Drying time is determined by a combination of factors, including the location, duration, and source of water, the types of building materials, the weather conditions, and how quickly emergency restoration services begin. Through consistent monitoring and evaluation of the drying process, we can determine when the drying is complete. Your carpet may feel dry to the touch, but padding and subfloors may still be wet underneath. While there are no rules to determine how long your property will take to dry, we can tell you it may take between three and five days or more, depending on the conditions.

We use specialized equipment  to determine if things are completely dry. Touch alone may be a false indicator as moisture may still be present below touch surfaces.

Not necessarily. We will adjust the temperature to its optimum setting for the proper drying conditions. Please do not change the setting or shut off the HVAC system; doing so may prolong the drying process.

Wood flooring must be evaluated during the drying process. We utilize specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers to create an environment where wood floors can dry more efficiently and resume their original shape. Due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane finishes, drying may take longer. If you filed a claim, your insurance adjuster will work with you to make the final decision as to whether floors will need to be refinished or replaced.

The extent of damage and the construction of the furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. OMW does not offer contents processing at this time and does not handle furniture.  

If you file an insurance claim, you may receive guidance from your insurance representative. However, this is a decision you must reach on your own. There are several factors to consider. Safety is paramount. Our equipment is as childproof as possible, but we require your supervision to make sure no children play with it. Air movers and dehumidifiers will create noise and make your property drafty for a few days. It is important that the equipment remains on, so if the noise is disruptive to you, you might want to consider an alternate place to stay.

It is not unusual to smell odors during the drying process. Increased heat and humidity can also lead to increased odors that may be coming from the drying building materials, or dormant spill and accident areas. Do not confuse these normal odors with the odor of mold. As the drying process continues and humidity levels drop, you’ll notice these odors disappearing on their own. Deodorizers are often used to minimize these effects as well.

 If items need to be moved out, OMW will let you know in advance.

No changes other than what is recommended by OMW specialists should be made. Outside weather conditions may vary, so the opening windows and running different equipment may may negatively affect the drying process. 

It is strongly suggested that you keep the traffic to a minimum. Wearing shoes is recommended for your safety.

A few reasons your carpet may not be salvageable: 

Non-porous flooring can trap water and prevent it from drying properly. Specialty floors are evaluated and efforts to restore them will be made.

When water damage has occurred, water can be absorbed into the drywall (sheetrock), baseboards, subflooring, etc. Drying these surfaces requires high-velocity air movers to accelerate the release of absorbed water into the air. Dehumidifiers are necessary for removing this excess moisture to help protect property and create conditions for efficient drying.

Our water damage mitigation specialists will place and monitor equipment to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time. Please make sure no one turns the equipment off or moves it. Please notify our office immediately if the power goes off or if the equipment turns off.

Ultimately you, the property owner, are responsible for payment. As the property owner, you will need to sign a form authorizing the work and payment.