Water Damage Restoration? 4 Things To Know About The Process
Finding that your home and its furnishings have been damaged by any type of water is sure to be a disruptive experience. However, the damage that comes after water infiltration and exposure can become even more devastating.
Whether your home has been flooded by natural causes or through water infiltration from broken pipes or a leaking roof, restoring the property to its original condition is always the first priority. If your family's home has just been inundated by water, here are some important things to know about water damage restoration.
Damage assessment
As soon as water damage is discovered, homeowners should make two calls, the first of which is to notify their home insurance provider of the damage and begin the process of filing a claim. The insurance provider can help homeowners with information about the water damage restoration process and the coverage their insurance may provide.
The second call should be to a reputable water damage restoration service. This service will send out a professional who will be able to quickly evaluate the structure to determine the extent of the damage. They can then develop and begin implementing the best plan to deal with the water and restore the home to its previous condition.
Water removal
Once an assessment is made, water damage restoration contractors will begin removing standing water with specially designed pumps and vacuum equipment capable of removing large quantities of water very quickly. Once standing water has been removed, additional equipment will be used to complete the drying process, including heaters, dehumidifiers, fans, and air circulation equipment.
Sanitizing surfaces
Once most of the water has been removed from the home, specialized equipment is brought in to attempt to salvage furnishings, personal items, linens, clothing, and other water damaged items in the home. In addition to cleaning the items and surfaces, treatments with antimicrobial and odor removal preparations will be done to help remove odors and lessen the chances of mold and mildew formation.
Restoring condition
Some surfaces in the home may not be able to be successfully restored and will need to be replaced. Some of the most common of these include plaster and drywall surfaces, wall coverings, carpeting, and some types of wood flooring, ceiling tiles, and insulation.
Depending on the severity of the water damage, some systems of the home, including electrical and HVAC, may also need to be repaired or replaced. If your home has just suffered water damage, contacting a reputable water damage restoration service in your area will help you deal with the emergency and get your home back to normal.