Water damage restoration is a multi-step process that begins with a water removal company, often referred to as “restoration first responders.” These professionals arrive on the scene to assess the property, contain and prevent further damage, and extract any standing water. It’s worth noting that while a water damage removal company can work independently of a water damage restoration company, often the same company will perform both removal and restoration services.
Additional Water Extraction
The restoration process may involve using portable extractors to remove any excess water that’s soaking carpet, should the carpet be deemed salvageable. In other cases, the carpet may need to be removed and discarded.
Demolition & Debris Removal
In many cases of water damage, certain building materials (i.e., drywall down to the studs, carpeting, carpet padding, etc.) may need to be removed if they cannot be salvaged. This process normally occurs before drying out of the property takes place, as removing drywall to expose wall cavities and carpeting to expose subflooring can result in a more efficient overall drying process. If it’s determined that no structural damage occurred, then restoration companies can typically skip this step and move on to drying out the property.
Final Dry Out
Next, your contractor will strategically arrange air movers to help dry out the property and position dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air. With the right drying plan, it’s not uncommon for the property to dry out in a matter of just a few days.
Antimicrobial Application
In some water damage situations, fungal and mold growth may be a concern. Under the right circumstances, it can take as little as 24 hours for mold to begin growing, so whether it’s out of caution or out of necessity, a restoration company may deem it necessary to apply antimicrobials to prevent mold growth or destroy existing mold spores.
Contents Restoration
Though any type of property damage has the potential to ruin certain belongings, contents restoration technologies have advanced to a point today where many items are also salvageable. Usually near the beginning of the restoration process, a contents pack out will occur. This consists of a restoration company removing saveable contents such as textiles, clothes, hard goods, photos, electronics and more, and taking them off site to restore. Not every item can be saved, but many can.
Reconstruction & Build Back
The final step of the restoration process typically involves moisture testing to verify dryness, and then construction services to build back the building structure that was removed. This could include electrical, plumbing, drywall, finish materials, etc. A full-service restoration company will help you through the entire process.
In conclusion, water damage restoration is a complex process that requires a systematic approach and a thorough understanding of the damage involved. It is a critical step in ensuring the safety and health of the property following a water damage incident.
