Water damage is the possible loss caused by water intruding where it will enable destructive processes like rotting of wood, mold growth, bacterial growth, rusting, swelling of composite wood, delamination of materials like plywood, etc. Water damage can occur slowly over time due to leaks, or instantaneous such as by burst pipes or flooding. It is a major reason for property damage. Water damage restoration is the complete process of water cleanup from beginning to end. It is a specialized service that removes water from buildings and restores them to a liveable condition that is as close to the pre-damaged state as possible.
Water damage restoration is also known by different terms that are used interchangeably but are slightly different.
- Water Remediation: Includes the complete process of water cleanup such as water removal, drying, and moving the restored items back.
- Water Removal: This is the removal of water by professionals using specialized equipment like commercial grade dehumidifiers and high-velocity air movers.
- Water Extraction: Although used interchangeably with water removal, the term is usually chosen when extracting water in an outside environment. It involves the removal of large amounts of water using specialized equipment.
- Water Mitigation: The process of preventing further damage caused by water in the building.
- Water Cleanup: Flood water is considered to be contaminated. Cleanup includes the removal, sanitizing, and drying of affected areas.
Water damage restoration usually involves the following steps.
1. Informing Water Emergency Experts
After ensuring the safety of occupants, emergency services can be informed. They guide on safety, and if it is necessary to remove any household items to avoid further damage, depending on the situation. Delaying the water damage restoration process can increase the extent of the damage.
2. Inspection and Assessment
Water damage restoration experts use specialized instruments to identify the location and severity of water damage. They also identify the source of water and make sure it is stopped. Depending on the source and type of water that has entered, experts ascertain the degree of water contamination. Based on all these details, the professionals provide homeowners with estimated time and costs for the complete water damage restoration process.
3. Water Removal or Extraction
The longer water is left standing, the more damage it causes, including mildew and mold growth. Depending on the volume of water to be removed, submersible pumps, truck-mounted vacuums, or portable wet/dry vacuums can be used to remove standing and surface water. After water extraction, inspection is done again. This determines residual moisture levels and whether carpeting or hardwood floors should be removed.
4. Drying and Dehumidification
Water damage restoration professionals use industrial-quality air movers to dry out any materials that still contain water or were difficult to access during water extraction. This prevents damage like warping, breaking, or mold growth. Dehumidifying the home, and wet or water-logged items like carpets or rugs is essential.
5. Cleaning and Sanitization
Cleaning by trained professionals after water damage can include dry cleaning, spray and wipe cleaning, and wet cleaning. To ensure mold growth is prevented sanitization is done. Foam, abrasive, or immersion techniques are used to clean all items. Irreversibly damaged materials are removed at this stage.
6. Complete Restoration
Finally, the water damage restoration experts return the home or business to the state it was in before the damage happened. Permanently damaged items are replaced. Minor renovations like drywall panel replacement or repainting of certain parts may be needed.
Flood damage in the US cost approximately $17 billion annually between 2010 and 2018. Roughly 4.3 million homes across Florida, California, South Carolina, and Texas are at risk of damage from flooding this year. In addition is water damage by leaks, faulty appliances, clogged gutters, etc. 93% of water damage can be prevented by timely action. Mold can grow within 20-24 hours of allowing water to stand. A professional water damage restoration company like Proven Restoration LLC, with two decades of experience, is one of the best options for water damage restoration in the Houston metropolitan area. They can be contacted on (713) 906-5133 for a free estimate on their prompt and professional mold remediation and water restoration services in Houston, Texas.
