Water damage is caused by many different factors, including storms, floods, burst pipes, or leaky appliances. No matter the cause, it’s important to seek help from a professional who specializes in water damage restoration to minimize the impact the loss has on your property and to get you back to normal as quickly as possible.
Water Extraction and Drying
The process of water extraction is the first step in restoring your home after a flood or other disaster. It involves removing excess moisture from the damaged area using pumps, buckets, or other equipment.
Depending on the extent of the water damage, this step can be done by a professional or by homeowners themselves with the right tools and experience. However, it is essential to have an expert take care of this task because it can be dangerous to do it yourself and the damage could worsen if you do not have the correct tools and experience.
Once all the standing water is removed, it’s time to start the drying process. A professional restoration company can use a variety of different equipment to speed up the drying process, such as dehumidifiers and fans.
After the entire structure is completely dried, any contaminated materials should be removed and disposed of. This step is crucial since any material that has been in contact with water for an extended period can be harmful to humans.
In addition, the entire structure should be thoroughly sanitized to prevent bacteria from forming. This can be done with a variety of products, including bleach and disinfectants.
If the water damage is in a place that is hard to reach, such as an attic or basement, you should call a plumber or HVAC contractor to help with this process. They can also remove water damage restoration Los Angeles any insulation or drywall that was affected by the flooding.
The restoration process can take up to seven days to complete, depending on the extent of the damage. It’s also important to keep in mind that water damage can lead to mold and mildew growth, so it is essential to remove all items that have been exposed to the water for any length of time.
Before a water damage restoration project begins, a detailed inspection is necessary to determine the extent of the damage. This allows your technician to develop a plan to restore your home to its pre-damage state.
During the restoration process, IICRC-certified technicians will survey all affected areas and locate and address the water source. They will document the scope of damages and take care of any emergency structural repairs that are needed.
They will work with truck-mounted water extraction equipment to remove standing water and dispose of any debris that is causing further harm to the property. The next phase of the restoration process involves setting up heavy-duty drying equipment, tearing out materials that cannot be salvaged and sanitizing and cleaning all of the affected surfaces.
When the cleanup is completed, the property is fully restored to its pre-damage condition. This includes repairing and replacing damaged areas of the structure, cleaning and sanitizing all of the belongings and content, and securing the area so it can’t be damaged again in the future.