The Water Restoration Process

Water intrusion and water damages can be devastating, no matter how minor. Your residence (or business) is impacted to varying degrees. Water restoration for damages caused by water intrusion may be simply vacuuming up water and drying out a room, or it can involve reconstruction of large areas. By contracting with qualified professionals, you ensure that your property will be returned to its pre-damaged condition quickly and efficiently.

Qualified contractors will:

  • extract the water,
  • dry out the premises,
  • remove mold,
  • repair structural damage,
  • clean the upholstery and carpets,
  • deodorize,
  • and restore your property expeditiously and efficiently

Once the job has been completed to your satisfaction, they will bill your insurance company.

WATER RESTORATION – THE PROCESS

Water damage can happen for a variety of reasons, and it’s essential to act quickly. Wet sheetrock, wet carpet, and sub-flooring, and standing water create a biohazardous environment where bacteria and mold can grow, resulting in airborne pathogens that can trigger allergies or other respiratory conditions.

Restoring to pre-damage condition

Most standard policies cover water damage claims for internal water damage; however, they typically do not cover damage from neglect or lack of maintenance,  nor damage from a flood (unless you carry a flood endorsement on your policy).

The water restoration process involves water removal, decontamination, drying, and mold treatment where necessary. Reparations start with a thorough inspection of the damages, including floors, sub-floors, walls, cabinetry, and ceilings –any place the water has seeped to and caused damage.

Besides the physical structure of the premises, other components may have suffered water damage as well:

  • Ductwork
  • HVAC systems
  • Insulation
  • Wiring

How long do repairs take?

On average, it takes 72 hours for one room to be completely dried out and ready for reconstruction, but it all depends on the materials and the degree of damage. After that, it takes on average of 1-2 weeks for the water damage repairs to be completed.

Water Damage Classes and Categories

ASSESSMENT – an insurance adjuster will come out and conduct a premise inspection of the damages. They will classify and categorize the type of water damage to determine the best course of action for repairs.

The 4 Classes of Water Damage:

  • Class 1: least level of damage: the entire room is not involved; minimal moisture absorption.
  • Class 2: the entire room has been affected by water damage; walls and carpeting have absorbed as a considerable amount of moisture.
  • Class 3: the highest level of damage: water damage has occurred to walls, with widespread saturation, and may include ceiling damage.
  • Class 4: special drying equipment for stone, hardwood, and concrete is necessary for this level of water damage

Categories of Water Damage

  • Category 1 – Broken pipes, toilet tanks and other sources of clean water
  • Category 2 – “grey water,” from dishwashers or washing machine as well as toilet overflows with urine
  • Category 3 – water comes from unsanitary sources with bacteria and microbes, such a river flooding, sewage, as well as standing water

WATER REMOVAL – The amount and types of equipment used includes pumps and vacuums and depends on the extent of the damage. Preventing mold and bacterial growth is critical.

DRYING – Drying and dehumidifying starts once all water and porous surfaces have been vacuum-dried. This part of the process can be time-consuming and take several weeks.

CLEANING – All personal effects will be cleaned, sanitized, and receive antimicrobial treatments to prevent unwanted mold and bacterial growth. Air scrubbers may be installed temporarily to remove airborne particles and moisture from the air.

RESTORATION – Restoration can require replacing a few sheets of drywall or replacing entire walls. For hidden damages that have persisted over long periods, causing unseen mold growth, the restoration process takes even longer.

In Case of Water Damage…

Removing all contaminated and wet materials is time-sensitive. The EPA recommends disposing of any materials that have not been thoroughly dried and cleaned within 48 hours of the occurrence. By removing these “contaminants,” air quality is improved, and also makes the restoration process more manageable. Airborne microorganisms and pathogens are less likely to multiply and spread.

Once you have removed all contaminated materials, contact the insurance adjuster to let them know they can send an inspector who can then start the restoration process.

Mold Remediation 

Mold spreads very quickly. So, it is especially important to remove excess water and thoroughly dry all personal effects and furnishing as soon as possible. If you hire the contractors, remember to request certificates for any mold remediation.

Temporary Living Arrangements

Depending on the amount of damage, you may need to move to temporary facilities while your home or offices are being restored. Based on your coverage, the insurance company will pay for a temporary relocation and other essentials. Ask your contractors if they will bill your insurance company directly. Keep all of your receipts.

Work with Professionals

Water can cause severe damage that may become irreversible quickly, so start the remediation process as soon as possible. Your insurance company has worked with many professionals in your area; they can handle all the repairs and schedule for you. They can handle all of it, part of it or none of it – the more they manage, the quicker the process.

When it comes to your property, you need a restoration company you can trust. Turn to Satin Touch (Homes Reinvented), a locally owned and operated company. We are a professional and responsive company that offers 24/7 service and support. We carry full liability and worker’s comp.

If your property has suffered water damage, give Satin Touch (Homes Reinvented) a call today and let us help you get things restored quickly. We’ll get everyone back up and running in no time!