Many homeowners underestimate the effects of water damage not only on their homes but also on their health. Water damage can quickly lead to structural weakening or collapse, mold damage, and loss of personal property. This is why water damage restoration is crucial after a home suffers damage.
Our detailed and extensive guide will walk you through the signs of water damage and some common causes. More importantly, we will explain what to expect during the water damage restoration process.
What Is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration is the process of repairing a property damaged by water in order to return it to its original condition. It is an extensive process that includes cleaning, drying, and sanitizing the home among other procedures.
The importance of water damage restoration cannot be overstated. It prevents issues such as structural collapse, mold, and mildew from occurring. This ensures that the homeowner can live in a property that is free from physical and health risks.
What Are the Major Causes of Water Damage?
Different unexpected issues can lead to water damage. However, here are some common causes:
Faulty Plumbing System
A leaking, broken, or frozen pipe can cause serious water damage to your home. These leaks can occur gradually over a long period. In other cases, pipes may burst unexpectedly and flood your home.
Appliance Leaks
Certain appliances that use water such as your washing machine, dishwasher, and even air conditioner can malfunction. When they malfunction, they may cause a small leak or a large flood.
Natural Disasters
Several natural disasters cause water intrusion which in turn causes water damage. Some examples of these natural disasters include typhoons, hurricanes, floods, and rainstorms.
Roof and Gutter Damage
A compromised roof or gutter will inevitably cause water intrusion. When your roof has holes or damaged and missing shingles, rainwater will drip into your home. This can cause severe water damage over time.
What Are the Signs of Water Damage?
If you suspect that a part of your home is suffering from water damage, look out for the following signs:
Wall Damage
Look out for cracking, peeling, or bubbling paint. Your walls may also feel damp or soft to the touch. Additionally, check for water stains and rings on your wall. They are usually brown.
Musty Odors
Water damage comes with certain smells. If you notice a damp or musty smell in any part of your home, you likely have water damage.
Dripping Noises and Water Pools
Sometimes, water damage is hidden and occurs in places you are unable to reach. Listen for dripping noises and check for any pools of water that you did not cause.
Discoloration
Water damage often causes water stains. These can appear on your walls, ceilings, and floors. Any new colors that appear in these areas are often a sign of water damage.
The Water Damage Restoration Process
Here are the steps involved in the water damage restoration process:
- Initial Damage Assessment and Inspection
The water damage restoration specialists will begin by inspecting your home and assessing the extent of the damage. This is particularly helpful for discovering the source of the damage if it is unknown or if there are multiple sources. They will use infrared equipment, hygrometers, and moisture detectors to find both the source and all the impacted areas.
Carrying out an inspection also helps the restoration specialists determine the level of contamination if any in the home. It will also inform their next steps and help them create an action plan.
- Damage Mitigation
The restoration specialists will immediately kick into action by attempting to mitigate the damage. Firstly, they will stop the source of the water intrusion. This may involve shutting off the main water supply or closing entrances that water is coming in through.
Secondly, they will extract any extra standing water. They do this by using powerful industrial vacuums and submersible pumps. Sometimes, they use wet/dry vacuums to clean up other forms of debris. Water extraction prevents further damage to your home and provides a suitable environment for restoration.
- Drying and Dehumidification
This part of the process involves specialized equipment such as air movers, industrial dryers, dehumidifiers, and sometimes, heaters. The goal is to reduce the level of accumulated moisture in the affected areas. The specialists may need to open windows and doors. Doing so will increase air circulation which is critical for the drying process.
The drying and dehumidification process is not one-and-done. Instead, the restoration specialists will consistently monitor the process. They will adjust their technique and machines as needed. This will ensure that every part of the affected area is evenly and properly dried.
- Cleaning and Sanitizing
The specialists will clean all affected areas and take out any items that are too damaged to be restored. This may be warped wood beams or even soaked personal property such as rugs and other furniture. Cleaning will involve scrubbing, wiping, or pressure washing the affected areas and items. They will use techniques and cleaning agents that are specialized for water damage.
Sanitizing the area of water damage and personal property involved is also crucial. This helps to eradicate contaminants or harmful chemicals caused by the stagnant water. The specialists will use sanitizing and microbial solutions alongside disinfectants. This ensures that your property is free from harmful viruses, bacteria, and pathogens.
- Mold Remediation
This aspect of the water damage restoration process only comes up when the water damage has led to mold growth. Mold can grow under 48 hours after water intrusion and it is damaging to a person’s health. It also spreads easily and can contaminate other areas of your home.
The restoration specialists will contain the mold by using barriers or sealing the area off. They may also get rid of mold-affected items if any. Afterward, they will clean and disinfect the mold-affected area which will get rid of mold spores. Air scrubbers are a popular choice for clearing the air of mold spores. Additionally, they will take preventative measures such as applying mold-resistant substances to the area.
- Restoration and Reconstruction
Water damage can compromise the integrity of items in your home. To complete the water damage restoration process, the specialists will repair any damaged items. This will involve sending these items to an off-site restoration center for repairs.
The specialists will also restore the structural parts of your home. This may involve repairing drywall, refinishing countertops, and repainting your walls. Sometimes, the water damage is so severe that parts of the home will require reconstruction. For instance, they may need to completely replace your flooring to ensure your safety.
- Final Assessment
The goal of water damage restoration is to return your home to its pre-damage condition. After the damage restoration specialists are done, ask them to do one final assessment. This should involve testing the moisture levels again to ensure that they are sufficiently low. The specialists should also test the durability of reconstructed or repaired elements and items.
How Much Does Water Damage Restoration Cost?
Your overall cost for water damage restoration will depend on the level of damage. Minor damage can cost as low as $450 and as high as $1,200. This is usually for minor leaks and repairs. However, the average homeowner spends around $3,000 on water damage restoration.
How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take?
The assessment, cleaning, drying, and sanitization can take as little as three days and as long as a week. Mold remediation alone can take up to five days if the mold has spread significantly. However, the reconstruction and repair process can take a few months depending on the severity of the damage.
What Is the Best Water Damage Restoration Near Me?
On-Call Restoration is the best water damage restoration company for you. We offer a full-service approach by handling restoration and also getting public adjusters to negotiate your insurance claim. Our licensed and trained experts provide emergency restoration services which will put your mind and property at ease. The best part is that our property restoration services extend to fire, content, and storm damage restoration.
Conclusion
Water damage restoration ensures that your property does not fall into complete disrepair after suffering water damage. The restoration process involving drying, sanitizing, and reconstruction ensures that your property returns to its original form in no time. Ensure you hire only licensed and experienced water damage restoration specialists. This will ensure your safety and health.
Avoid shoddy water damage restoration jobs. Choose On-Call Restoration for attention to detail and superb customer service. Send us a message today and let us put your home in order.
