Whether you are dealing with leaking home appliances, burst pipes, flooded basements, etc., water damage can be devastating for any homeowner.
That is why it is vital to act promptly and call a water damage restoration company to prevent mold build-up and structural damage.
But what is water damage restoration and how can you avoid needing it? Read this article to learn more!
What is Water Damage Restoration?
Water restoration is the process of restoring a property that has suffered water damage back to its pre-loss condition.
Water damage can occur for various reasons, such as floods, leaking pipes, overflowing toilets, and even natural disasters like hurricanes and heavy rainstorms.
The restoration process involves removing water and moisture, repairing damage, and restoring the affected areas.
Why do buildings need water damage restoration?
Water damage restoration entails all the activities and measures taken to restore the property of a building that has suffered water damage. The objective is to repair and restore the space in commercial buildings and multi-family homes to make them usable again.
You might think that fixing water damage is as easy as grabbing a mop. While this can cover surface-level issues, water damage can often go beyond what the eye can see.
The two main reasons why buildings turn towards professional water damage restoration companies are to prevent further damage to the building and remove any health risks.
Keep reading to learn why this is key for making your building safe for tenants and passersby.
Preventing Further Damage to the Building
Water damage restoration helps prevent further damage to the building, property, and other key infrastructure. For example, if water damage is not restored promptly and properly, the metal parts of the building will start to rust and wooden parts may also begin to rot.
Issues with either metal or wood in buildings can cause significant damage to the foundation. Moreover, the cost of damaged structures is significantly higher if it is not restored correctly.
Remove Health Risks
Another reason why buildings need water damage restoration is to prevent illnesses and diseases. Stagnant water and floods caused by water damage in homes provide ideal breeding grounds for fungus, bacteria, and mold growth.
This exposes pets and people to illnesses and diseases that they would not be otherwise exposed to. For instance, The World Health Organization warns that microbial agents and mold produced by water damage increase the risk of health issues and infections.
Water damage restoration companies do more than just remove water from building. They also have the necessary professional equipment to detect health risks and properly sanitize the area.
How can you prevent needing water restoration?
You have most likely heard of the phrase “prevention is better than cure.”
By far, the best approach to avoid the need for water damage restoration services is by preventing water damage in your building.
There are many proactive things to avoid water damage. From performing regular maintenance to training your staff to properly report issues, most of the things you can do come down to simple preparation.
Unfortunately, the larger the building the less viable it is to rely on people alone. Many leaks happen out of sight and can cause extensive damage if they aren't detected within 24 hours.
That is why the best way to avoid needing water restoration is to install water leak sensors. You can use our leak-sensing technology to turn your building into a "smart building" and protect your tenants 24/7.
Our popular, affordable water leak detectors are the following:
Droplet Solo™
Droplet Duo™
Droplet Pro™
These water leak sensors will alert you via email, sms, or call within just one minute of a water leak.
You can learn more about these sensors below or visit our products page! We've also written an article that goes over some of our best water leak sensors in greater detail.
Droplet Solo™
Droplet Solo™ is the first leak sensor that we ever created! In 2023, we released the newest version of this sensor, featuring a sleeker design and drop-and-go installation.
With an IP-67 rating and an audible buzzer alarm, you can rest easy knowing that your tenants will be alerted the second a leak begins.
Droplet Duo™
This is a dual-probe sensor with separate wire notification systems for each probe. It is more like getting two smart water leak detectors for the cost of one.
One benefit of Droplet Duo™ is that it comes pre-configured for your building, making it easy for immediate use and self-installation.
It also has durable lithium batteries that can last four to five years, making it a wise investment for all commercial and multi-family buildings.
Droplet Pro™
Our Droplet Pro™ is an industrial-grade water leak sensor.
Its rope is three meters long and can detect water leaks along its entire length! This allows you to monitor moisture in large areas with one device.
Droplet Pro™ includes reliable batteries and internal mounting magnets, making it easy to mount to iron surfaces such as beams.
Understanding the Water Damage Restoration Process
After a water damage occurrence, such as flooding, leaking home appliances, or burst pipes, it is vital to respond promptly and begin the restoration as soon as possible.
Whatever the cause, the water damage restoration process entails five steps that begin with identifying the water damage source and end with repairing (restoring) your building to its previous state and insurance claims.
Each step is essential to ensure all contaminants and water are correctly identified and removed.
The five water damage restoration steps are:
Identifying the water source
Removing the water
Assessing structural damage and property loss
Dehumidifying the building
Repairing and insurance claims
1. Identifying the water source
The water damage restoration process usually starts with an assessment/inspection of the extent of the damage. This involves identifying the source of the water damage and assessing the damage to the property.
Water damage restoration professionals use specialized equipment such as infrared cameras, moisture detectors, and hygrometers to determine the extent of the water damage.
2. Removing the water
The next step is water removal. The restoration team will use pumps and vacuums to remove the water as promptly as possible. This helps prevent further damage to the property and reduces the risk of mold growth.
3. Dehumidifying the building
After removing the water, the next step is drying and dehumidifying the affected areas. This is important to prevent mold growth, which can occur within 24-48 hours of water damage.
The restoration team will use industrial-grade dehumidifiers, air movers, and other drying equipment to dry out the affected areas.
Throughout this step, water damage restoration professionals inspect, monitor, and assess moisture levels in the floors and walls of the affected building to determine when the building is completely dry.
4. Assessing structural damage and property loss
Once the property is dry, the restoration team will assess any damage to the structure, walls, floors, and personal belongings.
The team will then begin the repair and restoration process, which may include replacing drywall, repairing flooring, and restoring any damaged personal belongings.
5. Repairing and Insurance Claims
In addition to repairing the property, the restoration team will work with the property owner to file an insurance claim and document the damage.
This documentation is important for insurance purposes and can help ensure that the property owner receives proper compensation for the damages.
What do Water Damage Restoration Companies do?
The core objective goal of a water damage restoration company/agency is to return affected buildings to their pre-damage state.
They use advanced techniques and equipment to remove water from the building and dry it thoroughly to prevent structural damage, mold build-up, and other problems.
Water damage companies provide a wide range of services, which include:
Emergency water removal
Moisture detection
Structural drying
Mold remediation
Restoration and repair
There are thousands of water damage restoration companies that provide off-hours and emergency services. No one wants to waste time searching for a reputable water damage restoration company when water damage strikes.
That is why we have done the dirty work for you and discussed the best water damage restoration in Dallas and Houston.
Final Thoughts on Water Damage Restoration
Overall, water damage restoration is a complex process that requires specialized equipment, expertise, and experience.
It is vital to call a professional water damage restoration company immediately after water damage occurs to prevent further damage and ensure a successful restoration.
Have you ever experienced water damage before? How did you restore your property to its pre-damage condition? Let us know through the comments section below!
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