Whether it’s due to a leaky or broken pipe, or a devastating visit from mother nature, water damage is a serious problem that has the potential to range in severity. In the event of water damage, it’s important to act as fast as possible in order to deter further damage and the development of dangerous mold, mildew, and other harmful microorganisms, all of which can drastically affect the value of your home. Time is of the essence – contact a restoration professional immediately to ensure that you are able to overcome the damage and get your home or business back in order in no time.
Though the process may seem simple, water damage restoration is an extensive process with multiple steps, all of which are equally important. Let’s take a look at a few of these steps.
INSPECTION
The first step involved in the water restoration process is an inspection from a certified restoration professional. During this inspection, an assessment is made to determine the full extent of the damage that has been done by identifying its particular class and category. Water damage classification can range from class 1 (minor) all the way to class 4 (severe), while water damage categories refer to the type of water that has damaged your home.
CATEGORY 1
This category involves damage that originates from a clean water source such as toilets and broken pipes. If left unattended for too long, Category 1 water damage can quickly degrade into Category 2 or 3.
CATEGORY 2
This is damage that comes from water that may contain detergents, such as washing machine water or dishwasher water (otherwise known as “grey water”). This category may also include water containing urine from toilet overflows.
CATEGORY 3
The third and final category is one that includes completely unsanitary water that has the potential to cause illness, disease, or even death. This water comes from sewage, river flooding, and other standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other dangerous microbes.
No matter how your home’s water damage may rank, immediate action is still necessary. At Carpet Tech, we offer our customers 24-hour emergency response services that come complete with the most comprehensive restoration available for jobs of all sizes!
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EXTRACTION
Once an inspection is complete and the extent of your water damage has been determined, the next step in professionally restoring your home or business is extraction. Before extraction can begin, however, all items that have been damaged by the water must be removed, protected, and treated. This can include carpet, padding, furniture, and clothing, among other things.
Once these items have been taken care of, the extraction process can begin. During the extraction process, pumps and vacuums are used to remove any and all water that may be present. Typically, extraction will begin within hours of an inspection being completed to ensure that mold and mildew do not have the chance to develop. Remember: time is of the essence!
DRYING
Once the removal of all standing and absorbed water is complete, fans and dehumidifiers are used to draw out any remaining moisture in the house that could be present. While this step in the restoration process is one that may take a while, it’s just as important as the rest of them. Drying and dehumidifying your home after it receives extensive water damage is just as crucial for preventing the development of damaging microorganisms as the water extraction itself. A dry home is a happy home!
RESTORATION
The final step in the water restoration is, you guessed it, restoration! Once everything in your home or business has been dried and cleaned, our team can begin repairing and restoring all that was lost in the incident. Depending on the severity of the damage, “restoration” can entail a variety of things. While some damage may only require new carpet and padding, some flooding might have affected your walls. This could, in turn, mean repairing damaged drywall, affected insulation, or the entire wall itself. In extreme cases, “restoration” could mean restructuring and rebuilding entire sections of your home or business. It may sound over-the-top, but when your home has been exposed to water in this way, a thorough touch is necessary for ensuring not only the continued life of your home but the health of your family and co-workers as well!
Whether the damage to your home or business is minor or major, water damage is a serious problem that requires immediate attention. Acting fast is important to ensure that current problems are stopped in their tracks and future problems are stopped before they have a chance to happen.
Has your home or business recently been damaged by a break, leak, or flood? Carpet Tech is here to help. Our team of certified professionals is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to bring you comprehensive on-site emergency services when it matters most!
Give us a call or visit us online for your FREE Water Damage Restoration Estimate today!