Water damage restoration is a complex task. Unless it is done properly, the results can be disastrous.
Documenting the real extent of your flood damage is vital to getting compensation from your insurance company. Otherwise, they may refuse to cover the cost.
Avoid further water damage by storing materials above floor level and improving the building’s drainage systems. This can help prevent flooding during severe weather.
Damage Assessment
Once the water has been removed and the property dried, the next step in the restoration process is assessing the damage. This is done by a team of professionals with the proper tools to determine the extent of the flooding. They will also look for hidden damage that may show up later as stains or mold.
This assessment includes categorizing the amount of damage caused by the flood and determining its severity. The categories of damage are defined by the classification of the type of water. Category 1 is clean water that poses no threat to human health, while category 2 is gray water that contains microorganisms and can cause illness if ingested. Category 3 is black water that contains sewage and can cause illness if ingested.
The restoration company will also inspect for signs of mold and mildew. They will then remove any affected areas and disinfect them. This will ensure that the mold and mildew does not spread to other areas of the home.
Removal of Water
Once the water has been pumped out and the electrical turned off (to prevent electrocution) it is time to remove and replace materials. This includes drywall, carpeting and wood. If this is done quickly, the damaged material may be salvageable.
The next step is to dry out the area thoroughly. This is important, because mold and mildew can begin to grow within 24 hours of wet materials.
This can be done by opening windows and running fans. It is also a good idea to rent a dehumidifier to remove excess moisture.
It is also a good idea to use moisture detectors to identify high levels of humidity in the area. These can be purchased at most hardware stores. They are especially useful for assessing crawlspaces and other hard-to-reach areas. Also, they can be used to help determine whether a vapor barrier has been properly installed. This can save a lot of money on water damage restoration costs.
Drying
Whether it’s from a severe water disaster or a minor plumbing leak, water damage needs to be dealt with promptly. This is because water quickly leads to other problems like mold, mildew, and wood rot.
The first step in the restoration process is to remove standing water using specialized pumps and wet vacs. During this phase, it’s important to keep in mind that some materials may need to be discarded if they can’t be saved. Porous materials like drywall and carpeting may need to be completely replaced, while non-porous materials and building structures that aren’t water-damaged can be cleaned and sanitized.
Once all the water has been removed, it’s time to dry out the affected area. This can be a lengthy process, but it’s vital to make sure that all moisture has been eradicated. Professionals will use a variety of tools and techniques to dry everything from walls to flooring, using dehumidifiers and air movers. They’ll also inspect the structure to ensure that it’s completely dry before attempting any repairs or reconstruction.
Cleaning
In this phase, the remaining water is removed using pumps, wet vacs and mopping. Dehumidifiers may also be used to dry the affected areas quickly and completely.
This step is important to prevent mold and mildew problems. The area must be completely dry before a restoration contractor can start repairing the damage. Often, wood that has been badly warped or rotted during a flood must be removed and replaced. If this is a structural component of the home it should be carefully rebuilt to ensure proper support during and after the restoration process.
Typically, this is done by the same company that did the initial water mitigation. They are familiar with how the area needs to be cleaned, sanitized and deodorized and will make sure that the house is safe and ready for restoration. They will also work closely with your insurance adjuster and representative to make sure everyone is on the same page. This helps to ensure the proper insurance claim is filed and that any restoration services are covered.