• 2018 Top Rated Local Award winner
• 24/7 live calls, immediate response
• We bill directly to insurance
• BBB A+ rated
• 2018 Top Rated Local Award winner
• 24/7 live calls, immediate response
• We bill directly to insurance
Water Damage Restoration & Cleanup
Water damage can happen when you least expect it. This could be a natural event such as a flood, or a severe thunderstorm. You may find a plumbing failure, or even water damage after a house fire has been put out. Whether it is a broken pipe, a leaking water heater, or a flooded structure, water damage can ruin your possessions and cause irreparable structural damage.
This impact can be reduced by prompt and proper action. Brighten Restoration has years of experience in water extraction, drying, repairs and mold remediation. Our specialists are trained and certified in all industry standards and techniques no matter the size of the job. At Brighten Restoration we understand that a disaster can happen anytime, so our specialists are available to answer calls and respond 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
If you have water damage contact Brighten Restoration Immediately. While you wait for our arrival check out our water damage tips section for things you can do to limit damage.
Request An Estimate
Our Services Include
- Complete water extraction
- Structural and content drying
- Deodorization and odor removal
- Mold inspection and removal
You Can Expect
- Response within one hour
- Professional and knowledgeable technicians
- Fully-detailed estimates
- Complete coordination with your insurance company
- Personal contact to keep you informed on the status of your project
Water Damage Remediation Process
If you read our section on Insurance coverage, you now know that the insurance companies are not in the business of paying out claims. This is why our Oregon technicians follow the Water Restoration process. Our restoration process covers every aspect of the water damage that your insurance company is looking for. Following these six steps allows us do a thorough job. It also ensures that you will get the coverage you need for your water loss. In the following sections we will show you how each step works and what it entails. If you haven’t already, check out our homepage or Facebook page to find out who we are and what we do.
The restoration process starts with a phone call. Our emergency hotline is available 24/7, all year long, including holidays and weekends. When dealing with water damage restoration, every second counts. Even a delay of just a few minutes can have damaging affects on your property.
Water damage can be a confusing and traumatic event. Thus, you need an expert you can depend on. For this reason, a Brighten Restoration Oregon representative will guide you through the process and take the reins to make the restoration process a little easier for you.
When you first call Brighten Restoration, our Oregon representative will ask you a series of questions to better understand your situation, as well as mobilize a disaster unit to your home or business. These questions will help better prepare the Oregon technicians for your water loss before they arrive.
What Questions to Expect
• Have you found and stopped the source of the damage?
• Do you need a plumber?
• Your name and contact information?
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business?
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage?
• How long has it been going on?
• What is your availability?
The water damage inspection is the most important part of our process. A Brighten Restoration Oregon water damage technician will determine the extent of the damage in this process. It is crucial that we do a thorough inspection to ensure the drying process is successful.
We identify and stop the water source
We will find and stop the source of the water damage in your home or business. Then, if you haven’t already, we will find you a plumber or roofer to fix it. Ultimately, the source of the water damage must be stopped to begin the drying process.
We identify the type of water
A Brighten Restoration Oregon water damage technician will determine the category and classification of water damage to ensure the correct procedures are followed. There are three categories and four classifications of water to look for.
Categories
Time and temperature can also affect the quality of water, thereby changing its category.
*Refer to the IICRC S500 for complete definitions.
Classifications
• Class 1 – The least amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects only part of a room or area, or larger areas containing materials that have absorbed minimal moisture. Little or no wet carpet and/or pad is present.
• Class 2 – Involves a large amount of water, absorption and evaporation. It affects at least an entire room of carpet and pad. Water has wicked up walls less than 24 inches. There is moisture remaining in structural materials and substructure soil.
• Class 3 – Involves the greatest amount of water, absorption and evaporation. Water may have come from overhead. Ceilings, walls, insulation, carpet, cushion and sub-floor in virtually the entire area are saturated.
• Class 4 – relates to specialty drying situations. Wet materials with very low permeance/porosity (eg. hardwood, plaster, brick, concrete, light-weight concrete and stone). Typically, there are deep pockets of saturation, which require very low specific humidity. These types of losses may require longer drying times and special methods.
*Refer to the IICRC S500 for complete definitions.
We Survey the Extent of the Water Damage and Inspect the Premises
We inspect and test your home to discover the extent of the water damage. Additionally, we will look for safety concerns and explain them to you. If you are aware of any safety issues, such as asbestos or lead, please share them.
We Move or Block Furniture
We move furniture and property contents and block items to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.
During the Oregon water removal step we will remove most of the water from the affected areas. We use powerful pumps and extractors to quickly remove hundreds of thousands of gallons of water from your home or business. This water removal process helps prevent the growth of mold as well as limiting the secondary damage that can occur with saturated materials. During this process, if necessary, we will also begin the pack-out.
Our Pack-Out Services
A pack-out is when Brighten Restoration moves out and organizes your content or personal belongings into a storage warehouse. This is necessary in many cases such as:
• You suffer a huge loss and your whole home needs to be restored.
• The contents are not able to be moved into another room due to lack of space.
• If your flooring is being replaced we will pack-out the areas in order to install the flooring.
Here is an outline of our pack out services, which includes content restoration.
• Assess and document losses and conditions. We’ll create detailed documentation (including photographs) of undamaged items, recoverable items, and un-salvageable items.
• At your request, we’ll bring your emergency and personal items to you. Furthermore, we’ll assist you in your decisions of what to rescue and what to discard.Prior to actual content pack out Brighten Restoration completes a detailed inventory of what you’ve kept with you, what’s left on site, and what’s transported. That’s critical for your insurance claim, and you’ll have a copy of the inventory for your peace of mind.
• We’ll carefully pack and pad your possessions and furniture, and transport them to our secure facility.
• As needed we’ll complete restoration treatment under controlled conditions. That can include thorough dry out, special smoke removal, deep cleaning, mold treatment, deodorizing, and so on.
• After treatment everything gets repacked and stored until building repairs are complete.When you’re ready, we’ll return everything to your home or business right where you want it at a day and time that’s convenient for you.
• Treatment and restoration of pack outs can include furniture, drapes and blinds, home and business electronics, rugs, bedding, and so on. We can often save what you thought would have to be thrown away. As necessary, we can also store damaged items until your insurance adjuster can personally inspect them.
Emergency Water Removal
Our Highly trained technicians will begin the Oregon water removal process almost immediately. Depending on the amount of water, they may use powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial strength, extractors. This step helps to reduce drying time and helps to prevent mold and secondary water damage. Next, we inspect the carpet pad and determine if it needs to be removed. We use state of the art moisture detectors, hygrometers, and other meters to measure the extent of the moisture saturation. Infrared cameras may be used to find “hidden” water behind walls and ceilings.
After the water removal step, your floors and walls may look dry at first glance, but they are still wet to the touch. Most building materials, like drywall and wood, are porous and will retain significant water. The retained water will cause these materials to warp, swell, or break down and can also cause mold damage. Therefore immediate action by Brighten Restoration is needed during this step to prevent any further damage. Beginning the dry-out process immediately can save you money and time.
Drying / Dehumidification
Brighten Restoration Oregon technicians will manipulate temperature and relative humidity to remove the remaining moisture. We use specialized equipment, including industrial air movers and dehumidifiers to remove water retained by building materials and other hard-to-access moisture. In addition, they’ll carefully monitor the progress using moisture meters until the materials return to acceptable drying goals.
Monitor Floors and Walls
• Checking affected walls, structural wood, flooring, etc. with moisture detectors.
• Checking an unaffected room to get your homes natural moisture levels.
• Using hygrometers to check the temperature and humidity in the air.
• Filling out paperwork for your insurance company needs.
Drying Equipment
• Industrial-grade dehumidifiers help prevent secondary water damage like swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture.
• High-speed air movers create airflow across walls, carpets, pads, and furniture, which accelerates the evaporation of moisture.
• In certain situations we may use tes systems to dry out hard-to-access moisture like hardwood flooring.
Your property’s walls, floors, and other surfaces will likely need professional cleaning treatments. Besides cleaning your property’s structure, we will also clean your belongings; like furniture, upholstery, clothing, and other restorable personal items, damaged by the water. Flooding and water damage often require odor removal and deodorization treatments, since wet materials have an unpleasant odor.
Contents Restoration
Brighten Restoration specialize in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold. Their expertise and “restore” versus “replace” mentality can help you save money while preserving precious keepsakes, including photos and other personal items that can’t be replaced. We use processes such as:
• Dry Cleaning • Foam Cleaning
• Wet Cleaning • Abrasive Cleaning
• Spray and Wipe • Immersion Cleaning
Odor removal and Deodorization
Brighten technicians are trained to identify and eliminate offensive odors with industrial air scrubbers and fogging equipment. This equipment can effectively treat serious and persistent odors that typical air fresheners and similar treatments can’t.
Sanitizing Treatments
Depending on the scenario, we may use antimicrobial, antibacterial, or disinfectant treatments to clean your property.
Disposal
Brighten Restoration technicians will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from you and your insurance adjuster.
The final step, is the process of restoring your home or business to its pre-water damage condition. Oregon Water Restoration may involve minor repairs. Repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpet, or major repairs, such as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in a home or business. Brighten Restoration offers:
• Emergency Building Services
• Repairs and Minor Building Services
• Building Services and Reconstruction
Emergency Building Services
When your home has been damaged by a storm or water, the immediate concern may include temporary protective measures to prevent additional damages, like placing a roof tarp.
• Temporary Warehouse Space
• Move-Out / Pack-Out
• Temporary Fencing
• Board-Up
• Roof Tarp
Repairs and Minor Building Services
The following building and repair services may be necessary to restore your home to pre-water damage condition:
• Drywall Removal and Installation
• Carpet Repair and Installation
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Cabinetry Repair
• Tile Floor Repair
Building Services and Reconstruction
Brighten Restoration can simplify the Oregon Water restoration process by handling both the initial damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas. Having one qualified company for the entire process can save time and keep costs low. It can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of Oregon water restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.
Water Damage Tips
When you run into water damage in your home or business your biggest concern should be safety.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- Are you or others safe to stay in the building?
- If so are there any slip and fall hazards to worry about?
- Could there be any electrical hazards, such as electronics in the water?
Tips To Minimize Water Damage
- Remove excess water by mopping and blotting
- Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items
- Remove and prop wet upholstery and cushions
- Place aluminum foils or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting
- Turn air conditioning on for maximum drying during the summer months
- Remove colored rugs from wet carpeting to avoid staining
- Remove art objects to a safe, dry place
- Gather loose items from flooring
Things You Should Avoid Doing
- Do not leave wet fabrics in place. Hang furs and leather goods
- Don't leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors
- Refrain from using your household vacuum to remove water
- Avoid using the television or other household appliances
- Don't turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet, and keep out of rooms where the ceilings are sagging
Water Damage Insurance - Are You Covered?
According to the American Insurance Association, “Water damage claims have been growing faster than any other component of homeowners insurance.” Water damage can come from natural disasters, plumbing failure, and a range of other sources. Water damage insurance is a much debated, often confusing topic of first party property insurance. Homeowners often wonder how much water damage insurance coverage they may receive in the event of serious damage from water.
Handling water damage in the home is typically costly and time-consuming. For this reason, making sure that your homeowners policy covers this type of damage is imperative. Most homeowners policies will not cover flood damage. However, many do cover certain types of water damage. Being aware of the details of your coverage is essential. In most cases, homeowners are unaware of their policy specifics when disaster strikes. At this time, it is often too late. Therefore all homeowners and property owners must ensure that they are aware of their current coverage.
Finally, those living in vulnerable areas in the United States may want to consider purchasing flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which is a separate policy.
Call us before you file an Insurance claim.
Contact Brighten Restoration before you speak with your agent, or the claims department to ensure that your water damage insurance policy covers the water damage. I say this because insurance companies aren’t in the business of paying out claims. Their agents and claim representatives are trained to ask certain questions that with the correct response from the homeowner will automatically allow them to deny your claim. Our technicians know what “trigger words” these companies are looking for and can help make sure your claim gets the payout you need. Following our restoration process, we will be able to collect all the necessary information that your insurance companies are looking for.
Water Damage F.A.Q.
Every insurance policy is different. That being said, your insurance policy may help cover leaking plumbing if the leak is sudden and accidental. For instance, if you have a leak in your walls from a sudden pipe burst, your insurance should cover the damage that it causes. However, most insurance policies will not cover the faulty plumbing. Also, there will be a deductible that the policy holder will have to pay out-of-pocket ranging anywhere from $250 – $5,000+. Rather than paying the insurance company the deductible, it will be paid to the contractor that rebuilds your home.
A typical insurance policy doesn’t cover a few water damage situations. First, damage from unresolved maintenance, or prolonged damage. For example, a continuous small leak from a leaking faucet that is not taken car of immediately. A tell tale sign of prolonged damage to the insurance company can be the presence of mold, or deteriorating materials. Secondly, some insurance policies will not cover the damage resulting from outside drain and sewage backups. However, you may be able to purchase sewage or water backup coverage that can help cover damage from that type of event. Lastly, no type of flood damage is covered by standard homeowners policies. Flooding, for example can come from heavy rain fall, an over-saturated ground, and overflowing bodies of water,like oceans and lakes. You may however, be able to purchase a separate flood insurance policy through the National Flood Insurance Program.
The simple answer to that is yes. Mold needs water to grow. For more information on mold visit our mold section.
There are many sources of water damage. Most of them being plumbing failures. Pipes in your walls can unexpectedly burst, drains can stop working and backup into your home. Many household appliances are a common source of leaks like dishwashers, air conditioners, washing machines and water heaters. Then of course you have the nastiest sources like toilets, drains, shower pans, garbage disposals and finally sewage backups. Pretty much anything that has running water through it is prone to leaks and breaks.
There are many early warning signs of water damage to look out for. Firstly, always check your supply lines and angle stops for leaks. A leaking pipe will usually have corrosion and calcium buildup around it. If you see this, call a plumber to replace them immediately.
Water heaters are prone to leaks after they have been running for 10-15 years. It’s best to install a water heater pan underneath and to run the T&P (Temperature & Relief Valve) to the exterior of the home. Also, to increase the life of your water heater, it is good to drain it every 6 months.
Every water damage situation is different and can call for different methods of restoration. That being said, a typical water damage dry-out usually takes anywhere from 3-5 days. Then, depending on scheduling and the insurance adjuster, the rebuild can be done within two weeks time.
Water damage can be very costly to fix. Be that as it may, most of the time the water damage will be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. In the case that it isn’t, be sure to hire a licensed water damage restoration contractor to ensure the job is done correctly. Restoration contractors usually use a program called Xactimate to bid there jobs. Which means that most of the pricing is fixed and will not change from contractor to contractor. The simple answer would be, an average water damage repair can run anywhere between $3000 – $5000+ for just the dry-out and an additional $2000 – $5000+ on repairs depending on how much was torn out.
IICRC Certified water damage technicians carefully and thoroughly inspect the area first. They will draw up a dry out plan and approach it with the minimal amount of tear out possible while still completely drying the area. The technician will also take psychometric readings and moisture readings to establish a dry goal. After the tear out and equipment setup they will check daily on the progress of the dry out until the area is completely dry according to the dry goal.
Why you should choose Brighten Restoration
- We are a local family owned business. We take pride in what we do and will make sure that every job is done right and leave each customer satisfied with our work.
- Brighten Restoration responds quickly to emergencies. We will have technicians at your door within hours of your call. A quick response can limit damage to the affected areas, and reduce cost for you.
- Brighten Restoration technicians specialize in mold restoration. Each technician holds and maintains ASD (Applied Structural Drying) and an AMRS (Applied Microbial Remediation Specialist) Certifications through the IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification).
- We use state of the art equipment and monitoring devices. This equipment helps find hidden moisture that may be feeding the mold and then we set up negative air chambers to contain the area during mold remediation.