What is Water Damage Restoration?

4/8/2022 (Permalink)

In short, water damage restoration is the process of fixing a structure after it has been damaged by water. Water damage has a wide range of how extensive it can be. While some damage may be able to be dried quickly and in place, some severe damage might require the removal of floors, walls, insulation, ceilings, and other materials.

Professionals may be required to remediate water damage in order to prevent problems with the integrity of a building or mold damage. In order to understand how professional water remediation services can benefit you, take a look at the steps below:

Steps in the Water Damage Restoration Process

A restoration professional should be scheduled for an inspection when water damage is discovered, our technicians are trained on how to inspect and successfully remediated water damage.

Water damage questions

Most people that are affected by water damage have many questions about the restoration process. In order to begin the restoration process, it is important to determine if professional restoration services are needed.

Inspection and damage assessment

Once it is determined that a professional will be needed in order to remediate, they will be called in to assess the severity of the water damage. After an initial inspection is completed, the water damage professional will advise how to best remediate the problem.

Water removal and extraction

The next step in the restoration process is to prevent further damage from occurring. During the first part of this step, the source of what is causing the damage needs to be addressed (i.e.: the water to the building has been turned off or disconnected if the source of damage is a burst pipe or water heater). Once the source has been stopped, the excess water must be removed by extraction equipment. Removing standing water from a structure can both decrease drying time and the chances of further damage.

Drying and dehumidification

Even though the excess water has been removed from the structure, the drying process is not yet complete. Moisture could have wicked up into walls and into insulation, which means that moisture needs to be pulled out of these materials by drying equipment. Insulation can be tricky, however. Insulation typically will not dry to the standard it needs to in order to prevent mold growth, so it will need to be removed.

Cleaning and repair

When water damage occurs, one of the main concerns of restoration is to prevent the spread or growth of mold and bacteria. Knowing how to properly clean and sanitize all affected areas and materials is an important part of a restoration professional’s knowledge in order to keep homes safe.

Air scrubbers may be used in order to remove harmful particles and moisture from the air so materials that are vulnerable to bacterial growth can be protected. This may include carpet, drapery, and clothing. 

Any contents that may have been contaminated will be removed to be cleaned or disposed of during this step as well.

Damage restoration

While each water damage situation is unique and has its own challenges, the steps listed above are always necessary in order to properly remediate water damage.

The extent of damage can vary greatly, meaning that restoration could be as simple as replacing drywall and insulation in affected areas, or as extensive as requiring the replacement of entire walls. Usually, entire walls and ceilings will only be replaced when there is a presence of mold, asbestos, or other toxic materials.

Typically. the longer water damage is left without remediation, the more extensive the restoration process is likely to be. It is recommended that as soon as water damage is expected or occurs, a water damage restoration professional be contacted in order to inspect the damage and provide a plan for remediation.

Contact Water Damage Restoration Specialists

Call us at (940) 241-3434 in order to schedule an appointment with a water damage restoration professional today. We are happy to assist you with any questions you may have.