Water damage can be classified into many forms, each having unique potential damage restoration needs. Water damage refers to any damage caused by liquid water penetrating an object where it may enable destructive processes of microscopic nature including rot of wood, mildew growth, corrosion of metal, growth of molds, mildew on painted surfaces, shrinking of composite materials like plywood, and de-lamination of materials like linen, wool, paper, etc. The damage is caused by either heat pressure or water. Heat damage may be due to warping of the surface, while pressure damage is due to the expansion or contraction of a substance, usually water, through changes in temperature. Water damage restoration involves several processes that involve removal of the water, treatment of the remaining water, repairing any affected component, and purification of the wastewater.

Water damage can occur in the interior as well as exterior walls of buildings and houses. It can also result from leaks in plumbing lines and appliances, roof leaks, broken doors and windows, seepage from sewers, leaks in the ground, flooding, snowplowing, ice dams, and tree root infiltrations. Virtually any surface affected by any of these conditions can suffer damage, either permanent or temporary, and mold remediation should immediately ensue if mold is found.

Restoration involves careful examination of the area to determine the extent of damage and whether the surrounding areas are dry. Wet walls can support moisture when they are filled with drywall, while dry walls cannot withstand moisture. Once the cause of the damage has been determined, the repairs can begin. The priority of any good damage restoration process is to contain the source of moisture so that it does not advance to greater levels.

For residential buildings, there are different types of restoration, including drywall repair, asbestos removal, graffiti removal, painting, and roof cleaning and repair. For commercial buildings, there are renovation and preservation, facade restoration, refurbishment, pest control, and structural cleaning, to name a few. Some commercial buildings experience both residential and commercial restoration, some to one and some do both, but for buildings with multiple floors many opt to have residential cleaning done first and then have the commercial cleaning done afterward. If the building is more than one story, often a home type building will receive both cleaning and restoration at the same time. This is due to the increased complexities of the second story and lack of space for structural cleaning. If the structure of the building is old, often exterior cleaning only needs to be done. Read more about Home Fire.

When there is a water event, such as a leak or flooding, there are other considerations that must be addressed during the damage restoration process. Standing water can cause the growth of Mold and other biological contaminants if left alone. For this reason, it is essential to use the proper equipment and techniques for cleaning and drying out the contaminated area, as well as doing any necessary ventilation and emergency dehumidification. Professional help in removing and eradicating mold and mildew is essential to the health and safety of the occupants and should be sought at the earliest opportunity. 

Professional restoration service companies understand that these types of situations require quick response and extensive damage restoration. They do not have to worry about a homeowner’s home insurance claim being filed or a tenant’s home insurance claim being approved because they have a team of trained and experienced professionals on their side that know how to do the job right. A complete analysis of the situation, a full assessment and an estimate of all needed work and materials are the responsibility of the damage restoration company. They will provide an estimate and a list of all materials needed so that nothing is missed, and you can be assured that your home insurance claim will be processed accordingly.