If your home has been damaged by water, it will likely need intensive water damage restoration.
Photo by Paul Siewert on Unsplash
This type of restoration is more comprehensive than a standard or minor repair.
If you are looking for a ‘water damage restoration company near me‘ which will manage the removal of all affected building materials, the cleaning and drying of the affected areas, and the reconstruction of any damaged areas, then you have come to the right place.
An intensive water damage restoration will usually be performed by a team of professionals who have the experience and training necessary to handle such a large and complex project.
You don’t have to be home for this type of restoration, but you will have to provide access to the property so that the team can begin putting together a plan of attack.
Here’s what this process entails:
Assessment and Inspection
The first step in any water damage restoration is assessing the damage and determining what needs to be done. The team will inspect the property to determine the extent of the damage and identify any areas that are still wet. The professionals will also identify any potential hazards, such as mold or mildew, that may be present.
According to reports, the average home insurance claim for water damage in the US is $11,098. So, in case you are facing a water damage issue, you can contact your insurance company to claim the money.
Water Removal and Drying
The professionals will begin the water damage restoration process by removing all standing water from affected areas and any damaged building materials. It includes ripping out cabinets, flooring, baseboards, and ceiling tiles to remove anything that has been soaked or touched by the water. The team may also need to cut away drywall to remove any mold and mildew that has grown there.
The affected areas will then be dried out and dehumidified, using air movers and humidifiers to reduce the humidity level down to about 50 percent. The goal is to stimulate evaporation so that all moisture can be removed entirely from within the building materials.
Cleaning and Sanitizing
The drying process will typically expose a significant amount of dirt and dust, so the cleaning and sanitizing process occur concurrently. All affected surfaces are scrubbed with a disinfectant solution to clean away any mold or mildew that may have been growing there.
The floors, walls, ceilings, and other surfaces are thoroughly vacuumed to remove as much dirt and dust as possible.
It typically involves commercial cleaning products, but in some cases, the affected areas will need to be exposed to water under high pressure or exposed to ozone gas.
Restoration
Once all affected surfaces have been cleaned and dried, the restoration process can begin. This step is primarily concerned with reconstructing any damaged areas to return them to their original condition.
Carpets will be shampooed and deodorized, walls will be repainted, broken tiles will be replaced, and so on. If there are any new openings in the walls, these will need to be filled with special sealants or building materials for water protection.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
Once the restoration process is complete, a team of professionals will perform another inspection on all affected areas to ensure that everything has been completed to standard.
They will also clean up any remaining debris or materials used in the restoration process.
The final cleanup process includes restoring any furniture or fixtures that may have been moved during the restoration. All materials removed as part of this process will also be appropriately disposed of.
Policy Coverage Verification
Before the team leaves, they will verify that the property owner has proper insurance coverage for water damage. If not, they may recommend purchasing a policy specifically for this type of event.
The intensive water damage restoration process can be lengthy and complex, but it’s necessary to ensure that the property is restored correctly and safe to live in again.
If you’ve experienced water damage, be sure to search for a professional water damage restoration company near me for assistance.