Water damage can happen due to flooding, burst pipes, leaks, or heavy rainfall. This can damage any house or building. When water enters your property, it can cause serious damage if not addressed quickly. Water damage restoration is the process of cleaning, drying, repairing, and restoring your home to its original condition.
Six main steps in the process of water damage restoration are briefly explained below.
Inspection of the Area
Inspecting the affected area is the first step in water restoration. Experts examine the areas to determine the extent of damage, type of water and the problems it can possibly cause. Those experts check whether it is the clean water from pipes, gray water from appliances, or water from floods.
This helps them decide which tools are required and the proper methods to use. During this stage, they also identify any hidden water in walls, floors, or ceilings, because trapped water can cause mold and structural damage if left unnoticed or left untreated.
Water Removal
Once the inspection is complete, the next step is to remove standing water. This step is done using specialized equipment like pumps and wet/dry vacuums. Standing water can cause damage to furniture, appliances or anything present in that place.
Removing water quickly in water damage restoration is important because the longer it stays, the more damage it can cause. In many cases movable items like furniture and carpets are also removed to prevent further water flow in hidden places and make the area easier to dry.
Drying and Cleaning the Affected Area
After water removal, the affected areas must be thoroughly dried and cleaned. Standing water or moisture can be a place for bacteria and mold to grow, and that is why experts use industrial air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers to remove moisture from walls, floors, and ceilings.
After drying up the area, all surfaces are cleaned to remove dirt and debris. Special disinfectants are used to kill bacteria and germs left by water. Furniture, carpets, and other items are cleaned, repaired, or replaced if needed.
Repairs and Restoration
Once cleaning is complete, it is important to look for the necessary repairs and fix them quickly. These repairs may include fixing walls, floors, or ceilings, replacing damaged flooring, repairing cabinets, doors, and windows that have been damaged.
This step of water damage restoration ensures that your home is now ready and it is in the same original condition as before the water damage occurred. Repairs are done thoroughly and any damaged items that cannot be restored or repaired are safely removed and replaced.
Final Inspection and Preventive Measures
After the main restoration, it is important to take preventive measures and do final inspection to prevent future damage. This may include checking and maintaining pipes regularly, sealing windows and doors to prevent leaks, and cleaning gutters and drains to allow proper water flow.
The last step is a final inspection to make sure the process did not miss anything, and everything has been restored properly. Experts check and ensure the repairs are complete, and confirm that the home is safe and healthy to live in, where you can enjoy yourself comfortably.