Water damage restoration is a professional term that refers to the steps involved in removing water from a home or business to restore it to its original condition. You might also hear other terms such as water removal, water mitigation, water remediation, water extraction and flood cleanup. Essentially, these terms describe the process of water cleanup from start to finish which includes removing the water, drying affected items and building structures, and moving restored items back into place.
Water damage can pose serious problems for homeowners because it usually takes place in areas that are not often used such as a basement. As a result, many people do not discover water damage until it has caused the most harm.
How Water Mitigation Companies Can Make a Difference
Although you may be tempted to do the cleanup yourself, getting water damage under control without the help of a professional can be more trouble than it’s worth. Indeed, there are a number of reasons why contacting a flood restoration company can save you both time and money.
Lasting Effects of Moisture Damage
Water collecting in your home from a flood or a plumbing leak can be a serious problem because the damage is not always limited to what the water touches. Getting rid of your standing water is important, but it’s not enough to prevent lasting damage to building structures. Porous materials in your home such as insulation, drywall, and carpeting compound the problem because they can absorb moisture while still appearing to be dry.
Time Is of the Essence
What might take you a few days to complete, trained water remediation professionals can accomplish in a matter of hours. This is important because any delay in cleanup can cause irreparable damage to materials such as sheetrock and hardwood flooring. In addition, the longer water sits in your home, the greater the chance of developing mold or bacteria. To keep this from occurring, water mitigation must be done within the first 24-48 hours of an accident.
Water Extraction
Removing large quantities of water from your home generally requires the type of specialized equipment that professionals use such as truck mounts, commercial grade dehumidifiers and high-velocity air movers. Typically, pumping water out is the first step in water extraction. As I mentioned earlier, time is crucial for mitigating the damage caused and for saving important materials and household possessions. Without access to professional equipment, it is difficult for a homeowner to extract water quickly enough to avoid further damage to the home.
Bacteria and Mold Growth
Standing groundwater produces one of the highest levels of water contamination. As a result, floodwater can be very unsanitary because it is often rife with bacteria and other harmful ingredients. Water damage restoration pros can lessen the chances of the spread of harmful bacteria by using sanitizing agents
Mold growth is also another concern after water damage because damp, dark areas are perfect breeding grounds for mold spores. Indeed, mold can grow anywhere from 24-72 hours after an incident. However, commercial drying equipment can significantly reduce the chance of mold growth. Furthermore, it is much more cost-effective to pay for water removal now than it is to pay for mold remediation later. Whether you’ve had flood damage from a harsh storm, frozen pipes bursting, or a water heater breakdown, experienced water damage restoration professionals can prevent further harm to your home not to mention the hassle of removing the water by yourself. Flood damage technicians have both the equipment and expertise to handle any size problem. In addition, they can effectively clean and disinfect the affected areas to prevent mold growth or difficult odors from developing in the future.
