Water Damage Repair

Water damage is quite a common type of home damage and, consequently, a common type of insurance claim. It can happen in many ways but always leaves behind the unpleasant task of cleaning up the damage. Deciding how best to deal with the water damage repair process can be frustrating and challenging. For this reason, we have compiled a list of tips and tricks on how to handle water damage better.

Different Types of Water

Before beginning the water damage repair process, you must first identify what type of water caused the loss. There are three types of water.

The first type is clean water. It can come from rain, condensation, leaky pipes, and so on. This type of water doesn’t pose a threat to humans since it lacks contaminants or bacteria. As a result, it’s also the easiest to clean up.

The second type is gray water. Gray water is slightly dirty water from dishwashers, washing machines, clean toilets, and so on. Therefore, some may have contaminants, and the repair process should be carried out carefully and with proper safety gear.

Finally, the third type is black water, such as sewage or severe flooding from nearby rivers. This water contains waste, bacteria, and other serious contaminants. Blackwater can cause very serious health problems and should be dealt with immediately by water damage repair professionals.

Water Damage Repair Process: Step by Step

First, locate the water source.

As we mentioned before, homes generally have three types of water running through them: clean water, gray water, and black water. So the first step after realizing you have water damage would be to identify what type of water is the culprit of your loss. Then, it’s crucial you shut off any water source in your home in order to prevent additional damage. In case the problem is an opening on the home, be sure to seal it off with a tarp.

Second, dry out the affected area as soon as possible.

It’s essential to act fast when dealing with the water damage repair process. In fact, did you know that mold and mildew can begin growing in as little as 24 hours if the water is left standing?

The water damage repair company will empty the space and remove any sort of standing water.

Removing and Tossing Damaged Porous Materials

Porous materials include wet carpeting, insulation, drywall, fabric, and similar items. If they’ve been soaked in water, you may have to cut them out and throw them away. Water will permanently damage most porous materials by shrinking or warping them, and mildew will damage them even further.

Then, to dry out the affected area, they will place industrial fans on the wet flooring and walls. Finally, to really dry out surrounding wood, carpet, and other materials, they will install large-capacity dehumidifiers. You don’t want any moisture left after your water damage repair and restoration.

Moreover, we recommend inspecting your home to confirm there are no hidden areas that may require water damage repair. For example, check under floorboards and the padding beneath the carpet to see if water has permeated these spaces. If so, make sure to place fans on the affected areas to ensure everything has completely dried out.

Then, disinfect the remaining materials.

When damaged components have been removed, and the area is dried, it’s time to disinfect to eliminate all mold and bacteria. A simple bleach solution should do the trick if the water damage isn’t too serious. However, we highly recommend you get a professional restoration service regardless of the severity of the damage. A water damage cleaning company has the right tools, experience, and knowledge to clean the affected areas properly.

With this in mind, remember to inspect for mold.

Once everything is dried and disinfected, re-inspect your home for any signs of mold damage. If mold is found, be careful. Some molds can be toxic and harmful to humans. If it is a minor mold issue, you may be able to perform the water damage repair project without a professional. On the other hand, an invasive mold issue should be fixed by a professional.

Structure restoration is the last part of the water damage repair process.

After the water mitigation part of the water damage repair process is done with, it’s time to begin with structural restoration. You might want to contact several local contractors to get repair costs to estimate before getting started with structural restoration. Ask for repair bids and solicit an itemized bill before agreeing to a water damage repair agreement.

Focus on ceilings water damage repair first

A water-damaged ceiling is the riskiest type of damage due to gravity. You don’t want them sagging or collapsing. So, remove affected ceiling panels or boards first. If a roof problem caused the ceiling leak, it’s important to find the true source of the leak, which may be somewhere far removed from the water stain. Moreover, take this time to make sure the water caused no structural damage to beams or rafters.

For a Significant Water Damage Repair Process, Contact Your Insurance Company

Extensive water damage repairs in your home are not something you should tackle on your own. Contact your homeowner’s insurance company and find out your options for assistance. Sudden events (like a burst pipe) are more likely to be covered than a slow leak. Work with your insurance company at every step to ensure your home is clean, secure, and safe.
If you need help filing, negotiating, or settling your insurance claim, don’t hesitate to hire a public adjuster. Indeed, call AllCity Adjusting today to handle your public adjusting needs.