When it comes to water damage restoration, the first step is usually inspection and assessment. This involves analyzing the extent of the damage and the type of water involved.
Once this is done, the next step is to remove the standing water. This can be done through several methods, including sponging, mopping, using fans and dehumidifiers, etc.
Regardless of the cause of the water damage—whether it’s from floods, heavy rains, or even a burst pipe—the first step is always to get the water out. This is called “water extraction.” Water restoration professionals use professional-grade technologies to ensure the removal of all moisture and the prevention of secondary problems, like mold growth and odors. This step also includes sanitizing the area and ensuring a safe environment.
Once the source of the water intrusion has been stopped or eliminated, professionals can begin the inspection and assessment process. This enables them to find the extent of the damage and determine what needs to be done to restore the affected areas. During this phase, professionals will use a variety of tools to examine the water damage and classify it.
After the water is removed, the drying and cleaning process begins. This can take a while, depending on the amount of water damage and the level of humidity in the area. However, the faster the area is dried, the less damage it will sustain. During this process, experts use wet vacs and submersible pumps to remove any standing water. They may also use moisture meters and infrared cameras to uncover hidden pockets of water saturation behind walls and under floorboards.
Once all the water is gone, professionals will set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. They will also perform more detailed inspections of the area to check for any elements that need to be removed and if any structural components have been weakened or destroyed by the water.
After the property has been thoroughly dried, it can be re-occupied once again. In addition, cleaning and sanitizing will also be performed during this time to ensure the safety of residents or tenants. The sanitizing process involves disinfecting all surfaces that have been exposed to the water, and it is vitally important to ensure the health of everyone living in the home or office. It also involves the removal of any contaminated items and sanitizing the carpeting and flooring. This process may also include the use of antimicrobials.
Drying the Area
From a burst pipe to a major flood, water damage can wreak havoc in the home. This is why it is important to call a restoration specialist right away so that they can address the water damage, and begin drying the affected areas and materials as quickly as possible. In order to do this, they will first need to thoroughly inspect the area. This is done to ensure that the water has been contained and to identify any areas or materials that need to be removed. Restoration professionals will also use moisture detection tools to gauge the depth of water penetration into the affected materials. This will allow them to create an effective restoration and drying plan.
Once the professionals have inspected the area and determined that it is safe to continue, they will start the drying process. This is done using various tools, including hygrometers and infrared cameras to determine the moisture level of the materials in the home. Infrared cameras are especially useful in determining the amount of water hidden behind walls or beneath floorboards. This can help to prevent secondary damage and mold growth that may occur as a result of untreated moisture.
Drying is a process that takes time, but it is essential for preventing further damage and restoring the property to its original state. The experts will use various methods, such as air movers and dehumidifiers to remove the moisture from the affected materials. They will also monitor the humidity levels of the home throughout the drying process. When the humidity levels are lower than those of the surrounding unaffected areas, the drying will be considered complete.
If any of the materials in the home have been irreparably damaged by water, they will need to be replaced. This can include everything from carpeting to drywall. The professionals will determine the extent of the damage and the appropriate replacement materials.
In some cases, it may be necessary to remove personal belongings from the home before the drying process can take place. This is known as a pack out and is often covered under the personal property section of homeowners insurance.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
When flood waters come in contact with silt, raw sewage or chemical wastes, they can carry a host of bacterial, viral and parasitic diseases. Therefore, the cleanup and disinfecting of all surfaces affected by flood waters is essential. This is a job that requires special training, disinfectants and equipment to perform properly.
For example, professionals use an alkali solution like washing soda or tri-sodium phosphate to clean and sanitize surfaces and materials. They also sanitize food items such as canned goods and packaged foods using a solution of water and bleach. To avoid cross-contamination, they wear rubber gloves, masks and protective clothing when working in potentially contaminated areas. They also monitor the area with moisture meters to determine when surfaces are dry enough to be re-insulated and closed up again.
Stagnant and standing water encourages bacterial growth, which can lead to diseases. In addition, mold and mildew can grow in damp areas and may cause allergies and other health issues. Therefore, residential water damage restoration should include removing the bacteria and mold as well as disinfecting all surfaces.
A reputable water restoration company will have the necessary training, certifications and personal protection equipment to address any type of contamination. They will also have a good track record of customer satisfaction and be equipped with the latest in technologically advanced restoration tools.
In addition to the water restoration, a company will also provide a detailed report of the work done and the items that need to be repaired or replaced. This will be an important step in the recovery process and help homeowners to make informed decisions about what they should keep, repair or discard.
While the water restoration process can be difficult, it is critical to take action quickly. The longer that you wait, the worse the water damage will be and the more expensive it will be to restore your home or business. In addition, the bacterium and mildew that grows in damp conditions can lead to serious illnesses for both people and pets. Therefore, it is best to contact a professional water restoration company as soon as possible when faced with water damage.
Replacing Destroyed Materials
Regardless of the type of water damage or the location of it, every restoration follows the same basic set of steps. The first step is inspection and water damage assessment. This lets the professional discover where the water is coming from, what kind of water it is, and how much damage has occurred. The professional can then use this information to formulate a plan for the restoration process.
This first step also lets the professional decide whether items can be saved and how much work they will need to undergo to be restored to their original state. A lot of times, a homeowner can save personal belongings if they act quickly. The longer they wait, the more damaged items become. For example, a small amount of water in a wall can turn into a large mold problem if left untreated. The same can happen with rugs, curtains, and other soft furnishings.
Once the items are removed from the affected area, they’re usually taken to a warehouse where they’ll be dried and then cleaned. This can take days or even weeks for items like hardwood floors and carpeting to fully dry. If these materials aren’t dried completely, they may need to be replaced entirely.
During this time, the water restoration company will leave air blowers and heaters onsite to help evaporate excess moisture. They will also keep sanitizers and dehumidifiers in place until they’re sure the affected areas have met the drying standards they’ve set.
After the restoration process is complete, the company will send out invoices and work with your insurance company to get payment for their services. The billing cycle can take anywhere from 30 to 60 days.
When a home is experiencing water damage, it’s crucial to have a water restoration company visit as soon as possible. This can help limit the damage, prevent mold and mildew, and make sure everything is repaired correctly. The water restoration process is a complicated one and can be expensive, but it’s worth the investment in order to protect your home and belongings. A flooded basement caused by a burst pipe or a faulty dishwasher can lead to major problems for homeowners if not dealt with quickly.