The first step in water restoration is containment. This can take a few hours or several days, depending on the extent of the damage. Once containment has been achieved, water restoration begins. The following steps are essential: cleaning and drying the affected area. Again, depending on the amount of water and the extent of the damage, it can take a week to restore a property. However, the process can be completed on the same day as a call is placed in many cases.
Water damage restoration is how a property is returned to its pre-damaged state
Water damage can occur in several different ways. When left untreated, water can erode a property’s structural foundation, creating an ideal environment for toxic mold growth. The process of water damage restoration helps to return a property to its pre-damaged state by removing damaged components, cleaning salvageable items, and thoroughly drying the space. The process can also include rebuilding structural functionality.
The process of water damage restoration includes rebuilding walls, installing new floors and ceilings, and replacing damaged structural elements. Once the rebuild is complete, the property should be virtually identical to what it looked like before the flood. Rebuilding after water damage can take several months, but it can take as little as four months or a year if proper planning is done before the flood.
It includes containment of the damage
The process of water restoration begins with the assessment of the damage. Typically, restoration professionals encounter substances like mold, microbial, toxin-producing pathogens, and friable lead. Most toxins are not harmful in large quantities, but they can hitchhike through the air and saturate the structure. Therefore, identifying the water source and removing all affected materials is the first step in minimizing damage.
Drying
Water damage can cause significant property and personal injury. For this reason, it is imperative to take action as soon as possible. The longer the water stays in a building or property, the greater the risk of long-term damage. Therefore, the first step in the drying process is to remove standing water from the area. Next, the restoration company should inspect the affected areas and take pictures for insurance. After assessing the extent of the water damage, the restoration process can begin.
A good restoration company will ask several questions about the extent of water damage and the affected materials. This information will inform the drying process. In addition to these questions, the restoration team may use moisture maps, which display moisture concentration. These maps can be used to monitor the progress of the drying process and see if additional water damage has occurred. These maps can also help determine the success of the restoration process. However, a professional restoration company will never assume that their drying plan works.
Sanitizing
A thorough cleaning procedure will not eliminate the threat of dormant viruses and bacteria. Therefore, adding disinfection and sanitizing to the water restoration process is essential. United Water Restoration Group offers sanitizing and disinfection services to remove any potential threats to the health and safety of the home. With offices located throughout the United States, United Water Restoration Group is prepared to provide you with the most comprehensive water damage cleanup.
After the cleanup process, materials must be dried thoroughly and sanitized. Air movers and dehumidifiers are used to remove excess moisture from the area. Drying machines are also available for smaller items. Sanitizing is essential to prevent mold growth and the spread of disease. Specialized cleaning processes may be needed for particular types of materials. Professionals may use air scrubbers and sanitizers to achieve a high level of sanitation.
Restoring personal belongings
Restoring personal belongings after water damage is no small feat. If you’ve suffered a flood, you’ve likely been dealing with soggy clothes, moldy carpets, etc. Luckily, a professional restoration company can help you restore these items to their former glory. The next step is to dry them. Avoid drying your belongings in direct sunlight, as this will only cause further damage. Instead, try drying them indoors with fans on low settings. Or, if possible, open windows.
When it comes to assessing the extent of damage to your belongings, consider prioritizing the essential items. These can be ranked based on sentimental value or price. Taking a moment to prioritize things is the first step in restoring them. It may not be possible to fix everything, so consider a few items first. Then, consider a few other things, like the condition of the walls and flooring, if possible.