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Water damage is very common and happens for a variety of reasons. This includes, but is not limited to, burst pipes, appliance malfunctions, flooded basements, rain storms, and sewer backups. When any of these occurrences happen, water damage is close to follow, particularly if the water has been standing for a period of time. The damage is even worse and quicker to occur if the water happens to be sewage water. Unfortunately, water can affect just about anything in the home, including floors, walls, furniture, personal belongings, etc. This water can also bring along dangerous things like mold, mildew, bacteria, and contaminants if not handled quickly and correctly.
Water damage restoration is so much more than just drying up water since the damage goes so much deeper than the surface. Surface level cleaning does not prevent the growth of mold and bacteria because the water is still present, unseen. Porous materials, like furniture, carpet, and drywall, may seem dry when in reality they have more water far beneath the surface that will not be able to be cleaned out without professional help. Foul odors and potential health risks are still a threat without the proper treatment. Water damage restoration is all about getting rid of any water and stopping any future damage from happening.
This arduous process is typically five steps. In this article, we will cover each step in order to fully understand what happens when a team is called to clean up water damage.
Before any cleaning can begin, a professional must begin an inspection to see the level of damage that has been done. Specialized equipment will be brought in to detect moisture in any materials or items that could have been affected by the water. With this equipment, professionals will be able to classify the damage, ranging from Class 1 to Class 4. After the inspection, the experts will determine the cost to continue with the restoration process and how long it will take.
Once the inspection is complete, professionals will begin to extract all the excess water. Standing water will be removed with equipment such as pumps and vacuums. Standing water can bring a ton of damage to your home, particularly if it stays for long periods of time. Water extraction is especially important when attempting to prevent mold or mildew growth. Water will be removed from any objects around the home if possible, such as furniture, flooring, etc. Anywhere water isn’t meant to be, it will be removed.
Though it seems that the extraction step has taken all the excess water out, there is still leftover water that will need to be removed. If anything is still left with water inside, it will begin to break, grow mold, or warp. In this step, the humidity levels of the home will be measured to determine if the home is truly dry. If it is determined that all excess water has been removed, a professional cleaning can begin.
Now that the home’s humidity levels are in check, it’s time to clean and sanitize the entire place. This is done to ensure that no mold can grow and that your home is preserved as possible. Cleaning should always be performed by experts trained in the safety and sanitization requirements of water-damaged homes. During the cleaning process, they will also dispose of any damaged materials that cannot be restored.
Finally, the last step is to begin the actual restoration process. For anything that has been affected by the water and has been determined to be restorable, professionals will bring that item back to its original state as best as possible. Any items that cannot be restored due to permanent damage need to be replaced. This work can include drywall repair, floor repair, and carpet cleaning.
The water damage restoration process can be daunting, but you don’t have to endure it alone. To avoid stress and ensure that you are getting the best possible job done, contact professionals at FireWater Restoration.
206-682-1483