A homeowner’s worst nightmare is water damage, which wreaks havoc on their property and possessions. When faced with such a situation, it’s essential to act swiftly and seek the expertise of professional water damage restoration services. But what can you expect from the experience? Surely, it has to be better than taking buckets of water out of your home and trying to dry areas yourself. Absolutely, it is. During chaotic times such as these, homeowners are often overwhelmed, shaken, and likely displaced from their homes. The goal of any restoration company is to return home to pre-accident condition quickly.
In this blog, we will dive feet first into the importance of mitigating further damage through professional restoration, discussing the process, benefits, and key industry terminology. When it comes to dealing with excessive flooding, time is of the essence.
Understanding Water Damage
Before we explore the mitigation process, let’s briefly understand what water damage entails. Water damage refers to water invading a property due to various reasons, such as burst pipes, flooding, leaks, or even firefighting efforts causing excessive destruction to belongings or property. It could even be caused by an overflowing bathtub or a toilet backing up. The destructive force of water can compromise the structural integrity of a building, ruin furnishings, promote mold growth, and pose significant health risks. As you can imagine, the monetary implications of flooding in the home can be quite significant. This is why insurance agencies and lenders all recommend having flood insurance on your home if not included with your homeowner’s policy.
The Role of Professional Water Damage Restoration
Has water just rushed into your home? Are you frightened, wondering what happens next? When faced with water damage, it’s crucial to hire professionals specialized in water damage restoration. There are several advantages to hiring a water damage expert, but at the top of the list of reasons why you’ll find that they can handle the situation more effectively. Here’s how professional restoration mitigates further damage:
Professional Assessment of the Property
There is no time to waste when it comes to starting the water damage restoration process. You’ll want to contact a company as soon as possible after the accident. Professional restoration companies understand the urgency and promptly respond to mitigate further damage. In most situations, companies are on call 24/7 to be available whenever a client needs them. They will want and need to conduct a thorough assessment of the affected areas. Ultimately this will determine the extent of damage and identify potential risks.
Water Extraction and Extended Drying
The real first step in the restoration process that homeowners will notice is water extraction. Professionals utilize industrial-grade equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove standing water and moisture from the premises efficiently. Many companies actually have trucks that will hold the water to prevent it from being distributed around the property. If too much water is let go near the property, it could lead to soil erosion. That is why taking the excess water away, either for proper treatment or disposal, is essential.
Drying the affected areas prevents the growth of mold and limits additional damage. Remember, the drying time will vary depending on the severity of the flooding and how many areas were affected. For small areas, it might not take as long. Hardwood floors will usually dry faster than carpeted areas if the carpet can be saved.
Integrity Check: Structural Repairs and Restoration
We depend on the structural integrity of our homes every day. Should anything compromise it, it could cause a safety hazard. During one of the initial checks, professionals will look at the structure to determine if anything is damaged and needs to be replaced. This could include the walls, floors, or ceiling.
Mold Removal and Remediation
Mold can be a troublesome issue to deal with alongside other water damage restoration tasks. Mold growth is a common consequence of water damage. It not only damages surfaces but also poses serious health risks. A professional will not only look for mold, and treat it, but will also take preventative measures against it returning.
Saving What Can Be Saved
Water can be unforgiving. It does a great deal of damage not just to the structural parts of a home but also to personal belongings. Though a restoration company will do what it can, some items just won’t be salvageable. Things that can be saved are often exposed to methods like freeze-drying, deodorization, and content cleaning. A key goal for the restoration pros is to minimize losses wherever possible.
The Benefits of Professional Restoration
Maybe you’re thinking, why don’t I just do the restoration myself? Totally common. But we urge you to reconsider and instead hire a Water damage restoration company.
Expertise and Experience
Professional restoration companies have extensive experience in dealing with various types of water damage. Their expertise allows them to handle the restoration process efficiently, minimizing further damage and ensuring the best possible outcome. They also have the right equipment to get the job done effectively and safely.
Health and Safety
It might seem yucky, but in some situations, it could be a health risk not having a professional’s help. For example, should your sewer line back up. Water damage often leads to unsanitary conditions and mold growth, which pose health risks. Professionals take appropriate safety measures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), to protect themselves and the occupants from hazards. Their thorough mold remediation practices ensure a healthy indoor environment.
Time and Cost Efficiency
Attempting to tackle water damage without professional assistance can result in prolonged restoration time and increased costs. It can also maximize the chances of a severe mold problem. Ultimately, when you choose the pros for restorations, you’ll save a great deal of time and money.
In Conclusion
When faced with water damage, it’s crucial to take immediate action! Call the professionals ASAP. Their swift response, industry expertise, and advanced equipment helped mitigate the situation. Hiring a professional is the only way to get to work, putting a home back to normal quickly. An oversight like carrying buckets of water out of the home, thinking that it’s enough, can have dire consequences for your home. It could ultimately affect the structural integrity of the property. We recommend that should flooding happen in your home, no matter the reason, to contact a local restoration company ASAP.
