Best Practices for Water Damage Restoration

11/13/2024 (Permalink)

Fixing water damage with fans

Best Practices for Water Damage Restoration

Water damage can quickly grow from a minor issue to a major problem if not handled quickly. Taking immediate steps using the best practices for water damage restoration will help you prevent further complications like mold growth or structural damage.

1. Timing Is Crucial

When responding to an incident involving water damage, each passing moment could allow more water to seep under flooring, absorb into drywall or insulation, or saturate carpeting and furniture. The longer building materials and belongings remain wet, the more damage occurs, such as warping and swelling.

Mold, mildew, and bacteria may start to appear within 24-48 hours on wet surfaces. Immediately identifying the water source and stopping the flow is the best way to minimize further complications, damage, and repair costs. Quickly catching damage can also preserve valuable belongings that might otherwise become unsalvageable.

2. Put Safety First

Depending on the degree of water damage, affected areas could become a safety risk, which requires making them safe to inhabit before any restoration work begins. It is essential to be aware of potential fire damage and safety concerns. Best practices for water damage restoration begin with turning off the electricity to prevent dangerous fire hazards from wet wires or outlets. Take precautions to prevent electrocution and wear protective gear such as masks, boots, and gloves to avoid contamination from contact with bacteria and mold.

Before entering, assess the structure’s stability, considering ceilings, walls, and floors. If there is any risk of the structure collapsing, evacuate the building. Additionally, be cautious of sharp debris, slippery floors, and other hazards that may have been created due to excess water.

3. Locate the Source of the Water

When starting the repair and restoration process, it is critical to know the type of water and where it is coming from. Clean water from broken pipes has less associated risk but should still be handled quickly. Grey water from appliances is potentially more hazardous because it can contain bacteria or chemicals.

Black water is considered a biohazard, and it comes from sewage leaks and other sources that can pose significant health risks to building occupants. Stopping water flow is essential to prevent further damage and other issues. Identifying the source and performing needed repairs first prevents recurring water issues during the structure's restoration process.

4. Remove Standing Water

Any standing water should be immediately removed to limit damage inside a building. Water pumps are effective for large amounts of water, while wet/dry vacuums are often more effective for smaller areas. Quickly extracting water can significantly minimize damage, especially to wood floors, carpeting, and walls.

Remember that hidden areas, such as crawl spaces and basements, also need water removed. To prevent mold and mildew growth, be especially thorough and ensure all spaces are dried out.

5. Assessing the Damage

A comprehensive assessment is necessary for insurance claims and restoration planning. Before starting any restoration work, it is essential to document the damage by taking videos and extensive photographs of water-damaged areas. Be sure to record the extent of the water damage to understand its total reach and where repairs are needed.

Include documentation on materials that are too damaged to repair, such as warped flooring, drywall, baseboards, and carpets. While documenting, create a detailed list that includes all the affected items that need repairs or replacement for insurance purposes. Having this proper documentation will become critical for navigating insurance claims later on.

6. Remove Unsalvageable Materials

Depending on the scale of the damage, some materials will not be salvageable and must be discarded. For drywall, it is essential to cut out and remove water-damaged areas at least 12 inches above the line where the water level shows. Water can soak deep into the drywall, and the damage may be more extensive than it appears. If carpet is soaked, it must be discarded, especially if exposed to gray or black water, due to bacteria and other contaminants.

Inspect the building's insulation in the walls and attic because it can absorb water like a sponge. Even if the wetness does not show in the drywall, insulation can remain wet and harbor mold growth if not addressed. Flooring that has become weakened, damaged or warped must also be removed and replaced. It is also essential to evaluate the building's wooden structural components, such as beams and studs, for any signs of rot.

7. Drying and Dehumidifying the Area

Effective drying and moisture removal are essential to curbing additional damage and preventing mold and bacteria growth. Larger, industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers can quickly and effectively reduce moisture levels. Open the structure's doors and windows to increase airflow, speeding up drying.

Hidden spaces like walls, subfloor, and ceilings need special attention to ensure no moisture remains. Before proceeding with restoration work, use moisture meters to confirm that the building areas are thoroughly dried and ready for work. The drying could take several days, so continue with fans and dehumidification until all the materials are moisture-free.

8. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Clean and sanitize any areas that have been water-damaged to eliminate contaminants. Effective disinfectants must be used to clean surfaces exposed to gray or black water. Ensure that walls, furniture, and floors are cleaned and sanitized to remove bacteria and mold spores.

Focus additional attention on areas where bacteria thrive, such as kitchens and bathrooms. HVAC systems can also spread contamination, so remember to disinfect them and change the filters. Use safe and non-toxic cleaning solutions, especially for areas used by people and pets.

9. Preventing Mold Growth

Preventing mold growth is a vital step in restoration after a structure sustains water damage. Acting quickly to dry out all moisture is essential because mold thrives in damp conditions. Clean areas that sustained water damage with mold-killing products, wiping down all surfaces and materials that became wet.

Best practices for water damage restoration include using an antimicrobial spray to prevent mold growth in affected areas. Porous materials like drywall and carpet are susceptible to mold growth and should be removed and replaced. Additionally, although areas may seem dry, monitor water-damaged areas for signs of mold for several weeks after the incident.

10. Inspect for Structural Damage

Water leaks, floods, or pooling in a structure can compromise the building's integrity, necessitating an inspection and potential repairs. Check all load-bearing walls and beams for signs of weakness or indications of rot.

Inspect the building's foundation for any shifts or cracks that changes in water pressure might have caused. If water damage has weakened floors, walls, or ceilings, they may need additional reinforcement during restoration efforts. Replace any damaged electrical outlets or wiring that were exposed to water. Finally, it is a good idea to hire professionals to ensure the repairs and restoration work meet building safety standards.

11. Restoration and Insurance

Once the structure has dried out and passed a safety inspection, it is time to begin restoring and replacing damaged contents. Ensure all salvageable items, such as furniture and appliances, are clean, checked for safety, and dried. If the building contained upholstered furniture or bedrooms sustained water damage and mattresses got wet, they most likely need replacement due to mold or other contamination.

If water damage has affected essential documents and photos, professional restoration services may help restore them or create copies. Partnering with professionals ensures the restoration process is effective and smooth. The insurance company may be able to provide a list of providers. Contact them early to begin a claim and get additional guidance on how to move forward.

Keep detailed records of all repair costs, including materials and labor expenses. For more extensive or complex jobs, work with a certified water damage restoration company. After speaking with the insurance company, ensure that contractors understand the insurance procedures to coordinate the project seamlessly. Regularly communicate with the restoration team and insurance company for updates and additional guidance or advice.

Stop Water Damage in Its Tracks

When you are dealing with water damage, time is of the essence. Taking quick action can limit the damage and prevent long-term problems. Proactive measures also prevent more minor issues from turning into costly projects. Start the restoration process quickly to protect your property and ensure the safety of your commercial building or home. Turn to SERVPRO of Arcadia when you need professional, experienced water restoration specialists. Call us for more information today!