Unless you have experience with water damage restoration it’s best to leave the job to professionals. If you do decide to call in experts it’s important to get the best ones available.
This will help make the repair process smoother and easier on both you and your insurance provider. To do this you should make sure they follow the following tips and techniques: Contact Water Damage Restoration Utah now!
Before a plan can be formulated for water damage repair, it’s important to thoroughly inspect the damage and determine its extent. This is a job best left to professional water damage restoration companies. They have the tools and experience to get things done quickly and accurately.
The first thing that a water damage restoration company will do is assess the amount of water damage in your home. This is done by using visual evidence, such as photos and videos. These will be used to document the water damage, along with other issues that may have been caused by it, like mold growth and structural problems.
Once the inspection is complete, the next step will be to remove any standing water. This is usually done using large pumps and vacuums, such as industrial-type wet vacs or submersible pumps. These machines can remove gallons of water at one time, so this step is usually very fast.
Water damage is more severe the longer it sits, so it’s important to take action as soon as possible. If you wait too long, it could lead to serious structural problems, not to mention the health risks associated with bacteria and fungus that can grow in contaminated areas.
The water damage restoration process will also involve removing any materials that can’t be saved, such as drywall, carpeting and insulation. This is necessary because the wet materials can become a breeding ground for mold and other harmful microorganisms. It’s also a good idea to disinfect any surfaces that have been affected by water damage, so that any mold or bacteria is killed before it spreads. This will help prevent any future health issues from developing, such as bronchitis and fungal infections.
Shut Off the Water
Whether from a burst pipe or flooding, the longer water sits, the more damage it can cause. So one of the first things a professional water damage restoration service will do is shut off the water to prevent further problems. In most cases, this will mean turning off the water valve located next to or underneath any standing water. Some homes have automatic water shutoff systems that turn off the flow of water automatically when an issue is detected. This is a great option to have in place for those who want extra peace of mind or for older homes that don’t have the capability of shutting off the water manually.
It’s also a good idea to switch off the electricity to any areas affected by the water damage, especially if there’s a lot of moisture present. This is because electricity and water do not mix. If there’s any water that’s leaking into electrical outlets or has touched exposed wiring, this can create a significant fire hazard. It’s a good idea to find out if the company you hire has any experience in dealing with electrical issues and can handle it safely.
Another thing you should know is that there are two types of water damage – mitigation and restoration. Mitigation deals with stopping the flow of water, cleaning and drying out the area, and removing all materials that can be salvaged. Restoration is about replacing everything brand new after the area is clean and dry. At COIT, we use the latest equipment and procedures to restore any area damaged by water. We have over 70 years of experience, so you can trust us to get your home or business back to normal as quickly and thoroughly as possible.
Disinfect the Area
Once the source of water has been shut off and any excess water removed, it’s important to disinfect the area. This can be done by spraying the area with a bleach solution, or other anti-microbial agents.
It’s important to disinfect the area because if left unattended, mold can begin to grow within 24 hours. This can cause serious structural damage to your home, as well as health problems for you and your family.
If you have any valuable items in the affected area, it’s a good idea to move them to a safe place before beginning cleanup. This will prevent them from being damaged by dirt or other contaminants that may be in the wet area. It’s also a good idea to remove porous materials, like carpet, as soon as possible. They can often be saved if they’re dried quickly enough.
Disinfection is an important part of the water damage restoration process, and it’s something that should be done by a professional. They’ll use specialized equipment and techniques to dry out the area, remove any unsalvageable materials, and clean and sanitize everything else.
It’s best to call a professional service to handle water damage restoration, even if the damages seem minimal. The professionals can ensure that all of the water is removed and that no additional damage will occur. They can also help you get your home back to normal as quickly as possible. For example, they can install new flooring that’s designed to resist moisture and reinstall cabinets and fixtures that were removed in the process. They can also recommend paints that are designed to be mold-resistant and drywall that’s made to resist moisture.
Remove All Damaged Materials
Once the water is shut off, it’s time to remove all of the materials that got wet. This step is important because it helps prevent additional damage to the structure and furnishings. Porous materials like drywall and wood will absorb moisture and can lead to mold growth or rot if left untreated. It’s also a good idea to replace any materials that are severely warped or rotting. This will also help ensure that the resulting space is dry and healthy to live in.
It’s a good idea to take any valuables that may have been affected by the water to a safe location such as another room in your house or to a friend’s home until they can be restored. This will protect them from further damage and also keep them safe from any electrical hazards caused by drenched items being placed near outlets or appliances.
Professionals will then use specialized equipment to determine the extent of the damage and the type of water that affected the area. This information will help them decide what to do next. For example, if the flooding was caused by contaminated water (known as category two or three water), it’s a good idea to wear protective gear when cleaning up the mess.
If the damage was caused by less dangerous category one or two water, it can be cleaned and sanitized using normal procedures. At this point, professionals will also remove any contents that cannot be saved, such as personal belongings and furniture. This process typically occurs before the drying stage begins. This is because removing drywall to expose wall cavities and carpeting to reveal the subflooring will allow for more efficient overall drying.
Dry Out the Area
Drying the area is a crucial part of water damage restoration, as it helps prevent mold growth and other health issues. This step involves using fans and machines that take moisture out of the air to thoroughly dry the area. It also includes checking hidden areas for water, like behind baseboards and drywall. The goal is to get the area as dry as possible, which will help ensure that floors don’t warp and that furniture doesn’t swell up.
The exact process used to dry out a space will vary depending on the extent of the water damage and the building materials involved. For example, some drywall may need to be removed and replaced if it is completely saturated. This is often done before drying out the area, as it can make the process much more efficient. In some cases, the entire floor may need to be removed and replaced, too, as it isn’t always feasible to salvage a floor that has been saturated by water.
Once the floor and other materials are dried out, the space is usually disinfected. This helps to ensure that any lingering bacteria or mold is killed, which will protect the health of those who live in the home or office. It is also a good idea to disinfect any areas that were not directly affected by the water damage, such as the rooms adjacent to the damaged area.
Water damage can happen to anyone, and knowing how to handle the situation will help minimize the impact and speed up recovery time. If you are a homeowner, be sure to find a reputable water restoration company with experienced staff and quality equipment. It is also important to check that the company has insurance coverage and a 24/7 emergency line.