Our Blog

Check out Some Helpful Tips from Our Restoration Team!

After a Basement Flood
After a Basement Flood

* Avoid Entering
* Turn Off the Power
* Wear Protective Gear
* Stop the Source...

Read More >
Signs of Household Mould
Signs of Mold in Your Home?

* Musty Odour
* Visible Discoloration
* Water Stains
* Peeling Paint...

Read More >
We Work with Your Insurance
We Work with Your Insurance

* Immediate Response
* Damage Documentation
* Clear Communication
* Insurance Estimates...

Read More >
Dealing With Fire Damage
After Fire Damage

* Prevent Secondary Damage
* Salvage Belongings
* Reduce Repair Costs
* Protect Indoor Air Quality...

Read More >
Dealing With Fire Damage
24/7 Response

* Day or Night & Holidays
* No Waiting or Worrying
* Immediate Containment
* 24/7 Response is Critical...

Read More >
Dealing With Fire Damage
A Day In the Life

* Look inside a Day of our techs
* Our Techs are the 1st On Site
* Our Techs are the last to Leave
* They Bring Calm to Chaos...

Read More >

More Helpful Blogs from DKI Burlington:


What to Do Immediately After a Basement Flood

A flooded basement is every homeowner’s nightmare. Whether caused by heavy rain, a burst pipe, or a sump pump failure, water damage can happen fast—and the longer it sits, the worse it gets. Taking quick, safe, and strategic action is key to minimizing the damage and protecting your home and health.

Here’s what to do immediately after discovering a basement flood:

Your safety is the top priority. If the flooding is significant:
• Avoid entering the basement if water levels are high, especially if electrical outlets or appliances are submerged.
• Turn off the power to the basement from your electrical panel—only if it's safe to do so. If you’re unsure, call an electrician or your utility provider.
• Wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves if you need to go into the space. 

Identify where the water is coming from:
• For burst pipes or plumbing issues, shut off your home’s main water supply.
• If it’s a rain-related flood, check for drainage issues outside.
• A sump pump failure may require immediate servicing or replacement. 

Time is critical. A trusted team, like DKI Burlington, can:
• Begin emergency water extraction
• Deploy commercial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers
• Assess for hidden moisture and structural damage
• Help prevent mould growth, which can start in as little as 24-48 hours
We’re available 24/7 to respond to basement flood emergencies. 

Before cleanup begins, take photos and videos of the flooded area and any damaged items. This will help with insurance claims and create a record of the incident.

Remove undamaged items first, then salvage what you can from the affected area. Prioritize valuables, electronics, and important documents—but only if it’s safe to do so.

If professional help hasn’t arrived yet:
• Use a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much standing water as possible.
• Open windows and doors to improve air circulation.
• Use fans and dehumidifiers to help reduce moisture levels. 

Don't Wait - Act Fast!
Flooded Basements can lead to serious structural damage and health risks if not handled properly. Acting quickly—and with the right help—can make all the difference.
Call Your Insurance Company as soon as possible. Our company can assist with this process, too.
  • At DKI Burlington, we specialize in 24/7 emergency response, flood damage repair, and full-service restoration. Whether your flood is minor or major, we’re here to help get your home (and your peace of mind) back.

Signs of Mold in Your Home: What to Look For

Mold can be a silent threat in your home—growing behind walls, under flooring, or in damp corners long before you notice it. Left untreated, mold can cause serious health issues and structural damage. The key is early detection.

Here are the most common signs that mold might be hiding in your home:

One of the earliest indicators of mold is a persistent musty or earthy smell, especially in areas like basements, crawlspaces, or bathrooms. If you smell something unpleasant that doesn’t go away with cleaning, mold may be growing out of sight.

Mold can appear in many forms:
• Black, green, or gray spots on walls or ceilings
• White, powdery residue on surfaces
• Fuzzy patches on fabric or furniture
Even small areas of visible growth should be addressed quickly. 

Mold loves moisture. Water stains, bubbling paint, or warped drywall can signal hidden leaks—and a perfect breeding ground for mold.
If your home has had a flood, leak, or high humidity, mold growth may already be underway. 

If wallpaper is peeling, cracking, or bubbling, especially in bathrooms or kitchens, mold could be growing underneath.

Do you or your family experience:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Coughing or wheezing
For sensitive individuals or those with asthma, mold can lead to more serious health issues. If anyone in your home is experiencing persistent respiratory distress, especially without a clear cause, mold could be a contributing factor.
If these symptoms get worse at home and improve when you're away, mold could be affecting your indoor air quality. 

Frequent condensation on windows, pipes, or walls may signal high humidity—a condition that promotes mold growth.

When to Call a Professional:
If you suspect mold in your home, it’s best not to wait. DIY testing and cleaning methods often miss hidden sources—and can even make the problem worse by disturbing mold spores.
At DKI Burlington, our certified team offers:
  • Comprehensive mold inspections
  • Moisture source identification
  • Safe containment and removal & Restoration of affected areas
Don’t let mold grow into a bigger problem.
  • If you notice any of these signs, contact DKI Burlington for a professional assessment and peace of mind.
  • 📞 Available 24/7 for inspections and emergency response.

How Restoration Companies Work with Insurance

Experiencing a flood, fire, or other property disaster is stressful enough—but navigating the insurance process can feel overwhelming. That’s where professional restoration companies step in—not just to clean up the damage, but to help streamline the insurance claims process from start to finish.

Here’s how restoration companies like DKI Burlington work with insurance providers to make your recovery easier:

When disaster strikes, time is critical. Restoration companies are often called in by insurance adjusters or homeowners right after the incident to:
• Contain and prevent further damage
• Document everything for insurance
• Begin water extraction, board-up, or mitigation work
This early action helps reduce total claim costs and keeps the insurance provider informed from the beginning.

A crucial part of any insurance claim is thorough, accurate documentation. Restoration professionals:
• Take detailed photos and videos of all affected areas
• Prepare written assessments of damage and itemized estimates
• Track the progress of the restoration in case the claim is reviewed or adjusted
This transparency helps ensure your claim is handled fairly and efficiently. 

Restoration companies often act as a liaison between you and your insurance provider, helping with:
• Explaining the scope of work
• Clarifying which repairs are necessary vs. optional
• Answering adjuster questions and providing timely updates
Because most reputable restoration companies have experience with many providers, they know what information adjusters need—and how to present it clearly.

Many restoration companies use industry-standard estimating software (like Xactimate), which is also used by insurance companies. This ensures that the cost breakdowns:
• Are realistic and in line with industry pricing
• Reduce the chance of billing disputes
• Help the claim move forward quickly
This shared system minimizes delays and surprises. 

While restoration companies aren’t licensed insurance advisors, they can help you understand the restoration portion of your coverage. If there are exclusions or limitations, they’ll explain what work is covered and what isn’t—so you’re not left in the dark.

DKI Burlington offers direct billing to insurance, meaning:
• You won’t need to pay the full amount out of pocket
• The restoration team will invoice your insurance provider directly
• You only pay the deductible or uncovered portions (if applicable)
This convenience eases financial stress during a tough time.

Restoration and Insurance: A Team Effort
At DKI Burlington, we’ve worked with countless homeowners and insurance providers to restore homes after fire, flood, wind, and more.
Our goal is to:
  • Respond quickly
  • Restore professionally
  • Help you navigate insurance with confidence
If you're dealing with damage and don't know where to start—start with us.
  • 📞 Available 24/7 for emergency response
  • 🧾 Insurance-friendly estimates and documentation
  • 💬 Clear communication from day one

Why Fast Response Matters After Fire Damage

A house fire is one of the most traumatic events a homeowner can face. Even after the flames are out, the danger isn’t over. Smoke, soot, water damage from firefighting efforts, and structural instability can continue to wreak havoc. That’s why a fast response from a professional restoration company is absolutely critical.

Here’s why time matters—and what immediate action can prevent:

After a fire, the damage doesn't stop with the flames. In fact, much of the worst damage occurs after the fire is extinguished:
• Soot and smoke residues continue to settle on surfaces
• Water from firefighting efforts soaks into floors, walls, and belongings
• Odors intensify the longer they sit
• Mould growth can begin within 24–48 hours in moist areas
A rapid response helps stop this chain reaction and limits the overall destruction. 

Speed matters when it comes to saving your possessions. Quick action can help preserve:
• Furniture and textiles
• Electronics and appliances
• Photographs, documents, and heirlooms
• Structural elements like hardwood flooring or trim
The sooner restoration professionals arrive, the better chance there is of cleaning and restoring valuable items before they’re lost. 

The longer fire and smoke damage is left untreated, the more expensive it becomes to fix:
• Soot can permanently stain surfaces and corrode materials
• Lingering moisture leads to costly mould remediation
• Delayed cleanup may require complete demolition instead of simple repairs
Prompt mitigation can drastically reduce overall repair costs—and the time your home is out of commission. 

After a fire, the air inside your home can be filled with:
• Fine particles of soot
• Toxic chemicals from burned plastics and materials
• Mould spores from water damage
These airborne contaminants can cause serious health issues, especially for children, seniors, or people with respiratory conditions. A quick response ensures professional air scrubbing, deodorization, and safe cleanup protocols are implemented right away. 

Insurance companies appreciate when homeowners act fast. Restoration professionals:
• Document the damage immediately
• Prevent further loss
• Provide accurate, insurance-ready estimates
This streamlines the claims process and helps you get your life back faster.

The First 24 Hours Matter Most.
At DKI Burlington, we understand how devastating fire damage can be—and how important it is to act quickly. Our team is trained to respond fast, assess the situation, and begin recovery the same day.
  • 24/7 Emergency Response
  • Smoke, soot, and odor removal
  • Water damage mitigation
  • Full restoration and reconstruction
  • Insurance-friendly estimates and documentation

Why 24/7 Emergency Response Actually Matters

When disaster strikes your home or business, every second counts. Whether it’s a flooded basement, a burst pipe, or a fire that’s just been extinguished, fast action can be the difference between a quick recovery and long-term damage. That’s why having access to a 24/7 emergency restoration team isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
At DKI Burlington, we’re proud to offer around-the-clock emergency response services, because we understand that property damage doesn’t wait for regular business hours.

Here's why that immediate response truly matters:

Damage caused by water, fire, or mould often continues to escalate the longer it's left unaddressed. For example:
• Water from a burst pipe can seep into floors, drywall, and insulation within minutes.
• Mould can start growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours.
• Soot and smoke residues can permanently stain and corrode surfaces if not treated quickly.
The sooner a professional team arrives, the better chance you have of minimizing secondary damage—and saving money in the long run. 

Some hazards aren’t visible to the naked eye. Contaminated floodwater, structural instability, mould spores, and lingering smoke particles can all pose serious health risks. A 24/7 restoration team ensures:
• Prompt water extraction and drying to prevent mould.
• Safe removal of fire-damaged materials.
• Immediate containment of hazardous areas.
Our trained technicians prioritize your safety from the moment we arrive. 

Dealing with a disaster is overwhelming. You’re juggling insurance calls, family safety, and the uncertainty of your living situation. Having a reliable team on-site—day or night—can bring peace of mind.
We show up quickly, explain what needs to be done, and get to work right away. No waiting, no worrying about who to call, and no dealing with the damage alone. 

Emergency response often includes documentation of damage, photos, and written assessments—all of which are crucial for your insurance claim. The faster that documentation starts, the smoother the claims process tends to be.
We work directly with many insurers and know exactly what adjusters are looking for. Early action can help ensure you get the coverage and compensation you deserve. 

If you’re a property manager or business owner, downtime equals lost revenue. A flooded storefront or smoke-damaged office can halt operations indefinitely. A 24/7 restoration partner:
• Responds immediately, even overnight.
• Helps you implement temporary solutions to remain open.
• Works quickly to return your property to pre-loss condition. 

In Summary
  • When disaster strikes, time isn’t on your side. That’s why 24/7 emergency response is so critical. At DKI Burlington, we’re committed to being there when you need us most—day or night, weekday or holiday.
  • If you’ve experienced property damage and need help fast, don’t wait. Call us anytime at 905-681-6100, and we’ll be on our way.

A Day in the Life of a DKI Restoration Technician

When disaster strikes—a burst pipe, a fire, or a basement flood—most people only see the damage. But behind the scenes, there’s a team of highly skilled professionals working hard to make things right again.
At DKI Burlington, our restoration technicians are the heart of every emergency response. They’re the first to arrive on-site, the ones doing the heavy lifting (literally and figuratively), and often the last to leave once everything is back to normal. So what does a typical day actually look like for a restoration technician?

Here’s a peek behind the curtain:

Most restoration technicians start their day early. At DKI Burlington, the team meets at the shop for a quick briefing. Project managers review the job list, safety notes, equipment requirements, and any client updates. It's a chance to check in, ask questions, and make sure everyone’s ready to roll out fully prepared.

Jobs vary day to day, but one thing never changes: quick response matters. The crew loads up the van with the right tools for the task—water extractors, air movers, dehumidifiers, PPE, and more—and heads to the first location.
Some days it’s a water-damaged basement, other days it’s smoke cleanup after a kitchen fire. No two jobs are ever the same. 

Once on-site, the technician starts with a thorough assessment:
• What’s the source of the damage?
• Is it safe to enter?
• What materials are affected?
• What needs to be removed, dried, cleaned, or restored?
They communicate clearly with the homeowner, explaining each step of the process. Then the real work begins—removing water, tearing out damaged drywall, sanitizing surfaces, setting up drying equipment, or beginning smoke and soot removal.

Lunch might be 20 quiet minutes in the van between job sites. Restoration is a physically demanding job, and the pace is often fast. But that doesn’t stop our techs from grabbing a bite and checking in on emails, dispatch updates, or messages from the office.

Afternoon visits often include checking in on ongoing jobs. Our techs monitor humidity levels, adjust drying equipment, or swap out air scrubbers. They document progress carefully, ensuring every step is recorded for the insurance process.
Sometimes they’re back at a fire site cleaning soot from walls; other times, they’re prepping a home for rebuild after the remediation is complete. 

Back at the shop, the technician restocks the truck and files detailed job notes, photos, and progress updates. These reports are critical for both the project manager and the client’s insurance adjuster.
Even after a long day, accuracy and professionalism matter. Restoration techs take pride in a job well done—and in knowing they’ve made a real difference in someone’s worst moment. 

Emergency Calls Never Wait.
Of course, not every day ends at 5:00 PM. Our team is available 24/7 for emergency calls, and sometimes a technician’s “evening” starts with a 9:00 PM flood call. But whether it’s day or night, weekday or weekend, DKI Burlington’s technicians are ready.
Final Thoughts
  • Restoration technicians are more than cleanup crews—they’re problem-solvers, safety experts, and customer care specialists all in one. 
  • Their job is challenging, unpredictable, and incredibly important. And for the clients they help every day, they’re nothing short of heroes.
  • Want to join a team that makes a real impact? We're always looking for dedicated individuals ready to roll up their sleeves and help people rebuild. [Apply Today!]

Follow Us!