Reviving Homes: A Closer Look at the Water Damage Restoration Process

9 min read

Water damage can strike any time, causing issues for homes and businesses and resulting in costly repairs for property owners. The damage can be caused by anything from burst pipes, overflowed appliances, and natural disasters. For this reason, any water damage restoration process needs to be a precise approach to prevent further costs and ensure tenant safety.

In this blog post, we delve into restoration flood damage processes, exploring what water damage is, its common causes, how to prevent flood damage, and the steps involved in property restoration. In addition, we’ll shed light on the essential equipment used during the process and discuss the importance of proper pre- and post-preparation.

Understanding Water Damage and Its Causes

Water damage is the destruction caused to a property or structure by water intrusion. It can be the result of various sources, including:

• Natural Disasters: Floods, hurricanes, and heavy rainfall can lead to extensive water damage.
• Air Conditioning Unit Condensation: Condensation from air conditioning units can lead to water damage if not adequately drained or insulated.
• Leaking Pipes: Aging or damaged pipes can cause leaks in accumulating water.
• Clogged Drains and Gutters: Accumulated debris in drains and gutters can cause water backup, leading to potential flooding and damage.
• Faulty Appliances: Malfunctioning appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, or water heaters can be sources of moisture.
• Septic Tank and Sewer Backups: Backups in septic tanks or sewer systems can result in water damage within the home.
• Roof Leaks: Damaged roofs or missing shingles can allow water to seep into the structure.
• Damaged Sprinkler Systems: Malfunctioning or damaged sprinkler systems may cause water to accumulate, affecting the surrounding structures.
• Inefficient Roof Water Drainage: Poor roof water drainage can lead to water pooling, causing damage to the roof and potential leaks into the home.
• Water Overflow from Toilets: Toilet overflow, whether due to blockages or malfunctions, can result in water damage if not promptly addressed.

Water intrusion in a home or building poses various risks to property. There are three primary contamination levels of water damage you should be aware of:

• Clean water
• Gray water
• Black water

We’ll go over the details of each water type and contamination level later in the discussion so you can understand how each impacts the restoration work needed. It is important to note that each type of water damage comes with varying levels of contamination.

If left unattended, the repair costs can increase. Immediate action is crucial to prevent structural damage, mold growth, and potential health hazards on your property.

What You Should Do When You Discover Extensive Water Damage?

Here’s a checklist of what you should do if you discover extensive water damage on your property:

• Determine if it’s still safe to stay in your home or building.
• Shut off the water valve main.
• Turn off the electricity and take note of potential hazards.
• Take pictures of the water to help determine the type of water hazard.
• Provide ventilation in the affected area.
• Call for professional help immediately.

Certified technicians can quickly assess the level of contamination on your property and recommend whether it’s still safe to stay there. In worst-case scenarios, you may have to move out of the home or building for a few days until the restoration process is complete.

Equipment Used in the Restoration Process

The following is a list of specialized tools and equipment professionals use to restore water damage.

• Moisture Meters: Used to measure the extent of moisture in materials.
• Air Movers: High-velocity fans that accelerate the drying process.
• Dehumidifiers: Extract moisture from the air to aid in drying.
• Pumps and Extractors: Remove standing water quickly and efficiently.
• Thermal Imaging Cameras: Identify hidden moisture pockets behind walls or under floors.

Pre- and Post-Preparation Steps

Before we go over the steps of the water damage restoration process, it is essential to highlight the pre-and post preparation that on-site crews perform:

Water Damage Restoration Process

Property owners looking for reliable flood damage restoration in Denver and other locations often wonder what the water damage restoration process entails. In this section, we’ll go over each phase in detail so you can understand how time and efficiency are significant factors in damage recovery and restoration for professional teams.

It is important to note that the goal behind the restoration flood damage process is to restore the property to its pre-loss condition as much as possible. It’s a complex process, and it can take several days to complete, depending on certain factors, such as the scope of the damage and the size of the affected area.

Recovery and restoration due to flood damage in Denver goes beyond mere surface drying of a property. It encompasses water extraction, drying out appliances and hardware, reconstruction, and mold and mildew remediation, removal, and prevention.

Step 1: Water Damage Inspection

The first step is for specialists to identify the water source, which can be difficult in some situations since water can seep into your property through multiple entry points. Professionals use the latest tools to identify water sources and how to stop the flow.

Further, onsite crews will determine the contamination levels of water flooding in your property. As mentioned earlier, there several categories wherein floodwater can be classified:

During this stage, professionals assess the extent of the water damage and identify affected areas. They determine the category and class of water damage, influencing the restoration process.

Affected materials, such as textiles, concrete masonry units (CMU), fiber-fill insulation, gypsum board, and carpets, are classified as wet porous materials. On the other hand, masonry, concrete, wood, and plaster are classified as low-evaporation materials. If affected surfaces contain more than 40% wet porous materials, the higher the damage classification, requiring more significant repairs and cost.

With this information, on-site teams assessing flood damage in Denver and other locales can provide a detailed estimate of the related costs. At this stage, contractors will work closely with your insurance provider to help you secure the coverage you need, covering all essential expenses.

Step 2: Water Removal

The next phase involves the removal of standing water. On-site teams extract water from the affected areas using specialized pumps and vacuums. Wet vacs and submersible pumps remove the bulk of the accumulated water. These tools can eliminate thousands of gallons at a time, which is helpful during flooding. Swift water removal helps prevent further damage and mold growth.

Note that the longer standing water sits on your property, the more damage it can cause. Once water is removed, specialists can perform more detailed inspections to determine the full extent of the damage. Engineers go through your property in case your home or building’s foundation may have been compromised.

Step 3: Drying Process

The next phase of flood damage restoration in Denver involves area-wide drying. After removing standing water, the critical phase of complete drying begins in the water damage restoration. Many building materials, notably porous ones like wood and drywall, absorb moisture, leading to warping, swelling, and potential mold growth. This compromise to structural integrity poses both immediate and long-term risks.

Professional drying is essential as it addresses hard-to-see and hard-to-reach moisture, ensuring a thorough restoration. Dehumidification equipment is crucial in extracting excess water from the air and materials, preventing mold development and other issues.

Using Specialized Equipment for Effective Drying

The equipment employed in the drying process must have the capacity to restore swollen or warped building materials. Industrial dehumidifiers are instrumental in extracting moisture from the air, while large-scale air movers function as high-velocity fans, accelerating the evaporation process on various surfaces.

Specialized tools like hygrometers measure the humidity levels in the affected areas. These tools provide precise readings, guiding professionals in determining the progress of the drying process and ensuring that all moisture is effectively removed.

Drying and dehumidifying can take longer with more severe water damage, especially if the affected surfaces contain 5% to 40% wet porous materials. In some cases, some parts of walls and floors may have to be removed to dry surfaces and other areas completely.

Step 4: The Sanitation Process: Protecting Health and Mitigating Mold

Affected surfaces and belongings are cleaned and sanitized to remove contaminants. Specialized cleaning agents and equipment ensure a safe and hygienic environment.

Before mold cleanup, water damage restoration specialists prioritize safety, requiring the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like rubber boots, goggles, N-95 masks, gloves, and other protective clothing. This precautionary measure shields them from potential health hazards during the sanitation process.

High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums, air scrubbers, and negative air machines remove contaminants from the air and surfaces. In higher damage category scenarios, where water is highly contaminated, all surfaces undergo a thorough cleaning with antimicrobial solutions, ensuring a sanitized environment. This meticulous sanitation process restores the property and prioritizes the health and well-being of those involved.

Step 5: Restoration and Repairs

Restoration involves repairing or replacing damaged structures, materials, and components. This phase aims to restore the property to its pre-damage condition. After this stage, repair contractors will submit all the essential paperwork to your insurance company to secure payment.

Enlist Professional and Thorough West Denver Restoration Services

Do you need water damage restoration services you can rely on? Restoration 1 is the trusted restoration company in West Denver. Our IICRC and IAQA-certified professionals provide reliable and thorough repair and restoration services tailored to your needs. Contact us today for an estimate and to learn more about our services.