testing air quality to make sure it's safe

• Fixing structural damage

  
  

Mold Remediation

Mold is a type of fungus that loves wet, dark places. It can grow almost anywhere there's moisture, especially after water damage. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that mold can cause health problems like coughing, sneezing, and breathing troubles.

Restoration experts find mold hiding in walls, under floors, and in air systems. They use special tools to remove it safely and make sure it doesn't come back. This process is called mold remediation.

Storm Damage Repair

Severe weather can wreck homes in many ways. High winds tear off roof shingles. Hail breaks windows and dents siding. Heavy snow can make roofs collapse. The National Weather Service states that severe weather causes billions of dollars in property damage each year.

Restoration companies help clean up after storms by covering holes in roofs, boarding up broken windows, and removing fallen trees. They work quickly to protect your home from more weather damage.

How Restoration Companies Are Different From Other Service Providers

Many people get confused about who to call when their property gets damaged. Let's clear up the differences between restoration companies and other types of workers.

Restoration Companies vs. General Contractors

General contractors build new homes and do major renovations. They're great for planned projects like adding a new room or updating a kitchen. But they usually don't handle emergencies or have the special equipment needed for water extraction and mold removal.

Restoration companies focus on fixing damage that already happened. They're available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emergencies. They also understand how to work with insurance companies to help pay for repairs.

Restoration Companies vs. Cleaning Services

Regular cleaning services dust, vacuum, and mop your home. They help keep things tidy and sanitary. But they don't have the training or tools to handle serious damage from floods, fires, or mold.

Restoration companies do much deeper cleaning. They might need to remove damaged drywall, treat contaminated areas, or use industrial-strength equipment. Their cleaning methods are designed to make damaged areas completely safe again.

Restoration Companies vs. Plumbers

Plumbers fix pipes, install water heaters, and handle other plumbing problems. They're the right choice when you need to stop a leak or repair a broken toilet.

However, plumbers usually don't clean up water damage or dry out wet areas. Once they fix the plumbing problem, you'll likely need a restoration company to handle the cleanup and repairs.

Restoration Companies vs. Roofers

Roofers specialize in installing and repairing roofs. They know all about shingles, gutters, and keeping water out of your home.

But if water already got inside through a damaged roof, roofers typically don't handle the interior cleanup. A restoration company would remove wet insulation, dry out the structure, and repair water damage inside your home.

The Restoration Process

Restoration companies follow a careful process to fix damaged properties:

1. Emergency Response: They arrive quickly to assess the damage and stop it from getting worse.

2. Inspection and Documentation: They take photos and measurements to create a repair plan.

3. Water Removal and Drying: For water damage, they extract standing water and dry out wet materials.

4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: They clean all affected areas and remove any contamination.

5. Restoration and Repair: Finally, they rebuild and replace damaged parts to restore your property.

   
   

Why Professional Restoration Matters

You might wonder if you can handle restoration work yourself. While small problems might be manageable, serious damage usually needs professional help. Here's why:

• Safety: Restoration work can involve harmful substances like mold, asbestos, or contaminated water.

• Equipment: Professionals have expensive, specialized tools that work better than consumer equipment.

• Knowledge: They understand building codes, insurance requirements, and the best repair methods.

• Speed: Quick response prevents additional damage and saves money in the long run.

  
  

For homeowners in northern Colorado dealing with property damage, finding experienced restoration company Loveland CO services can make all the difference in getting life back to normal quickly and safely.

Choosing the Right Restoration Company

When selecting a restoration company, look for:

• 24/7 emergency availability

• Proper licenses and insurance

• Certified technicians

• Good reviews from past customers

• Experience with your type of damage

  
  

Conclusion

Restoration companies play a vital role in helping people recover from property disasters. They combine emergency response with specialized knowledge to make damaged buildings safe and livable again. Unlike other service providers who focus on specific trades or routine maintenance, restoration companies handle the complex process of bringing properties back from serious damage.

Understanding what restoration companies do can help you make better decisions if disaster ever strikes your property. Remember, the faster you act after damage occurs, the better your chances of a complete recovery.