What is Water Restoration?
What Does It Mean?
Water restoration is an intricate cleaning process professionals use to restore your home and property. The steps involved depend on how severe the damage is. Professionals will assess the damage and split it into three categories.
Category one damage is when the water is from a sanitary source and is fit for human consumption. Simply put, it’s not dangerous. Category two damage means the water is contaminated and can cause sickness. In the most severe cases, Category three damage can occur. The water is severely contaminated and contains harmful toxins. All need treatment, but Category three damage requires urgent attention.
Damage Classes
The water damage is also put into various classes, depending on many factors. When there is minimal damage, professionals rank it as class one. An example of class one damage is an overflowed toilet on tiled flooring. Class two damage occurs when leakages are absorbed into wooden flooring. This means you need extra treatment and there will be a longer drying time.
Class three damage is when lots of water is absorbed by porous materials. This requires an evaporation process and damage is inevitable. When severe damage occurs, professionals will use class four techniques to fix the issues. If you’re suffering from class four damage, the consequences will be severe. The cost of water restoration depends on how severe the damage is and how long it will take to fix.
Water Mitigation
Water restoration isn’t just about fixing the damage. Professionals also need to inspect what caused the issue in the first place. This is known as water mitigation and it’s a vital part of the process. It involves removing mold, mildew and debris from the walls and other areas to sanitize the environment.
Waterborne diseases are potentially life-threatening, so you should never overlook water mitigation. One popular method is using air-humidifiers round the clock to dry the area properly. You should have the area tested afterward to ensure it meets normal standards. There are also techniques for deodorizing your property to get rid of the mold smell.
Tips and Advice
Never wait to seek professional advice if you’re suffering from water damage. Immediate attention will stop severe long-term damage occurring and it will save you money in the long-term. If you’re attempting to begin the restoration process on your own, think about whether you could end up causing more damage. The cost of water restoration outweighs the cost of future damage.
Sometimes the company won’t be able to reach you immediately, but you can take steps to prevent further damage. Always shut off the water supply to prevent further leaks and move your items to a safe place. This includes furniture, DVDs and all other household items.
Preventing Water Damage
You can reduce your need for water restoration by maintaining your home. Clean the gutters regularly and check for signs of cracks or holes. Wood damage impacts your home greatly and causes mold, mildew and in severe cases illness. However, there are waterproof sealants you can apply to your wooden flooring to reduce moisture absorption.
You shouldn’t have laminate flooring near your bathroom and always wipe your floor as soon as you spill something. Small steps can make a big difference, so always keep extra laminate floorboards and replace them regularly. Water restoration can transform your home and save you from the heartache of severe repairs.