Frequently Asked
Questions

Water damage should be addressed immediately — ideally within the first hour. Water spreads rapidly through porous materials, and mold can begin developing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Every minute water sits, structural materials absorb more moisture, causing swelling, warping, and deterioration. Quick extraction and professional drying dramatically reduce both the restoration cost and the scope of repairs needed.

Coverage depends on the cause of loss. Sudden and accidental damage — such as burst pipes, appliance overflows, or plumbing failures — is typically covered by standard homeowners policies. Gradual damage from long-term leaks or lack of maintenance is usually excluded. Flood damage requires separate flood insurance. Donegan Restoration documents every detail of your loss to support your claim and works directly with your adjuster.

Most residential structural drying projects take 3-5 days, depending on the materials affected, the volume of water, and how quickly extraction began. We use commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers with daily moisture monitoring. Some materials — concrete, hardwood, dense framing — require longer. We continue drying until moisture meter readings confirm all materials are at or below acceptable levels.

Mold should be professionally addressed as soon as it is discovered — even small visible patches can indicate a larger hidden colony behind walls or under flooring. Professional remediation includes containment (to prevent spore spread), removal of affected materials, HEPA filtration, antimicrobial treatment, and addressing the moisture source. DIY cleaning often spreads spores and fails to address the root cause.

First, shut off the main water valve immediately — every second counts. Second, turn off electricity to affected areas if you can safely reach the breaker without stepping in water. Third, call Donegan Restoration at (770) 769-8816. While waiting, move valuables and furniture to dry areas if possible. Do not use a household vacuum to remove water, and do not enter rooms with sagging ceilings.

Mold needs three things: moisture, organic material (drywall, wood, fabric), and time. The most common causes in Georgia homes are: undetected plumbing leaks inside walls, roof leaks, poor ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens, high indoor humidity (above 60%), flooding that wasn't professionally dried, condensation on HVAC ductwork, and water intrusion through foundation cracks.

Restoration costs vary widely depending on the type and extent of damage, the materials affected, and the time since the damage occurred. Water extraction from a single room is very different from whole-house fire restoration. Donegan Restoration provides a clear, written estimate after inspection — with no obligation. Most restoration is covered by homeowners insurance (minus your deductible), and we work directly with your carrier.

Timelines depend on scope. Water damage restoration from a contained leak may take 3-7 days from extraction through drying. Fire damage restoration often takes several weeks to months depending on the extent of structural damage and the scope of reconstruction needed. Mold remediation typically takes 2-5 days for the remediation itself. We provide a realistic timeline after our initial inspection and keep you updated throughout.

It depends on the type and extent of damage. For localized water damage confined to one area, you can typically remain in the home. For widespread fire damage, extensive mold remediation, or sewage contamination, temporary relocation may be necessary for health and safety. Your insurance policy's loss-of-use coverage may cover temporary housing. We'll advise you honestly during the initial assessment.

Donegan Restoration serves Cartersville, Acworth, Kennesaw, Canton, Rome, Calhoun, Adairsville, Dallas, Woodstock, Marietta, Cedartown, and all surrounding North Georgia communities. We also respond to emergencies throughout the broader Georgia region. If you need immediate help, call (770) 769-8816 and we'll let you know our estimated arrival time.

We're a local Georgia company — not a national franchise — and our reputation is built on every project we complete in our own community. We respond 24/7 with trained professionals and commercial-grade equipment. We handle insurance claims from documentation through final billing. Our team is certified, our equipment is the best in the industry, and our commitment to honest communication sets us apart.

Yes — we provide a free, no-obligation assessment for water damage, fire damage, mold, and storm damage. We'll inspect the property, explain what we find, and provide a clear restoration plan and estimate before any work begins. If you're facing an emergency, we respond immediately and walk you through the situation on site. Call (770) 769-8816 anytime.