Unfortunately, many will experience a situation in which they need restoration services. We can’t speak for our competitors, but if you call us, we can assure you that we will help you pick up the pieces and restore your home right the first time. With all this in mind, today we are going to cover the general water damage restoration process and what you can expect when you call us!

First and Foremost . . .

Before the restoration process can begin, the source of the water damage must be stopped. Whether the water damage has been caused by the ongoing dripping of a leaking pipe or by a natural flood, the source must be fixed. Though, in some cases, stopping the source may be out of your control, such as when the source is cause by a natural flood or the city’s sewer system. If the source is a leaking pipe, a plumbing issue, or other similar situation, you must get the situation fixed right away!

The Fundamental Truth about Water Damage Restoration

Getting the cause of the water damage stopped as soon as possible is absolutely crucial. Of course, you want to get it stopped so that more damage is not caused, but getting the restoration process going as quickly as possible is a must. Often, the number of personal items, as well as structural elements of your home that can be saved is determined by how quickly you begin restoration. Items left to sit in water will begin to deteriorate, warp, and soften till they are irreparable. Also, the longer water is allowed to stand and items are allowed to remain wet, the greater the chance there is for mold and other health hazards to start to grow. Mold growth creates even more obstacles for restoration, and so lengthens the process and duration of time your home or business is torn apart; mold can do more damage causing the cost of restoration to increase significantly, as well.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

Step 1: Survey the Damage

Once the source of the damage has been stopped, it is time to call in the water damage restoration professionals and have them inspect the full extent of the damage. They will determine not only what can be salvaged, but also what equipment will be needed based on the type of water that did the damage, as well as the scope of damage.

Can I DIY Dehumidification & Restoration?

It’s easy to think that water is “just water” and assume that the dehumidification process, as well as the restoration process is something that you can DIY. However, this is not the case. Some types of water can require extra steps in the water damage restoration process that, if not included, can greatly affect your health. For example: damage by water with sewage in it will require more work than clean water. Also, the ramifications for an insufficient job will impact not only your home, but also your pocket book. Materials that aren’t dried properly may allow mold to grow and thus all of your repairs must be torn out, the mold eradicated, and the repairs and restoration redone, equalling a even greater cost to you.

Step 2: Salvage Personal Items or Assets

The second step of the water damage restoration process is the salvaging of all loose assets. Items that are unaffected and those that can be restored will be removed. It’s surprising how much can actually be restored after water damage. This is another reason to call water damage restoration professionals; they will know exactly how much can be saved, how it will be saved, and if the cost of restoring an item is worth the cost.

Step 3: Dehumidify the Affected Area

Once the loose items have been removed, it is time to start dehumidifying the area. By this time, standing water should have been removed. There is more to dehumidification than “just drying out the area.” The goal of this process is, of course, to dry the area, but it is also to return the area to its original humidity levels. Additionally, as we mentioned earlier, different types of water require more work than other types to serialize the affected area and dry it completely.

Step 4: Remove Irreparable Materials

Sometimes, all structural elements can be restored. However, in many cases, drywall, insulation, and other materials have to be torn out and disposed of. All irreparable materials must be removed because, if they are not, they can become an excellent habitat for mold to grow and flourish. Mold if left alone to grow can create another disaster not only for your home, but also your health. With that being said, this is another reason why it is better not to DIY your home’s restoration process. You must dispose of the materials in the proper, sanitary way.

Step 5: Rebuild & Insurance Process

Once your home has been dried and all affected materials have been removed, it’s time to begin rebuilding and to make a claim. The claims process can be harrowing for the inexperienced homeowner due to the complexities of water damage claims. We will discuss the complexities of water damage and the insurance claims process in a later blog. If you call the water damage restoration specialist at Disaster Response, we can not only help you get your home put back together, but we can also help you navigate the claims process. It can be difficult to understand how to go about getting what you need and deserve and sometimes you need an advocate on your side. Our contractors can assist you through the entire process and our Watch Dog Program will make sure to keep the insurance company in check when you need it.

Standing Knee Deep in a Water Disaster?

Have you come home to a water disaster and are not sure what to do next? Dry Source Property Restoration is here to help you! We offer compassionate care for our neighbors in Wisconsin and Illinois. We see helping you recover as more than a “job.” To learn more about our comprehensive water damage restoration services that we offer, visit our website.