How quickly should I address water damage?

Immediately. Water damage gets exponentially worse over time. Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, and prolonged moisture exposure can compromise structural integrity. Call us at 610-234-2210 as soon as you discover water damage — we're available 24/7.

Does my homeowner's insurance cover water damage?

Most homeowner's insurance policies cover sudden and accidental water damage, such as burst pipes or appliance failures. Flood damage from external sources typically requires a separate flood insurance policy. We'll review your situation and help you understand what's covered before any work begins.

How long does the water damage restoration process take?

The drying process typically takes 3–5 days, depending on the extent of the damage and the materials affected. Full restoration including repairs can take anywhere from one to several weeks. We'll give you a clear timeline after our initial assessment.

Can I stay in my home during water damage restoration?

In many cases, yes. If the damage is confined to a specific area, you can typically remain in your home while we work. For larger losses or sewage-related damage, temporary relocation may be necessary. Your insurance policy may cover additional living expenses (ALE) if you need to stay elsewhere.

What's the difference between you and a company like SERVPRO?

The biggest difference is that we handle both the restoration and the rebuild under one roof, and we actively manage your insurance claim. Most franchise restoration companies perform the mitigation (drying and cleaning) and then hand you off to a separate contractor for repairs. We also have an IICRC Master-certified owner who personally oversees restoration projects — a credential that most franchise locations don't hold.

Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration in Reading & Berks County, PA

Water damage is one of the most common and most destructive emergencies a homeowner can face. Whether it’s a burst pipe in the middle of the night, a flooded basement after a heavy storm, an overflowing appliance, or a sewage backup, the damage gets worse by the minute. Within hours, water begins saturating drywall, warping wood floors, and soaking into structural framing. Within 24–48 hours, mold starts to grow.
That’s why The Helping Company offers 24/7 emergency water damage restoration services to homeowners and businesses throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. Our IICRC-certified technicians respond quickly with commercial-grade equipment to extract standing water, dry your structure to industry standards, and prevent costly secondary damage. And because we specialize in insurance restoration, we handle your insurance claim from start to finish — so you can focus on your family while we focus on your home.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Water Damage Restoration

When you call our emergency line, we dispatch a crew to your property as quickly as possible. Our first priority is stopping the source of water (if it hasn’t been stopped already) and assessing the extent of the damage. We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify water intrusion in walls, ceilings, and subfloors that may not be visible to the naked eye. We begin photo documentation immediately for your insurance claim.

Water Extraction

Standing water is removed using truck-mounted extraction units and submersible pumps capable of moving hundreds of gallons per minute. The faster we remove the water, the less damage your home sustains. We also extract water from carpet padding, upholstery, and other absorbent materials that hold moisture.

Structural Drying & Dehumidification

After extraction, we set up commercial air movers and industrial dehumidifiers to dry the structure to IICRC S500 standards. We monitor moisture levels daily with calibrated meters and adjust equipment placement as needed. This phase typically takes 3–5 days depending on the severity of the loss. Proper drying is critical — if moisture is left behind, it leads to mold growth, wood rot, and ongoing structural issues.

Cleaning, Sanitization & Odor Control

Depending on the water category (clean, gray, or black water), affected areas may require antimicrobial treatment, sanitization, or content cleaning. Sewage backups and flood water intrusions in particular require careful handling to eliminate bacteria and health hazards. We also address any odors that develop from prolonged moisture exposure.

Repairs & Reconstruction

Once your home is dry and clean, our construction team handles all necessary repairs — drywall replacement, flooring, painting, trim work, and more. Because we’re a full-service contractor (not just a mitigation company), you won’t need to hire a second company to rebuild. We manage the entire project from emergency response through final inspection.

Why Homeowners Choose The Helping Company for Restoration

IICRC Master Certified Owner:

Our owner, Travis Frees, holds the highest designation available through the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification. This isn’t a weekend course — it’s the industry’s gold standard, and it means we understand the science behind every restoration decision we make.

Insurance Claims Experts:

With 25 years of experience working insurance restoration claims, we know how adjusters think, what documentation they need, and how to advocate for you to get the coverage you deserve. We handle the claim from start to finish so you don’t have to fight with your insurance company.

24/7 Emergency Response:

Water doesn’t wait, and neither do we. Call us any time, day or night, and we’ll have a crew on-site as quickly as possible to begin mitigation and prevent further damage to your property.

Full-Service Contractor:

Unlike restoration-only companies, we also handle the rebuild. Roofing, siding, drywall, flooring, painting, we manage the entire project under one roof, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple contractors.

HAAG Certified Inspectors:

Our inspectors are certified by HAAG Engineering, the industry leader in storm damage assessment. This certification is recognized by insurance companies nationwide and gives our damage assessments extra credibility when negotiating your claim.

Locally Owned & Operated:

We’re not a franchise. We’re a family-owned company based in Reading, PA, with deep roots in the Berks County community. When you call us, you’re talking to neighbors who genuinely care about your home.

Our Certifications

The Helping Company is an IICRC Certified Firm with HAAG Certified Inspectors, a CertainTeed ShingleMaster, and holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. We are fully licensed (PA #PA149251) and insured. Our team undergoes ongoing training to stay current with industry best practices, building codes, and insurance industry changes.

Dealing with water damage, fire damage, or mold? Don’t wait — call The Helping Company at 610-234-2210 for 24/7 emergency restoration services. We’ll be there fast, handle your insurance claim, and get your home back to normal.

The Helping Company, LLC

306 N Kenhorst Blvd
Reading, PA 19607

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Contact

Phone: 610-234-2210
Email: Admin@thcexteriors.com

Office Hours

Open 24/7

Licensed Home Improvement Contractor — PA License #PA149251 | Fully Insured

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