The Water restoration Process

3/28/2019 (Permalink)

Repairing a water damaged home involves a process starting with a thorough inspection of the damage to the of flooring, walls, and ceilings.

Step 1: Inspection – A SERVPRO® professional can best assess the extent of water damage in your home. Each inspection determines a class and category of water damage. Defining the class and category of water damage helps outline the best means to restore your property.

Classes of Water Damage

• Class 1 damage involves part of a room that has absorbed little moisture. It’s the least level of damage, represents less than ~5% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface the space.
• Class 2 (significant amount of water absorption and evaporation load) represents ~5%-~40% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area in the space. 
• Class 3 (greatest amount of water absorption and evaporation load) has absorbed up into the walls, saturated most of the area, and may have come through the ceiling. Represents more than ~40% of the combined floor, wall and ceiling surface area in the space. Class 3 damage is considered the worst.
• Class 4 (deeply held or bound water) damage requires specialty drying and longer dry times due damage done to materials such as hardwood, stone, and concrete.

 Categories of Water Damage

• Category 1 involves damage from a clean water source such as toilet tanks, broken pipes supplying clean water. Category 1 water damage can degrade into Category 2 or 3 if it sits too long.
• Category 2  involves damage from “grey water,” such as washing machine or dishwasher water containing detergents. It may also involve water containing urine from toilet overflows.
• Category 3 involves completely unsanitary water that can easily cause illness, disease, or death. Category 3 water comes from sewage, river flooding, flooding from sea water, and standing water that has begun growing bacteria and other microbes. This category of water can carry trace levels of regulated or hazardous materials (e.g., pesticides, or toxic organic substances).

 Step 2: Water Removal – Water extractors are used to remove water from your home. The type of equipment needed depends on the extent of the water damage. Water removal begins as soon as possible to prevent secondary damage, mold and bacteria growth.

Step 3: Drying – After all standing water and absorbent surfaces are vacuumed, drying and dehumidification begins. This step is important to clear up any remaining moisture after water removal. The drying out process typically can take 3-5 days, maybe longer for larger losses.

Step 4: Cleaning – All personal belongings need to be cleaned and sanitized to prevent unwanted mold and bacterial growth. Carpeting, clothing, and drapery are given antimicrobial treatments. Air scrubbers may also be used to remove particles and moisture from the air.

Step 5: Restoration – The biggest step in the process is restoration if materials had to be removed. Restoration involves replacing materials like drywall and insulation. Sometimes this process is as simple as installing a few panels of drywall, while serious cases could require replacing entire walls. 

In the event of unknown water damage, many homeowners aren’t able to prevent mold growth. A tiny leak in the roof or pipes can persist for months before you notice it. In a situation like this, the restoration process takes even longer.

Acting Fast

Whether your home has been flooded by broken pipes or a leaky roof, it’s important to remove all contaminated and wet materials in your home as soon as possible.

We are local here in Frisco and can respond faster to start your water restoration process. Please call SERVPRO® of South Frisco/The Colony! We are always here to help!