A Complete Guide to Water Damage Restoration
If you’re currently living in a place in which water damage is very common, having enough knowledge about water damage restoration is very important. In fact, this will help you minimize or avoid damage not only to you but your health as well. What’s more, this can aid you to save a considerable amount of money by resolving problems before they become extensive and serious.
However, if you’re not familiar with this kind of restoration, don’t worry because we’ve got your back.
In this guide, we’ll show you almost everything that you need to know about water damage restoration. Not only that, but we will also help you find the best company that can help you in fixing water damages.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What is Water Damage Restoration?
This is a professional term that refers to the process of removing water and fixing the damage. Additionally, water damage restoration can be known as flood cleanup, water remediation, water extraction, water removal, and water mitigation.
Today, this process has become one of the most important tasks for every home. Excessive moisture, as well as water, are home to many types of bacteria that usually spread.
Stagnant water, on the other hand, is also a breeding ground for many different insects such as mosquitoes. That is why water restoration is very crucial for an environment that is free from diseases and pests.
Nevertheless, here are some of the benefits of this process.
One of the most common benefits of water damage restoration is that it will prevent the growth of molds.
After serious water damage, molds wills spread and grow more rapidly. Usually, you will only have a maximum of two days before mold starts to show. This will put you home at risk when not resolved immediately. What’s more, molds can be dangerous to our health.
But with water damage restoration, excess water will be removed properly thus the growth of molds will be prevented.
- Get professional advice
If your house is currently suffering from water damage, recognizing and locating the damage is not easy. Additionally, you might not fully understand which places need extra work and replacement.
But by simply conducting a water damage restoration you will be able to obtain professional pieces of advice regarding your home’s condition.
Usually, those who work with this type of restoration inspect your entire household and provide you with their inputs as to how serious the damages are. They will suggest the best process on how to fix them.
- Reduced losses and costs
According to many homeowners, water damage restoration is too expensive, and when left untreated, water damage may wreak havoc not only in your property but also your finances.
Opting for this process immediately once the damage is spotted, will reduce losses and the maintenance cost.
Keep in mind that the earlier the damages are fixed, the lesser the cost will be needed.
- Fast restoration
Water damages may leave you frustrated. If they are not repaired immediately, moisture may flow in furniture, walls, and appliances. Thus the problems will get aggravated even more. That is why immediate water damage restoration becomes very important.
With lots of experts working on various parts of your home, restoration is quicker. This will ensure faster work and further damage.
Cause of Water Damage
Having an idea of what causes water damage is very important. So below we have compiled the most common things to know when to call for water damage restoration experts.
- Leaking windows or roofs
- Flooding because of heavy rains
- Water heater problems
- Dishwasher malfunctions or leakages
- Septic tank or sewage backup malfunctions
- Clogged drainage
- Leaking water pipes
- Overflowing sinks, toilets, and bathtubs
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The Process To Restore Damage By Water
Keep in mind that water damage varies and this will greatly affect the entire process of water damage restoration. While the process slightly differs, the basic process involves in water damage restoration is as follows.
- Conduct an evaluation of the water damage in your home. Typically, this will include a thorough assessment of the damage and giving comprehensive written estimates.
- Then, the standing water will be extracted using a vacuum or pump.
- Dry your home with air movers and dehumidifiers
- After your possessions such as personal stuff and furniture will be removed and restored.
- The affected areas will then be decontaminated and deodorized using fogging equipment, an air scrubber, antimicrobial treatments, and an ozone machine.
- Lastly, the affected part of your home is rebuilt, restoring the original condition of your home. In some cases, remodeling may take place.
What is The Cost of This Type of Restoration
The national average cost for this type of restoration is $2700. On the higher end, it may cost you about $7500 or so, but for minimal damages, usually, they are charge $400.
However, it’s worth mentioning that there are factors that affect the overall cost, and these include:
- Your location
- The contractor
- Type of water (black water, clean water, and gray water)
- Your timeline
- Whether water is not or still present
- Presence of molds and other types of bacteria
- The size of your home
Tips on How to Reduce or Prevent Water Damage
If you want to cut down the overall cost associated with water damage restoration, here are some tips that you can consider to prevent excessive damage.
- Check your appliances often
Checking as well as maintaining your appliances at home for leakages is extremely important.
- Mount a water detection device
Water detectors are small devices that make a particular sound when their sensors are in contact with moisture.
One of the common benefits of such devices is that they are capable of detecting slow leakages and low levels of moisture that are difficult to notice.
These devices can be installed near toilets, dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, sump pumps, and water heaters.
- Clean gutters
If possible, clean the gutters of your home at least two times a year to prevent ice dams and blockages.
Keep in mind that standing water may cause serious damage to the gutters and unmanaged overflows may create water that may damage the foundation of your property.
- Inspect your roofs
If your home is using weather-tight proofs there is a higher chance that your property will experience damage that may cost you a considerable amount when left untreated.
A roof system may leak in many different ways. So before inclement weather will set in, go to your roof inspect and correct warning signs that may allow water to flow to your property. Aside from that, look for covered moss that might work underneath the zoster and damage from fallen limbs.
Do-It-Yourself Water Damage Restoration Tips
If you think that water damage is not yet serious or extend and can be fixed without the help of professionals, here are some DIY tips that you may want to take into consideration.
- Disconnect Outlets
One of the things that you need to do the moment you’ve found water damage in your place is immediately disconnect all electronics.
Though you might not see the intensity of damage just yet, it’s very crucial to be cautious around gas lines as well as appliances. These sets of equipment may cause explosions and electrical shocks no matter what the situation is.
- Get rid of damaged materials
If permeable materials such as carpets and insulation are drenched with water, make sure to dispose of them as soon as possible to prevent mildew development.
It’s also important that you keep an eye on the floors and ceilings. Meaning to say, drywall, wood, and unsealed blocks of cement should be addressed and changed so that the structure of your home will be able to support water damage repair.
- Inspect mold
Some types of molds are dangerous to people and pose health risks. Usually, mold quickly spread once it invades a certain area. Thus it’s highly recommended that you check for mold development to prevent health hazards.
For a small issue, you can simply cut the affected part, bag it, and immediately dispose of it. But for serious matters, you will need to shut down airflow of any type to prevent contamination. Then seek help from mold removal professionals.
Usually, mold appears inside the floors and walls; hence, this type of inspection must be continuous throughout the water damage restoration.
Call Professionals for Water Damage Restoration
Yes, water damage can be very frustrating and stressful, but it’s possible to restore the original condition of your home if you know how to deal with it properly.
When doing water restoration on your own, we highly recommend that you assess the situation properly or else you will end up making the situation worse. There is a chance that you’ll invite health hazards in your household.
But if you think the water damage is too serious and you are looking for assistance, you should seek help from professionals working with water damage restoration.
Today, there are lots of such professionals out there, thus choosing the best one becomes more difficult. However, if you want to make sure that you end with the best option possible, visit Local Services Helpline – it’s a place where every water damage restoration professionals are just one call away. This website can offer you a great helping hand no matter where you are in Canada or the United States.