Water Damage Restoration – What to Expect and How to Prepare
Floods can wreak havoc on building materials. Water damage restoration is a five-step process: inspection and assessment, removal, drying and dehumidification, cleaning and sanitizing, and structural repairs.
Look for companies with a track record of customer satisfaction. Also, ensure the company has insurance coverage and an emergency line available 24/7.
What to Expect
Water damage can be disastrous, ruining everything from your personal belongings to the structural integrity of your home. That’s why hiring a professional as soon as possible is important.
When looking for a water restoration company, choosing one with years of experience is important. Not only will they be able to provide you with superior services, but they’ll also be able to help you understand what to expect throughout the process.
Water damage is a complicated issue, and it affects everyone differently. That’s why you must contact your homeowners’ insurance agent immediately and schedule an adjuster. Your Ottawa water damage restoration professionals will work closely with you and your adjuster to ensure all details are documented. This will help you get the maximum amount of coverage under your policy. This will include additional living expenses and loss of use coverage. They’ll even take pictures of the affected area to document the damage.
Cleanliness
Water damage restoration experts will first use fans and commercial dehumidifiers to dry the affected area. This will remove any moisture from the water damage that can cause mold or mildew in your home. Depending on the amount of water removed from the property, this may take a while.
If any standing water is present, special equipment like wet vacs and submersible pumps will be used to eliminate it. This process can be long, especially if the water is very deep.
You must get any water out of your house as quickly as possible. Even category one water can cause serious damage to your home or business if it sits for too long, including potential structural issues and health hazards. A team of professionals to handle this type of work will ensure the job is done correctly and quickly. Get connected with your local water damage restoration specialist today.
Structural Repairs
When a home is damaged by water, it takes more than cleaning and restoring possessions. Structural repairs are often needed, especially if there is extensive damage from floods or hurricanes. A professional can handle all the necessary work to get your home back to normal.
The first step is to dry out the area. This is done by using dehumidifiers and fans to circulate the air. Removing as much moisture from the area as possible is important to prevent further damage to wood, carpet, and other materials.
When choosing a water damage restoration company, choose one with years of experience. This will help ensure the company understands the process and how to handle it best. Also, choose a company with IICRC-certified technicians. This means the company keeps its team up to date on current practices. This will give you peace of mind that the company is a good choice.
Mold Remediation
Water damage leaves behind the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow. Mold can be any color and is often accompanied by a musty smell. Mold spores can become airborne and inhaled, which may lead to respiratory problems.
Drying out all affected materials immediately after water damage is crucial. Wet materials will start developing serious issues like mold within 24 hours, so it is essential to act fast.
This can be done by using commercial air movers and dehumidifiers. This equipment is more powerful than homeowners can access so it can remove more moisture from the air faster.
Mold can be removed from building materials using a fungicide, such as a chlorine bleach solution and water. This can be done with drywall, insulation, and carpeting. Damaged materials are then bagged, labeled, and disposed of according to EPA standards. The entire remediation process is heavily regulated.
