Water damage restoration services are a process many homeowners aren't familiar with. Water damage can occur from many sources, such as burst pipes, heavy rains, or faulty appliances. When water damage occurs, it's important to act quickly to mitigate damage and prevent further issues. The water damage restoration process can be complex and confusing. The following steps will help you understand what to expect.

1. Water Damage Assessment

The first step in water damage restoration services is to assess the damage. It'll help determine the extent of the damage and what’s needed to rectify it. The water damage assessment will also help determine the best action to prevent further damage from occurring. For example, if water damage resulted from a burst pipe, the water damage assessment will help determine if the pipe needs replacement or repair.

2. Water Removal

Once the water damage assessment is complete, the next step is to remove the water. Our professionals use a variety of methods, such as pumping, vacuuming, or even a water extraction machine. Water removal ensures that the water damage doesn't spread and that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow.

3. Drying and Dehumidification

After water removal, the next step is to dry and dehumidify the area. Fans, dehumidifiers, or air movers can easily dry the area out. Dehumidifiers are important because they help prevent mold from growing. Keeping humidity below 50% goes a long way in preventing mold growth, according to Comfy Living. Our professionals will ensure that the area is completely dry before moving on to the next step.

4. Cleaning and Disinfection

It's important to clean and disinfect the area. Proper sanitation helps remove any contaminants that may be in the water. Sitting or dirty water may contain harmful bacteria or other pathogens that can cause serious illness. You should have professionals clean and disinfect all surfaces that have come into contact with such water.

This will also help prevent mold and mildew from growing. It only takes 24 to 48 hours for mold to start growing, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Therefore, remediation services must act quickly.

5. Restoration

After the area is clean and dry, the water damage restoration services will begin restoring your home to its pre-damage state. Necessary restoration may involve repairing drywall, painting, or even replacing flooring. Our water damage restoration company will work with you to determine the best course of action. Depending on the extent of damage, this part may take some time.

6. Preventative Maintenance

After the water damage restoration process is complete, there's still more work ahead. Now it's time to take preventative measures to help prevent water damage from occurring in the future. These may include fixing leaky pipes, installing a sump pump, waterproofing your basement, or repairing your roof.

You should check the roof regularly for leaks and make sure the gutters are clear of debris. Before a heavy storm hits, protect your home by covering windows and doors with plastic. If you haven't already installed a storm door, now would be a good time to hire professionals to do so. They can also seal windows and doors with weatherstripping to help prevent more water damage.

When Should I Hire Water Damage Restoration Services?

Water damage is one of the most stressful things that can happen to a homeowner. This type of damage can be costly if not taken care of in a timely and effective manner. If you've experienced water damage, you should hire water damage restoration services as soon as possible. The longer water sits, the more damage it will cause.

You're most likely to experience water damage after a heavy rainstorm, a flood, or a burst pipe. Hurricanes, tropical storms, and even faulty appliances can cause water damage. No matter the source, water damage is nothing to take lightly.

Water damage restoration services can be complex, but understanding the process can help you prepare for the possibility of needing it. Following these steps will help ensure that the water damage is mitigated and that your home is restored to its pre-damaged state. Don't hesitate to contact Northwest Restoration at the first sign of water damage.