Find the Best Water Damage Restoration in Detroit, MI

Fire and water damage restoration companies in Detroit

The most common home restoration services in Detroit are for damage caused by fire, mold, water or a combination of those. Since these three types of damage restoration are related, the majority of Detroit damage restoration specialists are trained to repair fire, mold and water damage.

Why would I need water damage restoration in Detroit?

In 2014, record-breaking floods wreaked havoc on the Detroit, damaging thousands of homes, ruining vehicles and closing freeways and surface roads alike. Public uproar led to an increase in flood safety awareness campaigns, online access to information and academic studies.

One such study concluded that residential flooding in Detroit is a pervasive and underreported threat to public and environmental health.

Detroit has it bad, but it isn’t alone. Dozens of communities throughout southeast Michigan — Royal Oak, Clawson, Eastpointe, St. Clair Shores, Warren, Dearborn and Ecorse — are at high risk for residential flooding, and the experts can’t seem to agree on why.

Depending on who’s speaking, Detroit area flooding is a result of aging drainage systems, old infrastructure, catch basins clogged with garbage and other debris, low lying and improperly sealed homes and freeways, or stormwater pump houses that weren’t designed to handle the amount of rainfall experienced in recent years.

Whatever the cause, water damage is a reality for many Detroit homeowners. Luckily, water damage restoration companies in Detroit are there to resolve the issue.

What to expect from water damage restoration in Detroit

Water damage restoration service involves:

• Assessing the damage
• Water removal
• Drying surfaces
• Dehumidifying the air
• Cleaning and sanitizing belongings

Water damage restoration specialists assess the damage by both class and category, then develop a plan of action.

Classes of water loss

Class	Moniker	Example
Class 1	Slow rate of evaporation	Damage limited to a small area with low-porosity materials, such as vinyl tile or concrete
Class 2	Fast rate of evaporation	Damage to materials like carpeting and water seepage up walls less than 24 inches
Class 3	Fastest rate of evaporation	Damage to large area; water saturation of insulation, ceilings, walls, carpets or cushions
Class 4	Specialty drying situations	Damage and saturation of materials such as hardwood, brick, concrete, stone or plaster

Categories of water damage

Category	Description
Sanitary liquids	Liquids from sanitary sources such as tubs, faucets and toilet tanks
Grey water	Liquids that contain contaminants that may cause illness or discomfort such as liquids from dishwashers, washing machines or sink drains
Black water	Highly-unsanitary, high-risk liquids from sewer back-ups, feces contaminated toilet overflows, flooding or stagnant water

Communities throughout the Tri-County area know all too well the catastrophes that can arise when heavy rainfall hits an outdated sewer system, and category three water damage is not uncommon on the east side.

Even when limited to basement areas, water damage isn’t something to ignore. Damage starts within an hour of water exposure and grows exponentially with time.

Time	Effects
After one hour:	Staining on furniture and flooring Destruction of books, art, photographs and other paper materials
After one day:	Foul odors Drywall begins swelling Untreated metal surfaces begin to erode Destruction of cushions, mattresses and other porous materials
After one week:	Mold and mildew begin to grow Doors and windows begin to warp Hardwood floors begin to buckle Blistering on painted walls and surfaces
After three weeks:	Mold, mildew, bacteria and insect invasions Environment inside home poses dangers to health and safety Increased long-term health risk following cleanup Destruction of the majority of untreated materials in the home Wood begins to rot Structural damage Cracks form in cement base and basement walling Foundation begins to shift and warp

What to expect from mold and fire damage restoration in Detroit

Fire damage restoration and repair is the most heavily used type of restoration service in Michigan and across the country. Fires cause damage not only with flames but also with the smoke they produce and the water used to extinguish them. The restoration process after a fire involves:

• Assessing fire and smoke damage
• Removing charred debris
• Boarding damaged walls, doors and windows
• Tarp covering the roof
• Soot removal
• Smoke film removal
• The removal of water and foam from extinguishing a fire, if needed
• Cleaning and sanitizing belongings

Mold damage may not provoke the same level of urgency as a fire, but experts say, if left unchecked, it poses a greater risk to humans and animals. The mold removal and restoration process requires:

• Containing affected areas
• Filtering and cleaning the air
• Applying an antifungal treatment to mold colonies
• Removal of affected walling, carpeting and materials
• Cleaning and sanitizing belongings

Professional damage restoration technicians in Detroit can administer all of these procedures to help get your home back to normal, but the sooner they’re contacted, the more successful their work will be.

Luckily there’s no need to worry about water sitting too long in Detroit. The majority of water damage restoration businesses in Detroit offer around-the-clock emergency services. And, the sooner you call, the less you’ll pay.

How much does water damage restoration in Detroit cost?

Water damage restoration specialists in Detroit charge by the extent of the damage per square foot of damaged area. In the metro Detroit area, full restoration services for a non-catastrophic leak or minor flood costs between $1,000 and $4,000, with the majority of service calls at about $2,000.

A category one cleanup and dry out costs about $4 per square foot or $480 for a 10-foot-by-12-foot area. This price seems reasonable, but bear in mind cleanup and dry out services usually don’t include debris removal, repairs or replacements.

Category two damage will set you back about $4.50 per square foot or around $540 for a 10-foot-by-12-foot area.

Given the inherent risks, there’s a price jump for category three jobs, which are about $7 per square foot or approximately $840 for service in a 10-foot-by-12-foot area.

Does homeowners insurance cover water damage restoration in Detroit?

Water damage restoration can be expensive, and homeowners insurance does cover the cost of water damage from a burst pipe, an accidental overflow, vandalism or extinguishing a fire.

Unfortunately, when the cause is flooding, homeowners insurance doesn’t cover it. Separate flood insurance is highly recommended in southeast Michigan and can be purchased as a stand-alone policy or as an add-on to an existing policy.

However, if you’re unable to afford flood insurance, there may be other recourse. The Federal Emergency Management Administration offers 27 disaster relief assistance programs in Michigan, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has a home repair grant in eligible areas, and the City of Detroit offers 0% interest home repair loans.

Choosing a water damage restoration company in Detroit

One good thing about living here and dealing with water damage is that metro Detroit is home to many highly-rated restoration businesses, which makes for competitive pricing and fast service.

When hiring a water, fire or mold damage restoration company, look for one that offers 24-hour emergency service, has good reviews, is experienced, offers free or low-cost estimates and can provide all the services needed to get the job done. Opt for a company that provides detailed plans and includes a mold inspection following service for water damage.

Before signing a contract, call a few companies to get a feel for their customer service, professionalism and expertise. Questions to ask before you decide whom to hire include:

• Can you do everything this job entails?
• How long will the restoration process take?
• Are your technicians certified?
• Do you provide any guarantees on your work?
• How long have you been in the water damage restoration industry?
• Do you provide any guarantees on your work?
• Are you licensed and insured?
• Do you have references?

Finally, narrow your choices by price, certification and membership in industry organizations, such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification. Time is of the essence when looking for water damage repair, but your best chance to save money and prevent headaches down the line is by choosing the right company now.

If you’re still wondering whom to call first, check out the businesses below for a good place to start.