Severe flooding or water infiltration may cause extensive damage to homes or businesses. This can lead to long-term structural problems, the growth of mold, and even health risks. If a home or business suffers from water damage, you should call a professional company to provide water remediation services. These companies have the advanced tools and experience to tackle water damage. See how water damage restoration companies can restore your property when there is severe flooding.
- Initial Assessment And Inspection
A thorough inspection is the first step that a water remediation company takes to assess the damage caused by flooding or infiltration. This initial assessment allows for the determination of the extent to which the damage has occurred and will help guide the restoration procedure. During the inspection process, experts search for:
- Signs Of Structural Damage: The water in the building materials can lead to structural damage.
- Sources: Determine whether flooding is the result of rainwater, sewage backups, and burst pipes.
- Health hazards: Standing, contaminated water can cause serious health problems due to mold, bacteria, and sewage.
The goal of this water remediation inspection is to evaluate the severity and plan an effective course of action.
- Water Extraction
After the assessment is completed, the next stage is water removal. Removing standing water can prevent further damage, especially in basements and other areas where water tends to collect. Water remediation companies use powerful vacuums or pumps to remove large amounts of water quickly.
- Industrial truck-mounted pump: Companies often use large industrial truck-mounted pumps to remove water in bulk. These pumps can remove thousands of gallons.
- Mobile extractors: These are ideal for confined areas and small amounts of water.
Remove the water as quickly as possible to minimize the risk that it will seep into walls, floors, and the foundations of your home, causing long-term damage.
- Drying And Dehumidification
Once the majority of water has been removed from the area, drying it out is the next vital step. Water removal alone does not eliminate moisture. Water can get trapped inside building materials and cause warped wood or mold to grow.
Water remediation services use advanced equipment to remove excess moisture from air and materials.
- Industrial dehumidifiers: These devices reduce the humidity level in the air by removing moisture, which speeds up drying.
- Fan and Air Movers: These large fans are strategically placed in the affected area. They circulate the air to speed up the process of evaporation.
- Heat dryer systems: In some instances, heated air can be used to dry materials better.
Experts use moisture meters to monitor and ensure the complete drying of all affected areas. If the surface is not dried properly, mold and mildew may grow within 24 to 36 hours.
- Mold Prevention And Remediation
Mold growth can be a significant risk when flooding occurs. Mold is attracted to damp conditions, and it will spread rapidly if the water is left sitting for an extended amount of time.
Water remediation companies do not only focus on drying out a property, they also prevent mold growth.
- Mold resistance treatments: After the drying process, specialists can apply an antimicrobial solution to prevent mold or mildew from taking root.
- Inspecting mold: When water remediation professionals detect mold, they use specialized tools to detect mold hidden in ceilings and walls.
- How to remove mold: If mold is already growing, it can be safely removed by using appropriate containment or filtration techniques to prevent contamination.
Mold removal should be an integral part of any water remediation project. Left unchecked, mold could cause health issues or structural damage.
- Structural Repair and Restoration
The water remediation company will then assess any structural damages caused by flooding and water infiltration. It can include the following:
- Damaged drywall by water: Water damages drywall, causing it to warp, weaken, and eventually fall apart. In some situations, drywall might need to be completely replaced.
- Floors and Hardwood: Wooden floors, subfloors, or other wooden structures are susceptible to swelling, warping, and rot after exposure to water. In some instances, they might need to be fixed or replaced.
Conclusion
Water remediation companies are crucial in restoring property damage and preventing future problems. These companies will use the most advanced tools and techniques for the entire process, from the initial assessment to water extraction and drying to mold prevention to structural repair. To ensure your home gets the best outcome, contact a professional remediation company as soon as you notice severe water damage.