When a home or business experiences water damage, the resulting repair work can be lengthy and expensive. Water damage restoration professionals can help mitigate the damage, restore property and ensure that the reconstruction is done correctly to prevent future problems such as mold growth. However, navigating the complex world of restoration can be confusing, especially when attempting to determine how much a job should cost. The type of equipment used and the amount of water in the property are significant factors in determining what a company charges to perform the work. To make the process easier for homeowners, this article will discuss what to expect from a professional water damage restoration job.
The first step of any water damage restoration fort lauderdale water damage restoration job is inspection and assessment. This is where the professionals will identify safety hazards, determine the category of water damage, and assess affected materials. The inspection can also reveal hidden damage that needs to be addressed. In addition, the inspection will allow the company to develop a detailed scope of work for the insurance adjuster and agent.
Once the inspection is complete, the next step is the removal of standing water. This typically involves using industrial-type wet vacs to remove thousands of gallons of water from the property. Once all of the water is removed, air movers and dehumidifiers are set up to speed up the drying process. In some cases, drywall may need to be cut out, carpeting and carpet padding will be removed and antimicrobials will be applied to the area to prevent mold growth.
It is important to find a restoration company that has IICRC-certified technicians. The IICRC has clear standards that restoration professionals should follow to ensure the work is completed properly. Additionally, it is important to choose a company that offers transparent pricing for its services. This can be accomplished by requesting written estimates from several different companies and calling references to see how satisfied past customers were with the company’s work.
It is also important to know the difference between water mitigation and water remediation. While both steps are required to get the property back to normal, mitigation is generally the quicker of the two processes. Mitigation includes actions such as boarding up windows, placing tarps on the roof and other protective measures. This can be done before the dry out begins to avoid any additional damages from occurring during the rebuilding process. It also includes removing any building materials that are beyond salvageable, including drywall down to the studs and flooring. It can be more expensive than simply replacing these materials, but it can save homeowners from having to pay for a full renovation in the long run. The dry out phase then takes place, where specialized techniques are used to extract moisture from all surfaces and materials, including floors, walls, drywall and ceilings. All of this helps to head off issues like wood rot and mold growth. Once the moisture level has been returned to acceptable levels, the building materials can then be repaired and rebuilt as needed.