Flood damage restoration is not your average DIY project. This is the type of renovation and restoration that comes after a terrible storm has led to flooding or perhaps even a home event that causes flooding. But what exactly is the flood restoration process, and what does it cover?
What is Flood Damage?
When you hear the term “flood damage,” your mind possibly goes immediately to things like storms, hurricanes, flooded basements, and more. These scenarios are caused by Mother Nature. While those are certainly valid and awful flooding situations, they are not actually what make up the majority of home flooding scenarios.
The most common cause of flooding comes from leaks and pipe breaks. Thousands of these happen each year. Of course, flooded basements from heavy rain and a drainage system that isn’t working properly are also significant causes of flooding.
Flood damage is any type of event that leads to a flooded space within your home or business. The water leaves behind damage and the potential for mold or bacteria and needs to be handled as quickly as possible.
How Flood Damage Restoration Works
Now that you understand what might be considered flood damage, let’s talk a bit about the restoration process. There are quite a few steps here. When flooding happens, you can’t just walk in and start making repairs. You’ve got to consider safety, and you also have to get the water out before you can restore. The process will look different at every company, but it might go a little something like this.
1. Stop the Water
Before any cleanup or repairs can begin, the water has to be stopped. If you had a failed sump pump, this needs to be fixed. If you have a pipe that burst, you need to shut off the water so it doesn’t continue to gush out. Repairs will need to be made to the pipeline structure before the water can be turned back on.
The first step is always stopping the water.
2. Consider Safety
As you start to look at and determine damages, safety is a must. It’s possible the water contained bacteria, so don’t enter or touch anything without rubber boots and gloves. It’s also a good idea to wear protective eyewear. Be mindful of potential electricity in the water and take the appropriate safety steps if there are things that could be a hazard.
3. Dry Out and Remove Water
The extraction of water ideally needs to happen as quickly as possible. The longer that water sits, the more damage it will cause. It could also lead to mold. Mold can begin to grow within 48 hours so time is of the essence. Using a restoration company will help here as they have industrial water removal and extraction equipment to help get rid of water fast.
4. Cleanup and Restoration
Once the water is out, the damage can be inspected. A plan can be made to determine how to clean up the mess left behind and make plans for the restoration of the space. In some cases, mold remediation might also be required in the restoration process.
Flood Damage Restoration Services
If you or someone you know is facing water damage or flood damage, give us a call at Dry 24 Water Restoration. Our teams can help you every step of the way and will get your home or business back to its pre-loss condition as quickly as possible.