Water Damage Restoration in Mobile, AL
Owning a home or business is one of the hallmarks of living the American Dream. While there are many fulfilling and positive aspects of owning property, one of the challenges that owners face is property damage. This type of damage can be caused by a range of disasters, both man-made and natural. Of all the types of property damage, water damage is among the most common.
Whether from broken pipes or heavy thunderstorms, it doesn't take a professor from Spring Hill College in Mobile to know that water damage can be incredibly harmful to your home. Water can spread quickly throughout your property, causing damage to furniture and porous materials as it moves. In the blink of an eye, you could be looking at substantial rotting, warping, and even mold growth. That's why water damage restoration in Mobile, AL is so important - to mitigate the damage to your home and help prevent it from happening in the future.
Trying to overcome flooding and other water-related disasters on your own can seem like a lost cause. But with Disaster Response by your side, you don't have to lose hope. As a local water damage clean-up company, we provide comprehensive restoration services to properties of all sizes in Mobile. From the first time we assess your water damage to the time we mitigate and restore, we're here for you.
Dealing with property damage can be overwhelming. You're likely concerned about a few key things:
Navigating the insurance claim process
We guide you through every step, ensuring you understand the process and get the most out of your claim.
Scheduling for a quick and quality completion
We provide a clear timeline for restoration, prioritizing both speed and quality, so you can get back to normal as soon as possible.
You might also be thinking about:
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
Understanding the full scope of the damage and what needs to be done:We conduct a thorough assessment of the damage and provide a detailed plan of action, so you know exactly what to expect.
Knowing the costs upfront and avoiding unexpected expenses: We provide transparent pricing and a detailed estimate before any work begins, so there are no surprises along the way.
Preventing future issues, such as mold growth or structural problems: We don't just fix the visible damage—we address the root causes to prevent future issues, giving you peace of mind.
Protecting your belongings and valuables from further damage: We take extra care to safeguard your possessions during the restoration process, minimizing any further impact.
Minimizing disruption to your daily life or business operations: We work efficiently and flexibly to reduce the disruption to your routine, allowing you to continue with your life or business as smoothly as possible.
Finding a trustworthy team to handle your property with care: Our experienced and highly-trained professionals treat your property as if it were their own, ensuring the highest standard of care.
Ensuring the job is done right the first time: We pride ourselves on doing the job right the first time, using industry-leading techniques and thorough quality checks to ensure lasting results.
Receiving clear communication and updates throughout the restoration process: We keep you informed every step of the way, providing regular updates and clear communication, so you're never left in the dark.
Ensuring the safety and health of your family or employees during the restoration: Our team takes all necessary precautions to protect the safety and health of everyone involved, using the latest techniques and equipment.
At Disaster Response, It's All About You
Like Colonial Fort Cond in Mobile, Disaster Response has been a pillar of the community for years. As a second-generation disaster response company, we know that our work is never about us. At its most basic, it's always about you—your situation, your needs, and your satisfaction. We engineer our processes to help you quickly recover from water floods and disasters. Our total focus is on you, our valued customer. And that, in a nutshell, is what makes Disaster Response one of the most trusted and highly-rated water restoration companies in Mobile.
Instead of focusing on profit, bottom lines, and yearly projections, we make you our priority. That's why we're serious about providing expert-level disaster preparedness and response services when you need them the most. Could you imagine trying to decipher misleading fine print or dealing with a pushy salesperson when you're just trying to get your life back together? That's not the Disaster Response way, and it never will be.
We don't just clean up after water leaks, floods, or other disasters; we go above and beyond by providing a consultative approach that serves you for years to come. We assist you in dealing with insurance adjusters to ensure you get the coverage you deserve without unnecessary delays. We make it a point to meticulously review every detail of your claim and work hard to make sure adjusters understand the full extent of your losses. We can also provide guidance on how and when to engage a public adjuster to bypass inefficiencies in the insurance process. At the end of the day, we strive to provide peace of mind during your difficult time and work tirelessly to get your property back to its pre-loss condition.
The Disaster Response Difference
Professional Technicians, Technology, and Processes
In fact, we'll dispatch a team of water disaster technicians to you within three minutes. We'll also advise you on what can be done to minimize the water damage in your home or business. Our water damage restoration team will use cutting-edge technology and IICRC-approved methods to restore as much of your property as possible.
Insurance Advocacy
Disaster Response works one-on-one with you and your insurance provider to expedite the claims process and get your home back to normal as soon as possible.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
We're proud of our work and stand behind every project we complete. Our goal is to exceed expectations and provide peace of mind throughout every step of your water damage restoration process. If you're not satisfied for any reason, we'll listen to your concerns and work tirelessly to rectify any issues that need addressing.
Your Guide to Water Damage Restoration in Mobile, AL
Water damage restoration is a key step in remediating damage to your home, both structurally and aesthetically. Damage from water doesn't just affect the walls, floors, and ceilings in your home. It can also cause deeper issues that, when untreated, can weaken your foundation significantly and lead to long-term instability.
As if that weren't enough, water damage can present health hazards to your friends, family, and pets. Mold and bacteria can grow in damp areas after water incidents, causing allergies, respiratory problems, and even visits to Asher Point Independent Living of Mobile in Mobile for examination. Ignoring water damage can also result in irreversible harm to your belongings, including furniture, electronics, and sentimental items, leading to financial loss and emotional distress. Professional water clean-up services can repair the damage to your property, help protect valuable assets, and re-establish your home or business as a safe, healthy environment for occupants.
What Makes Our Water Damage Company in Mobile, AL, Different from Others?
One of the most common questions we get at Disaster Response is, "What separates you from other water damage clean-up companies in Mobile?" The first and easiest answer to that question centers around our commitment to customer service. We hold our clients in high regard because, without them, there would be no Disaster Response. As such, we work tirelessly to provide them with quality work from friendly and helpful technicians, regardless of the size of their home or business.
But that's just the start. Our clients recommend friends and family to our business because we prioritize the following:
Cost
Investing in damage restoration for your home is a smart move that can help reduce long-term costs. The best part? Our services are covered by insurance companies, so there's less worry about paying out of pocket.
Technicians
Every member of our team has years of experience, specialized training, and certifications in handling water damage. We prioritize our customers' well-being and meticulously attend to every detail to prevent any potential mold-related issues in the future. From single-family homes to
Time
Water disasters happen quicker than you might think. One moment, you're enjoying family time at Medal of Honor Park in Mobile. The next, you're pulling in your driveway to a flooded home. When you call our office, we'll get to work assessing the cause of your water damage and how extensive the water damage is in your home or business. From there, we'll dispatch a team of IICRC water damage restoration experts to your location.
Tools
Disaster Response has made significant investments in cutting-edge water damage equipment, including inspection tools that enable thorough water removal. Our technicians have undergone extensive training to operate these machines and know when and when not to use them.
Process
For over 40 years, we have been helping with water damage issues, refining our process along the way. We can quickly find hidden damages that others might miss and document everything for your insurance company.
Reliable Water Damage Restoration Network
We aren't afraid to ask for help if it means a safer, more enjoyable environment for your family or customers. In fact, we have access to a network of industry pros who are experts in a range of water damage services. To make your life a little easier, we also work with insurance professionals who assist with the claims process.
What Does Disaster Response Fix?
As an IICRC-certified water damage contractor in Mobile, AL, our technicians can address several areas of your home or business that have been damaged by a water disaster.
- Floors: It's very important to take the necessary time and steps to effectively dry your floors to prevent any potential water damage and mold growth in the future.
- Walls: Depending on the amount of water that enters your business or home, the structural integrity of your property may be at stake. Our technicians will evaluate the situation, inspect your property, and replace materials damaged by water.
- Rugs: If your rugs get wet during flooding or from another water disaster, they may be salvageable. We'll work hard to save all the rugs in your property.
- Furniture: Your furniture is probably expensive and may hold a certain level of sentimental value. Instead of throwing it away or donating it to CondCharlotte Museum in Mobile, we can repair and restore it.
Disaster Response specializes in every kind of damage caused by rain, wind, or snowstorms. We handle water damage, mold, mildew, and more, and can be at your home or office within an hour of your call to assess the situation and put a water damage restoration plan into action.
What Tools Does Disaster Response Use for Water Damage Clean-Up?
We only use the best equipment! With our extensive experience in the Mobile restoration industry, we've acquired state-of-the-art tools designed to tackle a wide range of challenges. This experience has also allowed our technicians to identify which type of equipment is best for a particular situation. Some of the most common water damage restoration tools we use include:
Infrared Cameras
Our infrared cameras give us the ability to see moisture in walls and ceilings that is not visible to the naked eye, almost like having "X-ray" vision. This capability allows us to detect and address trapped and hidden humidity, significantly reducing the risk of mold growth.
Moisture Meters
We use moisture meters to measure moisture levels in cellulose material. Before and after the drying process, we will conduct moisture readings in all areas of your property. If we detect moisture in an unaffected area of your building, we'll get to work quickly to dry it.
Air Movers
This equipment is designed to work in conjunction with our dehumidifiers. While our dehumidifiers extract moisture from the air and convert it to a liquid, our Air Mover helps to circulate this moisture in the air so that the dehumidifier can effectively remove it.
Ozone Generators
These advanced tools enable us to cleanse affected surfaces and the air in a more effective manner. Ozone Generators work by causing oxygen molecules to implode, making them a valuable deodorization tool.
Xtreme Xtractor
This tool is great for tackling tough moisture after water damage. It allows us to apply direct pressure to a surface, like a carpet, that has soaked up water. The pressure helps draw out the water, making it easier to remove.
Top 3 Types of Water Damage You Should Know About
Water damage can strike without warning and can wreak havoc on your property, leaving you feeling hopeless and overwhelmed. Whether it's from a burst pipe, a severe storm, or an overflowing appliance, your property needs immediate water damage clean-up in Mobile, AL, to prevent further harm. Here are the top three types of water damage you should know about:
Clean Water Damage
This type of water damage happens from a "clean" source, such as rainwater or a broken pipe in your home. It's easier to clean up than others on this list but can still cause extensive property damage when ignored.
Gray Water Damage
Gray water damage stems from appliances such as toilets without feces, washing machines, and dishwashers. Gray water sometimes contains bacteria and contaminants that can make you or your family sick.
Black Water Damage
The name alone indicates the severity of this type of water damage. It's caused by backed-up sewer lines, river flooding, and standing water that supports bacteria growth. Black water presents serious health hazards and needs to be handled by professional water damage contractors.
If you suspect your home or business has been damaged by one or more of the types of water above, take the following steps:
- Be Safe: Turn off all electricity running through your property. Don't go near or touch any water you believe to be contaminated.
- Stop the Source of Water: If you're able, put a stop to the water at its source. That way, you can prevent more damage.
- Call Disaster Response: Contact our water damage company ASAP for water restoration services. Our team is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies.
Our Process for Water Damage Restoration in Mobile, AL
Having a water damage restoration company by your side who knows how to remediate moisture is a key factor in getting your life back on track. At Disaster Response, we have refined our process over 40+ years of water damage clean-up experience. That way, we can provide customers with reliable, comprehensive service when they need it the most.
We utilize powerful pumps and vacuums to eliminate standing water from your property. Swift water removal is essential in minimizing damage and lowering the likelihood of mold growth. Our team is dedicated to ensuring efficient water extraction to prevent any additional complications.
After extracting water from your property, we dry and dehumidify the impacted areas. We use industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to do so to eliminate moisture from walls, floors, and furniture. Proper drying helps prevent warping, swelling, and the growth of mold.
Whenever we deal with water damage, we have to address the potential contaminants and bacteria that can enter your home. We make sure to thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected areas to create a safe living environment. This involves cleaning carpets, upholstery, and personal belongings. Our technicians also use antimicrobial treatments to prevent mold and bacterial growth.
The final step in the process is the restoration of your home to its pre-damage condition. This comprehensive restoration process may encompass a range of tasks, from minor repairs such as replacing drywall and installing new carpeting to major reconstruction efforts. Rest assured that Disaster Response is fully equipped to manage all aspects of water damage restoration, from start to finish.
- Maintenance: Have your business or home's roof, appliances, and plumbing inspected by professionals to spot early signs of wear and tear.
- Water Alarms: If there is a flood or leak in your home, a water alarm can alert you so that you can take action immediately.
- Drainage: Your home needs proper drainage systems in place at all times. To prevent water buildup, be sure to unclog your downspouts and gutters.
- Cracks and Gaps: Be sure to seal up any cracks and gaps in your property's foundation to limit water from getting inside.
The Water Damage Company in Mobile, AL, You Can Trust
When you want a great steak, you don't go to a fast-food joint and expect a filet. You go to a Noja in Mobile. When you need quality disaster response services from licensed professionals, you don't go to a fly-by-night shop. You contact Disaster Response.
As a local water damage clean-up business, we believe that providing clients with effective service that they can rely on in times of stress is of utmost importance. While some of our competitors prioritize profits over people, you can rest easy knowing we care about you - and that's something you can always count on when you choose our water damage company.
Whether a pipe has burst in your commercial space and your showroom is flooding, or your home has standing water from a Mobile rainstorm, we're here for you 24/7. Contact our office to learn more about the Disaster Response difference or to schedule an inspection for your property today.
Contact Your Emergency Disaster Response Now!
Latest News in Mobile, AL
Alabama Power settles with EPA over coal ash pond near Mobile
Sarah Whites-Koditschekhttps://www.al.com/news/2024/10/alabama-power-settles-with-epa-over-coal-ash-pond-near-mobile.html
Alabama Power says it has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over concerns about millions of pounds of coal ash dumped in unlined ditches near Mobile.“Importantly, nowhere in the agreement does the EPA allege or determine that Alabama Power’s (coal ash pond) compliance program has affected any source of drinking water, or otherwise endangered human life, animal or aquatic species, or the environment,” Alabama Power said in a press release Friday.Plant Barry is 597 acres and holds alm...
Alabama Power says it has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency over concerns about millions of pounds of coal ash dumped in unlined ditches near Mobile.
“Importantly, nowhere in the agreement does the EPA allege or determine that Alabama Power’s (coal ash pond) compliance program has affected any source of drinking water, or otherwise endangered human life, animal or aquatic species, or the environment,” Alabama Power said in a press release Friday.
Plant Barry is 597 acres and holds almost 22 million cubic yards of coal ash, about a quarter of the state’s total coal ash.
The company further stated that testing has shown no impact to the Mobile River.
The EPA did not respond to a request for comment.
The settlement does not address the millions of tons of coal ash sitting in groundwater, a potential violation cited by the EPA. Environmental advocates say the ash is polluting nearby waterways.
“The most pressing problem remains unresolved: millions of tons of coal ash remain saturated in groundwater in the unlined pond, polluting nearby waterways in a manner that does not comply with federal law,” said Mobile Baykeeper, an environmental group.
The group stated in a press release on Wednesday that the EPA could still take action on an outstanding violation to require the toxic ash to be removed.
Alabama Power said the settlement requires the utility to increase monitoring of its coal ash ponds by adding groundwater monitoring wells and updating its emergency action plan to account for severe weather.
Coal ash contains toxins that are harmful to human health and can cause cancer, including mercury, arsenic, cadmium and others according to the EPA.
In 2023, the EPA revoked Alabama’s coal ash permitting plan, pushing back against the state’s environmental agency and its utilities. Alabama Power said that creating further buffers around coal ash waste, currently stored in unlined ponds alongside rivers throughout the state, would cost billions of dollars.
The EPA said last year that Alabama’s plan fell short of federal standards. The EPA said then it had informed the Alabama Department of Environmental Management about problems with its plan, but the state had not remedied them. As a result, Alabama faced the possibility of excavating and relocating millions of tons of wet coal ash slurry or develop a method of safely storing it in place.
In 2024 the United States Supreme Court ruled on a case to significantly limit the regulatory powers of federal agencies like the EPA.
For decades prior to 2015, many plants disposed of their coal ash, waste leftover after the combustion of coal in a power plant, by flushing it into nearby unlined ponds near rivers. The heaviest ash particles would settle to the bottom of the ponds and water would flow from them into nearby rivers. Starting in 2015, new regulations forced coal-fired plants nationwide to switch to dry coal ash disposal
Alabama’s unlined coal ash ponds contain about 100 million cubic yards of coal ash on about 2,000 acres spread throughout the state. One ash pond at other large ponds include Plant Gaston in Shelby County, and Plants Miller and Gorgas, both in Jefferson County, each containing about 25 million cubic yards of coal ash.
Prior to the settlement, the state’s utilities faced a significant responsibility to clean up the ponds.
Alabama Power’s announcement today only address the pond at Plant Barry in Mobile.
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“Closure by removal would take decades to complete, which exceeds the regulatory closure timeframes, and there is not enough available landfill capacity to accept the approximately 100 million cubic yards of ash in our ponds,” said Alabama Power Vice President of Environmental Affairs Susan Comensky at a public hearing on the EPA’s decision last year.
Alabama Power estimated in 2020 that would cost $3.3 billion to leave the coal ash ponds in place but cover them with a protective liner, which is a less expensive option than moving the coal ash.
Update: This story was updated at 3:30 pm on Oct. 2 to clarify comments from Mobile Baykeeper.
‘Auto gate’: How Mobile has played a role in longshoremen strike
John Sharphttps://www.al.com/news/2024/10/auto-gate-how-mobile-has-played-a-role-in-longshoremen-strike.html
A strike involving 45,000 longshoremen spanning ports along the East Coast and Deep South that could create chaos in the U.S. economy and infuse an October surprise into next month’s presidential election, has its origins in Mobile.To be more specific – at a gate leading into the APM Terminals south of downtown Mobile.“Machines don’t pay ...
A strike involving 45,000 longshoremen spanning ports along the East Coast and Deep South that could create chaos in the U.S. economy and infuse an October surprise into next month’s presidential election, has its origins in Mobile.
To be more specific – at a gate leading into the APM Terminals south of downtown Mobile.
“Machines don’t pay taxes,” said Mark Bass, president of the International Longshoremen’s Association Local 1410, which consists of approximately 1,500 workers in the Mobile area. “They are not subject to what we do.”
The automated processing gate, which Bass described as an entry point for trucks at APM Terminals, represents one of the key sticking points in negotiations that are capturing national attention during the first day of a strike through some of the busiest ports in the U.S., including Mobile.
The New York Times, in an article almost one month ago, described the gate as the main negotiation problem between the union and the United States Maritime Alliance, a group of companies that move cargo at ports. It’s unclear exactly how the gate operates, but according to the Times it uses a combination of digital scans and checks performed by I.L.A. members.
The negotiation sticking point, while born in Mobile, is resonating nationwide as port districts grapple with emerging technologies aimed to improve operational efficiencies and cut costs. Economists say the issue is not unlike what other industries face amid worries that technology will eliminate jobs. But supply chain experts also claim that in order for U.S. ports to stay competitive with their international counterparts, they must be open to utilizing technology.
“There are two issues holding everyone back, wages and automation,” said Margaret Kidd, a supply chain expert at the University of Houston.
“The issue of automation is very concerning,” she added. “There is no industry that hasn’t change over the last 130 years. Technology makes our jobs easier and more efficient and safer in many cases. The U.S. is undermining our competitiveness by not embracing technology in critical transport modes.”
For now, the issue in Mobile is creating differences of opinion between the local ILA union head and the Mobile Chamber.
Bradley Byrne, president & CEO with the Mobile Chamber, said he felt automation is a “red herring” in the contract talks, even if Harold Daggett – the union’s president and chief negotiator – has vowed to “never allow automation” to come into the union and push out workers.
Byrne said the auto gate at APM Terminals, a division of Danish-based shipping giant Maersk, was included in the construction of the company’s Mobile container port in 2008. The company has since expanded several times and encompasses 134 acres south of downtown Mobile.
“There were two collective bargaining agreements since 2008, and this issue was never an issue before,” Byrne said about previous ILA contracts approved in 2013 and 2018.
A representative with Maersk has not responded to requests for comment.
The union’s existing contract, which expired Monday, allowed for semi-automated machinery but barred equipment that did not allow for any human interaction.
The “auto gate” at APM Terminals is considered semi-automated and has been at the Port of Mobile for 16 years. The technology has also not changed since the terminal opened, and only became an issue since existing contract talks were broken off by the union in June.
“(The ILA) is using (automation) as part of their negotiation tactic,” Byrne said. “The automation is there for safety of the workers more than anything else. It keeps them from being in the line of traffic trailer (trucks). I don’t buy that it’s the real issue that is part of these negotiations.”
Bass, in response, invited Byrne and others to come to the docks and “learn the docks before he can speak on the docks.”
“(The Chamber) is in business and they are trying to solicit work here,” Bass said. “I’ve heard them say this, ‘We’re the fastest growing port in the nation.’ I’ve yet to hear him say why. You know why? All of those workers that are here. How can we be the fastest growing port without complimenting the workers? Anyone with common sense recognizes that it’s the workers.”
Byrne agreed with Bass, saying that people operating the machinery with the port “deserve to be paid a fair wage.”
But he said that the opening demand of 77 percent pay raises over six years was simply “too much.”
“The port operators offered a 50 percent increase over three years and that’s pretty darn generous,” Byrne said, acknowledging what the U.S. Marine Alliance reportedly offered the union on Monday before the strike began at midnight Tuesday.
Daggett has since said that he would be open to a 61 percent wage increase over a six-year contract. U.S. West Coast port workers ratified a contract last year, retroactive to 2022, that included a 32 percent pay increase over six years as well as a one-time bonus for working through the early days of the pandemic.
The West Coast ports have since allowed fully automated machinery dating back to 2008. West Coast dockworkers also receive better pay and pensions than union workers on the East and Gulf Coast ports, according to the New York Times reporting.
Bass said in Mobile, longshoremen earn anywhere from $20 an hour to $39. On an annual basis, they can earn as low as $41,600 to $81,120, but those salaries can fluctuate based on the hours that are worked.
“This is my 35th year. I tell people ... come to work on the docks and live in my shoes and see how you like it,” Bass said. “The average person cannot do it. We miss birthdays, wedding anniversaries, and all the normal things like the Alabama (Crimson Tide football) games. We miss all of that because guess what, when a ship pulls in, we are here 24 hours, 7 days a week.”
Pete Simonson, an assistant professor in the Marketing, Supply Chain Management and Analytics department at the University of South Alabama, said he is sympathetic toward the plight of the union workers fearful over how automation might threaten jobs.
“We can say, ‘yeah, it has to happen and it’s better for the overall economy,’ and then we say, ‘too bad, you’re out of a job and good luck with something that doesn’t pay a fraction of what you’re making now,’ it just doesn’t sit well with people,” Simonson said. There has to be and there will be automation. But I’m sympathetic of people saying, ‘How do we make this work for everybody?’”
Kidd, the supply chain expert at the University of Houston, said automation should be viewed favorably in that it can create “new and modern” high skill jobs and improved working conditions.
“They should be looking at the long haul to negotiate for guaranteed jobs and upskilling and training so they can be the workforce for the future at a modern terminal,” Kidd said, noting that international ports – such as a port in Singapore – are becoming highly sophisticated and fully automated.
Container terminal operator ECT opened the world’s first automated container terminal in Rotterdam in 1993.
John Dove, a professor of economics at Troy University, said there are tradeoffs over automation.
“It’s an efficiency argument that will lower costs but, in the short-term, that leads to labor layoffs and things of that nature,” Dove said. “That’s really become one of the sticking points we are seeing right now.”