Water damage occurs more frequently than you might think. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage was consistently in the top three insurance claims between 2016 and 2020.
Moreover, the average claim for water damage was $11,650 for all of these years. Considering the amount of havoc even the slightest bit of water damage can cause, it’s essential to take swift and precise action when your property suffers a water incident.
One of the best ways to do this is by hiring a professional restoration company. Mitigate the damage and call the experts when the clean up is beyond you. A brief breakdown of the water damage cleanup process, and when to call a pro, is provided below:
1. Evaluation
The first thing to do when cleaning up after water damage is to get an accurate assessment of how bad the situation is. A professional restoration service can quickly evaluate your situation, determine the best action(s) for water removal, drying out the space, and restoring the damage. Plus, a qualified restoration team is adequately equipped to quickly implement and execute their plan.
2. Water Extraction and Removal
When you have water damage, there can be pools of water in multiple places, both seen and unseen. A restoration service professional uses specialized equipment to completely dry your property after water damage.
Most commercial and residential water restoration services use extraction machines, fans, high-volume water pumps, and vacuums. These powerful pumps and vacuums can quickly remove any surface or standing water from your property.
3. Drying and Dehumidifying
During the water cleanup process, water removal specialists use drying equipment like dehumidifiers and commercial-grade air movers to reduce surface humidity, thereby inhibiting mold and bacteria growth, which thrive in a moist environment.
Monitoring the humidity level during the drying phase is essential. Restoration experts regularly check in on the drying progress and adjust the drying equipment as needed.
4. Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Deodorizing
In addition to being a potential health hazard, floodwater reacts with the environment and produces an unpleasant odor. Therefore, after the affected area has dried, it’s important to clean, disinfect, and deodorize personal items, furniture, floors, and walls.
Restoration services can use a variety of proven methods to guarantee the highest level of cleanliness for your belongings and can use commercial-grade deodorants to give your space a pleasant smell. The process will also involve mold remediation if there are warning signs of such.
5. Restoration
Restoration is the last step in the water damage cleanup process. Reputable restoration professionals work to restore your property to its former state, prior to water damage.
During this time, fixing damaged walls and replacing old carpeting is advisable. Your preferred restoration service may also replace cabinets, pipes, lights, and other fixtures.
When to Call a Pro
No matter how small or insignificant your water damage appears, it’s advisable to connect with a trustworthy technician from a restoration company. Left untreated, moisture can lead to fungus and mildew forming, and mold can develop in as little as 24-48 hours. Water damage can also cause structural problems.
Professional restoration services will repair your water-damaged property and ensure it is free from dangers like mold and structural damage.
Conclusion
If water damage occurs on your property, you might address it on your own. However, calling a water damage restoration company is your best bet if you want it handled right.
ServiceMaster Restoration by D.S.M. professionals take every precaution to dry out your space entirely and guarantee its safety. If you need water damage restoration services in or around the Farmington area, call the industry’s go-to advisors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year at (248) 987-6430 or chat with an expert today.