What to do if you are affected by a flood, you should call a professional property restoration company like RestorePro Inc right away. We can help walk you through the water damage restoration process so you avoid big surprises. Another great thing that we can do for you is help you to understand the insurance claims process.
Then you experience a water-related disaster, one of the first things that we will do is determine the source of the water. This can be an important factor in determining what steps we take to restore your home or business. Water might be clean, gray, or black.
- Clean Water – Usually coming from sources like rain or plumbing, the water is clean and doesn’t pose any serious health risks. It can usually be cleaned using normal techniques.
- Gray Water – Coming from places like bathtub and dishwater drains, this water is not clean but generally contains low levels of relatively safe germs.
- Black Water – This type of water come from overflowing toilets, raw sewage pipes, and floodwaters that contain decaying plant and animal matter. It can contain dangerous bacteria and other pathogens and careful precautions must be taken to make sure it is safely and thoroughly cleaned.
Once we determine the water source, our team stops or contains the water to keep more from coming in. We then begin the drying process. Large amounts of water might be removed using pumps and vacuums. If smaller volumes are involved we may us fans, dehumidifiers, and other equipment.
This is a very important step in the restoration process. If any moisture is left behind, mold may develop. While many types of mold don’t cause any serious problems, some can be very dangerous. Some people are more vulnerable than others. If anyone in your home has the following conditions, then you should be extra wary of mold.
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Compromised Immune System
- Respiratory Illness
After drying out as much as possible, we then assess the damage. Some building materials are probably going to be damaged beyond repair. Drywall and other absorbent materials often have to be replaced. The condition of wood can vary based on the type and age of wood, the finish, how much water is present, how long it was exposed, and other factors. Metals, stone, ceramics, and other non-porous materials can often be cleaned and re-finished. Carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics can vary greatly.
It is important to make sure that safety is your number one concern. Be careful not to come into contact with any contaminated water. Avoid wet or sagging walls and ceilings, as they could collapse and injure you. Never use electrical appliances or plug anything into an outlet without getting clearance first. You risk electrocution or shock.
If you experience property damage, call on us to help. Since 1997, RestorePro Inc has been helping our neighbors recover from fires, floods, and other disasters. If your property has been damaged, give us a call at 1-800-847-0114 and see how we can help you. Our expert team is always standing by.