AM/PM is BBB Accredited
AM/PM's Disaster Recovery Program
is a free pre-disaster
readiness program with
benefits that include:
• Pre-Disaster Inspection
• Detailed Property Report
• Emergency I.D. Cards
• Priority Response
• Guaranteed Arrival Time
• Discounted Rates
• Pre-Approved Pricing
Learn More!
Frequently Asked Questions
To read our most frequently asked questions, click on the corresponding section you wish to learn more about...
My house was flooded and I have cleaned up all of the water; how do I know if the walls are still wet?
Although your floors and walls may look and feel dry on the surface, there may still be potentially damaging moisture present inside the walls. Our certified technicians use a variety of specialized tools, including Thermal (infrared) imaging technology, to uncover moisture that is not visible to the eye and to ensure that your structure is properly dried. Remember, it is better to dry your building properly than to perform a costly mold remediation. Click here to learn more about Thermal Imaging Technology
How long will it take for my house/commercial building to dry?
All situations are unique, but a typical water loss takes 3 to 4 days to dry out. This includes extracting any standing water, removing any non-salvageable structural materials and returning the structure to its pre-loss condition. Some factors that affect the drying time include; the extent of the damage, the length of time before the initial response, the structures electrical capacity (determines how much drying equipment can be used), the types of building materials affected and the amount of personal property in each room. If we use our Heat Drying System, the drying time will be drastically reduced, as will the need for demolition and the reconstruction costs associated with removing, baseboards, drywall, etc. Click here to learn more about Heat Drying
How will you dry my house/commercial building?
Our certified technicians typically use a combination of high velocity air movers, dehumidifiers and thermal energy (Heat) drying equipment in response to a water intrusion. Air movers increase the rate of water evaporation while dehumidifiers remove the evaporated moisture from the air. Thermal energy drying techniques combine controlled heat with airflow to produce high-speed evaporation, dramatically reducing drying times and minimizing the need for demolition and reconstruction. Click here to learn more about our drying equipment
How long does it take for mold to develop?
Mold can begin to grow in 48-72 hours. That's why it is so important to start the drying process as quickly as possible. To learn more about Mold click here
How do I know that that my property has been dried properly?
Our technicians are certified by and comply with the drying standards specified by the IICRC, The Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, the main certifying body for the restoration industry. We conduct regular progress checks, monitoring the drying process with moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to ensure that all of the affected areas are dried to industry standards. All of our moisture content readings are recorded and compiled in a report, complete with thermal images and digital pictures to give you the assurance that all of the structural materials have been dried properly.
How much will it cost?
It is not possible to give a cost estimate without first inspecting the damage. Many types of water losses are covered by homeowner/commercial insurance policies and AM/PM works closely with insurance companies to ensure that our costs are fair and competitive. Remember that drying out your property is only a portion of the cost. There will likely be costs for structural repairs (drywall, paint, floor coverings, etc.) as well as repairing and /or replacing personal property.
Will my insurance policy cover everything?
That depends on your individual carrier and the limitations of your insurance policy. Most insurance carriers will cover damages caused by a sudden and unexpected occurrence such as a burst toilet supply line, but they will not cover on-going issues like mold that develops from a slow leak, nor do they typically cover losses from ground water that enters your property from the outdoors. The best way to determine your coverage is to speak to your agent or to the claims department of your insurance carrier. Remember, you must act quickly and call a professional restoration company to avoid further damage and more costly repairs.
Is it true that when drywall gets wet it's ruined and must be replaced?
No, when properly dried, drywall can almost always be salvaged.
If the carpet is wet, does it have to be discarded and replaced?
It depends on the class of water that the carpet has come into contact with. Here are the possible scenarios:
a) If the water was from a clean or “Category 1” water source such as a water supply line, then it can typically be dried in place and restored.
b) If the water had a mild degree of contamination, such as fire sprinkler discharge or an air conditioning condensation line, then it is considered "Category 2" and the treatment must be judged on a case-by-case basis. In a residential Category 2 flood the carpet pad is typically removed and the carpet dried in place.
c) If the water contains sewage or flowed in from the outdoors it is considered “black water” or "grossly contaminated" and is classified as “Category 3”. This water could contain blood-borne pathogens, diseases and/or chemicals of concern (pesticides, fertilizers, etc.). All porous materials affected by Category 3 water should be removed.
When structural materials get wet, will they grow mold and create a health hazard for the occupants of the building, despite the drying efforts of a professional restoration company?
If the moisture source is eliminated and the saturated areas are dried properly the chances for mold growth are diminished. Immediate response, the right technology, cutting edge equipment and procuring a knowledgeable, experienced restoration company are the key components in preventing mold growth. These factors could mean the difference between a $1,500.00 loss and a $20,000.00 loss.
FAQ’s About Mold and Indoor Air Quality
What is mold?
Molds are fungi that occur naturally in the environment. There are thousands of different species of mold. They vary in color and form, neither of which determines their level of harmfulness. Molds are very good for our environment, but become a problem when they grow in homes and buildings.
Why does mold grow indoors?
Organic materials and moisture provide mold with the food it needs to grow. Your property is built from many of these materials that include: wood, sheet rock, drywall paper etc. and is an excellent source of nutrition for mold. Molds reproduce by making and releasing tiny airborne spores that drift through the air to find an ideal place to grow. When organic materials become wet and there is a lack of sufficient airflow in a building, it is possible for mold growth to develop. Aside from the potential health effects that can occur as a result of mold exposure, mold will compromise the structural integrity of your building. It will rot and deteriorate the building materials and can cause extensive property damage if it is not addressed properly.
What kinds of health effects are associated with mold exposure?
The most common symptoms associated with mold exposure are:
•Irritation
•Allergy
What are the least common and most drastic effects associated with mold exposure?
•Infection
•Toxicosis
What levels of mold exposure are harmful?
The Environmental Protection Agency has yet to issue guidelines addressing airborne mold contamination levels. This stands to be a difficult task as each individual has different tolerances.
Mold usually has the greatest affect on people whose immune systems are compromised such as individuals that are suffering from cancer, HIV, etc., the elderly, people with asthma and allergies, or people whose immune system is still developing like young children. However, if you are a property manager, builder, landlord, realtor or a homeowner, do you want to take the chance of not addressing the issue if it arises in your building?
Residential Fire and Smoke Damage FAQ
A fire in your home is a life-altering event that is devastating on two levels:
1. The largest financial investment you’ve ever made is suddenly and unexpectedly destroyed.
2. The psychological repercussions can range from confusion, to depression, to outright anger.
The professionals at AM/PM understand what you are going through on both levels, and our highly trained staff is here to support you through the entire recovery process. Upon arrival, we will inspect your damages, assist you in working with your insurer, and be at your side through the entire clean up and rebuilding process.
Answers & Solutions To Your Questions and Concerns:
My property has just suffered a devastating fire. What do I do now?
We will liaison with your insurance company to get mitigation procedures started immediately. This can involve the inventorying and evaluation of salvageable and non-salvageable items, the relocation of salvageable items to our facility for cleaning and repair, and the demolition procedures required to start the mitigation process. Our staff will explain the entire process to you, supply and complete the requisite documentation, and answer any questions you might have concerning the restoration procedures we will be taking. Our ultimate intent is to reduce your anxiety, and make you feel less overwhelmed.
The Fire Department recommended that I get my property boarded up. Is that something that AM/PM can do?
Yes. AM/PM will respond immediately upon receiving your initial call, and will board up the premises. This provides security to your property and helps prevent further damage.
How is all of my fire damage going to be repaired?
There are several facets to accomplishing a procedure as complicated as a Fire and Smoke Damage Restoration Project. It requires professional, dedicated personnel, and precise communication between the client, the insurer and the contractor.
Below we will address the main components of the restoration procedure:
How will you restore my personal belongings?
Some items can be restored on site. For items that need to be removed for de-contamination or repair, we will prepare an inventory specifying the make and model of each item and the condition of the items prior to and after the incident. This analysis will be supplied to the client and the Insurer to ensure that all work is traceable, and that proper mitigation procedures have been followed.
What about items that cannot be cleaned or restored?
The experienced personnel at AM/PM will work with you to provide your insurance company with a concise and detailed non-salvageable materials inventory of damaged items. The final decision on whether to dispose of any item will be made by your insurance company or loss adjuster. Do not throw away items, however bad they look, until you have informed the loss adjuster. Your input as to the condition, salvageability, and value is extremely important in helping to recover proper reparation for non-salvageable items.
What should I do about items of particular monetary or sentimental value?
You should advise us about any items that may require special attention. You should also advise the claims advisor. These items will be properly catalogued by our staff, and stored until a claims determination can be made.
What procedure will be used to clean and deodorize my contents?
AM/PM uses state of the art equipment, non-toxic chemicals, and procedures to restore your contents.
All soft materials such as clothing and furniture will be cleaned and decontaminated using the most effective procedures available in the industry. In addition, all soft materials will be treated for smoke odor utilizing Ozone or the latest technological system called the Hydroxyl Generating Machine that completely remove odors without masking them with "cover-up" scents.
Hard contents such as wood furniture will be wiped down with an industry approved eco-friendly material that will remove all remnants of oils and other deposits left by smoke deposits. These items will also be Ozoned.
What is the procedure for ensuring that my home will be odor free?
After the determination is made as to what materials will be removed from the structure, AM/PM's Disaster Recovery team will begin the process of "decontaminating" the remainder of the structure. Any structural materials (framing, beams etc) that are not physically damaged beyond salvageability will be treated in a variety of ways to ensure that the structure is completely odor free.
-Sanding/wire brushing: All structural materials exhibiting burn or searing marks will be sanded to remove all visible traces of the damage.
-Cleaning and Disinfecting: All structural materials will be wiped down with an industry standard, non-toxic chemical designed to remove all traces of residue not only on the surface, but also any residue that may be trapped, or bound, within the cell structure of the wood.
-Deodorization: The entire structure will be treated with a Thermal Fogging chemical designed to permeate the wood cells and destroy any latent malodors.
Encapsulation: An Encapsulant will be applied to all structural materials to ensure that any latent odors within the structure will be unable to permeate the wood.
-Odor removal: Total and complete odor removal from the structure can only be achieved by means of removing any remaining airborne chemical bonds. This is achieved by virtue of utilizing either a Standard Ozone Machine or the latest technological system called the Hydroxyl Generating Machine. The type of fire, extent of damage, and the complexity of the structure will dictate which system will be used.
Upon completion of the structural restoration, all remaining structural materials (drywall, subfloors etc), as well as permanent fixtures such as cabinetry, mirrors, tubs, showers, etc., will be thoroughly cleaned using the same cleaning methodology used during the restoration process.
Can I use televisions and other electrical items that may have been affected?
These items should not be used until they have been assessed and if necessary, cleaned and re-evaluated.
Is it safe for me to stay in my property while smoke removal is performed?
Though the chemicals we use are non-toxic, they can cause irritation for some people. We recommend you vacate the property while we perform this work. Our Disaster Recovery technicians will be able to tell you how long this will take, which is entirely dependent upon the level of damage.
Who are the different parties involved, and what service do they provide?
The insurance agent, who sold you the policy, is the insurance company’s representative. The insurance adjuster (or claim adjuster), who is assigned to your claim, will work with us to approve and pay for the repairs based upon your insurance policy coverage limits. The mortgage company may be involved to assist with insuring your property is repaired back to pre-loss condition. AM/PM, your restoration contractor, has been hired by you and will work with all the different parties to repair your damaged property and support you through the recovery process.
Do I need to get multiple estimates?
No. Your insurance policy does not require multiple estimates. The professionals at AM/PM are fully prepared to handle your entire claim from beginning to completion. That includes: 24 Hour Emergency Services (water extraction, board-up, structural drying etc), inventorying and cleaning your personal property, restoration dry cleaning for your salvageable linens, clothing, drapery and window treatments etc., fine-rug cleaning and restoration, mold abatement, bio-hazard cleanup, odor elimination and complete property reconstruction.
How does the claim get paid?
AM/PM will provide a digital repair estimate utilizing Insurance Industry Standardized software, to the insurance adjuster who will approve the repair estimate and issue the repair payment to you, less your deductible.
When is the deductible paid?
The deductible is your responsibility and is due before any services begin.
What happens during the repair process?
The Project Manager from AM/PM’s Disaster Recovery Team, that is assigned to the restoration of your home will be scheduling the repairs with AM/PM crews and pre-approved vendors to insure the highest quality repairs. If additional damage repairs are required, the Project Manager will submit the estimate (called a supplement) to your insurance adjuster for approval before work begins. Any extra repairs requested by you that are not part of the covered restoration repairs will be paid in full to AM/PM before work on those extra repairs begins.
Who makes the fixture and construction material selections?
An AMPM Project Manager will meet with you and help you with this process. We have pre-approved suppliers that can assist with the necessary selections of construction materials, including: flooring, paint colors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, cabinets and countertops, appliances, window treatments and more.
How can using heat dry a structure without removing carpet, baseboard, tile cove base, cabinets etc.?
Heat penetrates deep into building materials, drying areas that are not accessible. Intelligent ventilation, when necessary, requires little to no repair. Certain materials become irreversibly damaged when wet, such as MDF or compressed paper pressboard. However removing these damaged materials after drying, versus removing them when they are wet, reduces the chance of unnecessary secondary damage.
Result: Considerable savings on demolition and reconstruction costs.
Carpet, dry it in place and reduce the chance for damage:
Carpet backing loses strength when it is saturated. However, manipulating the carpet, not the water itself, is what damages the carpet. In most cases, carpet and padding can be dried in place with the heat drying method, without causing any additional damage, eliminating the need for replacement.
Result: Considerable savings on carpet and pad replacement.
Is heat drying damaging to the structure?
Heat properly controlled is not damaging to the structure. Thermostatically controlling the heat keeps the heat in the proper range for optimum drying without creating unnecessary or secondary damage. Drying usually occurs within 48 hours
Are there condensation problems associated with heat drying?
Heat drying constantly flushes out old air and introduces new fresh air never allowing an increase in relative humidity and maintaining optimum drying conditions from start to finish. Therefore, no dehumidifiers are necessary in the heat drying process and the structure sees no damage due to condensation.
How can heat drying reduce A.L.E. Additional Living Expenses & Content Pack-outs?
Heat Drying dramatically reduces the demolition as well as the drying time of a structure. In most cases, the furniture can be left in place during the drying, which reduces the expense of handling pack-outs. This less invasive method allows the occupants to move back into the home/office immediately. Ultimately, heat drying reduces the inconvenience and costs associated with managing property damage.
Will heat drying promote or prevent mold growth in my home, after a water loss has occurred?
The heat drying method dries faster taking away the time and conditions necessary needed for mold to grow. Mold requires water, oxygen, nutrients and favorable temperatures in order to grow. Nutrients for mold consist of organic materials such as wood, paper or fabrics. Mold requires moisture although some mold species can obtain moisture from moist air, when the relative humidity is above 70 percent. Many molds thrive at normal indoor temperatures. However, few if any are able to grow below 40F or above 100F. Outside this range, molds may remain dormant or inactive; they may begin to grow again when temperatures are more favorable. Temperatures well above 100F will kill mold and mold spores, but the exact temperature required to kill specific species has not been determined.
Heat drying creates a healthier environment:
The well-known Louis Pasteur method of heating liquids if for the purpose of destroying viruses and harmful organisms such as bacteria, protozoa, molds, and yeasts. Along with the direct benefits of heat drying, the environmentally conscious indirect benefit is the reduction of usage of toxic chemicals.
