Water damage is a nightmare that no homeowner wants to face. This type of property damage can leave a house with structural faults and safety hazards. Often, the extent of the damage as well as the potential dangers are hidden. Many homeowners wonder, “What does water damage restoration include?” and “Is it covered by insurance?”
For these reasons and so much more, it is important to get your home inspected by a professional water restoration company after experiencing any sort of water damage or flooding. The good news is experienced professionals can identify the full extent of the damage and restore a water-damaged house to its original condition! With water damage, it is critical to act quickly because the water damage only worsens over time, and the repairs become more extensive as time passes.
Not only can water damage affect the structural integrity of your house, but it can also pose a serious risk to your health. Mold, a type of fungus, along with other bacteria will thrive in humid, water damage situations. Living in Florida only adds to the probability of mold growth. Prolonged exposure to mold toxicity can lead to respiratory illnesses and other health-related issues.
Water Removal & Cleanup:
Removing water is much more extensive than the average person may presume. It is advised to seek a professional’s help if your home is suffering from water damage. This challenging process requires greater effort than just vacuuming the visible water. Many of our structures contain materials and furniture that absorb excess moisture. A common misconception is that only porous materials like cushions or carpet sustain water damage. However, your drywall, cupboards, flooring, insulation, and so much more can also be damaged.
Water Restoration VS. Water Mitigation:
Water restoration and water mitigation are the two services offered to homeowners after damage has occurred. Mitigation refers to the prevention of further damage after the home has been exposed to water. In this case, professionals aim their efforts at getting belongings out of the house and away from the water source, as well as tarping roofs or open windows and walls to prevent further damage. Restoration, on the other hand, focuses on the damage that the house has already incurred. In such circumstances, specialists provide emergency services to return the home to its previous state. Materials and other belongings will likely need to be cleaned and repaired, or often replaced.
House with flood damage concept with water reflections.
When Should I Call a Professional?
It is always a good idea to get the input of a professional when water damage is involved. Often there is damage beneath the surface. Getting assistance from a professional can ensure that you get the job done completely and correctly, avoiding problems down the road.
Water damage situations can also be very dangerous. Electricity and sewer contamination can both be deadly if not handled properly. Reaching out to a water restoration specialist can help you stay out of harm’s way.
Ask the restoration company if they provide free evaluations for water damage situations.
What to Expect – What Does Water Damage Restoration Include?
- Inspection and Assessment: The first step to the water restoration process is to have a professional perform a detailed inspection. During this stage, experts will utilize a variety of equipment to assess the level of damage. They classify and categorize the damage to determine the extent of repair. After this process, inspectors provide you with an estimate.
- Water Removal: This part of the process is time-sensitive and must be started as soon as possible. The longer standing water remains inside your house, the more dangerous it becomes for both your structure and for you. At this time, the restoration team will also remove any personal belongings that are affected. High-powered pumps are used to extract water quickly and effectively. Additional inspections are necessary during this stage to identify to what extent flooring will need to be replaced.
- Drying and Dehumidifying: Following the water removal process, professionals will begin drying and dehumidifying the affected area. Although your home may appear dry after the water extraction stage, walls and other materials are often still wet to the touch. Therefore, this stage is essential to prevent further destruction or mold growth. A specialist will oversee this process and monitor the moisture levels in your property during this time.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing: It is necessary to hire experts for the cleaning and sanitation portion of your water cleanup. These individuals are trained on the cleaning protocol required to ensure the safety of water-damaged homes. At this time, they will treat for mold and microbial growth. Special, personal protective equipment is used during the cleaning phase to avoid contact with hazardous materials.
- Complete Restoration: The goal of the recovery team after cleaning up is to get your house back to its pre-disaster condition. Flooring, cupboards and other structural material may be removed, fixed, or replaced. Depending on the extent of the damage, this phase of the restoration may be quite simple or extensive—with projects ranging from minor drywall repair to complete reconstruction of certain sections of the structure.
We hope you see that it is so important to get the advice of a professional when it comes to water damage. If your home has incurred water damage from a flood, storm or broken pipe, seek assistance from experts at One Restore! We are a one-stop-shop that can provide our clients with all the services they need for water restoration. From our free evaluation to sanitizing your home, re-construction and remodeling, we are with you from beginning to end.
Now serving Ocala, The Villages, Gainesville, Crystal River, Jacksonville and St. Augustine.
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