Most homeowners will experience some sort of flooding inside their home in one form or another at some point with the multitude of variables that are possible. For example, burst pipes, sewer issues, malfunctioning appliances, natural causes from heavy rainfall leading to leaky roofs, and so forth are among the most common. The flooding resulting in the water damage that follows can also vary from mild to severe, depending on the circumstances, but in many cases; the water damage can easily evolve into mold growth, bringing additional issues with it. Taking action quickly can minimize the damage on the structure and possessions as well as reduce the risk of mold growth and other such outcomes. When dealing with water damage restoration, you need a professional that can respond promptly to request and that has the necessary expertise and equipment at their disposal. This can make all the difference when it comes to the extent of the damage. With that in mind, we at AB Enterprises Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning would like to take the opportunity to relate the basic procedure when professionals come to your aid regarding water damage restoration.
Procedure for Water Damage Restoration
1) Water Extraction. First things first, the standing water needs to be removed quickly, making that top priority. In severe cases especially, to efficiently extract the water, the furniture and clutter needs to be removed from the flooded area into a dry location. Professionals identify the source of the flooding and get the situation rectified. Then using high-powered equipment, the standing water is suctioned and disposed of. Following the water extraction, the insulation, casing, drywall, baseboards, carpeting, padding, and other flooring surfaces are evaluated and assessed for the depth of the water damage. Mold and other microbes that can pose a health risk and expedite deterioration can take root and easily corrupt the organic materials. In order to minimize the damage on these materials, removing the excess water, no matter the volume, is the first step.
2) Structural Drying. Surface drying is not enough where water damage from flooding is concerned. After the preindustrial strength pumps has completely removed the standing fluids, of high-powered strength air mover fans and dehumidifiers are placed in a strategic pattern in order to draw out the moisture that has been absorbed deep into the core of structured materials, especially carpet and carpet padding and the drywall. To pull the moisture out of the air, the dehumidifiers are used and the fans circulate air around the wet items and wicking moisture off of the saturated material. During the drying process, moisture meters equipped with probes, are used to detect the level of moisture in a specific locations, which allows professionals to monitor the progress as well as oversee drying rate of the carpets and other flooded areas. Typically, they drying process takes several days, but there are factors that dictate the duration.
3) Deep Cleaning & Sanitizing of Carpet & Upholstery. Once the water is long gone and the structure is full dry, the unsalvageable materials are replaced; such as the insulation, drywall, and maybe even the baseboard, carpets, and carpet padding. If the carpet was removed, it is recommended that the subfloor gets treated, especially if the flooding was due to a sewer problem, can breed bacteria, germs, mildew, mold, and other such microbes. It ensures that potential mold and bacteria are destroyed. In the event the carpet and even, rugs or upholstery were affected by the flooding, but were salvaged, have a professional perform a deep cleaning to removed the potential mold spores, bacteria and other microbes, and ask them about specific treatments to keep them disinfected.
Water Damage Restoration & More in Westerley, RI | Niantic, Mystic, Old Saybrook, CT | New London and Middlesex Counties, Connecticut
AB Enterprises Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning has the necessary equipment and specialists with the experience and training to deal with any water damage that might occur in commercial or residential properties in New London and Middlesex Counties in Connecticut. Call us immediately to minimize the damage.