Service Restoration's Rochester, Minnesota location lists water damage, fire damage, storm damage and biohazard cleanup, along with reconstruction, contents restoration and commercial work. Its website says it is locally owned, has over 20 years of experience, lists IICRC certification and says it responds within 60 minutes.

Listed since 12/02/2021

Water damage in Rochester

Rochester was built on the floodplain of the South Fork of the Zumbro River and its creeks, including Silver Creek, Bear Creek and Cascade Creek. The worst flood came in July 1978: 6.7 inches of rain pushed the river to a record 23.36 feet at the gauge, where flood stage is 12 feet. Five people died and damage passed $60 million. A $92 million flood control project, completed in 1995, added reservoirs upstream, a wider channel and levees, and is rated for a 200-year flood.

That work protects the river corridor, but it does nothing for a roof leak, a failed water heater or a washing machine hose. Those ordinary losses are what most Rochester homeowners will actually face.

What a water damage job involves

The work turns on the category of water. Clean supply water can often be dried in place. Water from a drain, sewer or rising creek carries contamination, so porous materials such as carpet pad and drywall are usually removed. Crews then dry the structure and record moisture readings each visit.

Ask how drying will be confirmed and who is paying attention to hidden areas, such as wall cavities and under cabinets. What to expect from extraction and drying walks through the process, and documenting your loss covers the photos to take before anything is moved.