The questions we're
asked most often.

Central Florida Disaster Recovery responds 24/7, 365 days a year. When you call 321-420-7274, the owner answers directly — no call center, no dispatch delays. Our team is typically on-site within 60 minutes anywhere in the greater Orlando area.

We handle all categories of water damage: pipe bursts, appliance leaks, roof leaks, storm flooding, sewage backups, AC condensate overflow, and more. Whether it's a slow leak behind the wall or a sudden flood, we extract, dry, and restore.

Most residential water damage drying takes 3–5 days with professional equipment. We use industrial dehumidifiers, air movers, and moisture meters to monitor progress daily. Larger losses or structural saturation can take 5–7 days.

In many cases, yes — especially if only one area is affected. If the damage involves sewage, extensive mold, or structural compromise, temporary relocation may be necessary. We'll give you an honest assessment on Day 1 and can help coordinate with your insurance for additional living expenses (ALE) coverage.

It depends on the flooring type and saturation level. Hardwood that has warped or buckled often needs replacement, while tile may be salvageable. We use moisture meters to test the subfloor — if moisture readings are elevated, flooring removal is necessary to prevent mold growth and structural damage.

Secondary damage occurs when water is not fully extracted and dried within 24–48 hours. This leads to mold growth, structural rot, warped flooring, and deteriorating drywall. That's why fast response is critical — call CFDR at 321-420-7274 the moment you discover water damage.

The most important step is getting professional drying equipment in place within 24 hours. Turn off the water source, remove standing water if safe to do so, and keep air conditioning running. Do not place fans without professional guidance — improper airflow can spread contamination to unaffected areas.

In most cases, yes. Unless structural integrity is fully compromised, experienced restoration contractors can save significantly more than homeowners expect. CFDR performs a thorough structural assessment and provides an honest evaluation. Our goal is always to restore rather than replace wherever safely possible.

Restoration involves emergency board-up and tarping, soot and char removal, structural drying (fires generate significant water from suppression efforts), smoke odor treatment using thermal fogging and ozone, surface cleaning, and full reconstruction of affected areas. We handle every phase under one contract.

Timeline depends heavily on the extent of the fire. A kitchen fire with limited spread may take 3–6 weeks. A significant house fire affecting multiple rooms can take 3–6 months for full reconstruction. CFDR provides a detailed project timeline with milestones after our initial assessment.

Smoke odor penetrates porous materials — drywall, insulation, wood framing, fabrics, and HVAC ductwork. We use a combination of thermal fogging, ozone treatment, hydroxyl generators, and in severe cases, full replacement of smoke-saturated materials. Painting over smoke odor without proper treatment will not work long-term.

We inventory and document all contents affected by fire, smoke, and suppression water. Salvageable items are professionally cleaned using ultrasonic cleaning, ozone treatment, and specialized laundering. Items that cannot be restored are documented for your insurance claim. Call 321-420-7274 to discuss contents pack-out services.

After you report the claim to your insurer, an adjuster is assigned to assess the damage. CFDR prepares a detailed Xactimate estimate using industry-standard pricing, meets with your adjuster on-site, and negotiates the scope of work to ensure nothing is overlooked. We guide you through every step so you're not navigating the process alone.

Rate impacts vary by insurer, your claims history, and the nature of the loss. In Florida, insurers are regulated in how they can use claims history for rating. Many homeowners with legitimate losses see minimal or no rate impact, especially for weather-related events. We recommend speaking with your agent about your specific policy.

Not necessarily. CFDR advocates strongly for our clients during the insurance process and prepares professional Xactimate documentation that supports your claim. A public adjuster can be valuable for very large or complex claims, but for most residential losses, working closely with a knowledgeable restoration contractor is sufficient.

Denials can often be appealed. First, request the denial in writing and understand the specific reason. CFDR can provide additional documentation, engineering reports, or third-party assessments that support your appeal. For wrongful denials, a licensed public adjuster or policyholder attorney may also be helpful options.

Xactimate is the industry-standard estimating software used by virtually all major insurance carriers and their adjusters. CFDR prepares all estimates using Xactimate, which means our line-item pricing matches what your insurer expects, reducing disputes and speeding up claim approval. It also ensures nothing is accidentally omitted from your scope.

Yes — your deductible is your contractual obligation to your insurer and is required to be paid. Be wary of any contractor who offers to waive your deductible; this is considered insurance fraud in Florida and can jeopardize your entire claim. CFDR operates with full transparency and integrity on every job.