A Guide to Water Damage Restoration by SERVPRO of Greater St Augustine
3/9/2020 (Permalink)
If your property sustains significant water damage, it’s only natural to feel overwhelmed. Thanks to advancements in building restoration technology, though, addressing mold, mildew, rot, and structural problems is actually fairly straightforward. Here’s how reputable contractors will tackle any such issues in your home or place of business.
Evaluating the Extent of the Damage
Before they can devise a game plan, professionals must determine the total extent of the damage. Water damage is organized into classes, with class 1 being the least severe, and class 3 being the worst.
When evaluating the affected rooms, the technicians will consider both the type and amount of water that was absorbed. If the damage was caused by a small leak from a potable source, for example, it won't be nearly as serious as a major rush of raw sewage. It’s important to note, however, that the category is not stagnant. If left unaddressed, water damage can worsen considerably.
Addressing Immediate Concerns
If any portion of the damage was caused by contaminated water, the technicians will have to act fast. Their primary concern is limiting the spread of pathogenic and toxigenic agents. Once they’ve pumped all the water out and dried the affected areas, they will remove all materials that came in contact with the bacteria, including carpeting, linoleum, drywall, and insulation.
If the water wasn't contaminated, some materials may still have to be removed to prevent mold growth. Examples include those that absorbed too much moisture to ever fully dry. Air scrubbers may also be used at this stage to purify the air while eliminating excess moisture.
Replacing Compromised Materials
The final stage of water damage restoration is replacing all the materials that were removed. Your water restoration team may be able to do this, or they may refer you to a third-party contractor.
Before replacing anything, though, it’s important to identify the underlying cause of the damage. If it’s a structural issue, like a burst pipe, for example, you’ll have to call in a specialist to make all necessary repairs before proceeding. This will prevent further damage.
If you need water damage restoration, turn to SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine / St. Augustine Beach. Serving homeowners and businesses throughout the greater Saint Augustine, FL, area, this local contractor offers comprehensive restoration services following all kinds of catastrophes. Because a disaster can strike at any time, their highly trained technicians are available 24/7. To learn more about their water damage restoration process, visit their website or check out their YouTube channel. To schedule service, call (904) 429-4457.