Residential Water Damage can affect your home at any time, with or without any warning. Depending on the cause, it may be minor or severe damage; either way, you would be needing the services of water damage mitigation and restoration experts like CSL water damage restoration.
Getting a full grasp of the water damage restoration process would not only help you understand the job of water damage restoration experts. It will also help you know what to expect when you hire one for your residential or commercial property. Discussed below is a breakdown of the differences between water damage restoration and mitigation to give you a wider view.
Water Damage Mitigation: What Does it Entail
Water damage mitigation simply refers to the processes that are involved in preventing further damage from water to a property. It includes the following:
- Removing water from the floor after a flood
- Drying the floors and walls to prevent mold growth
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces after a flood
- Removing damaged drywalls, floorings, or furniture
- Putting a tarp over a leaky roof to prevent further leaks
- Sealing off leaky faucets or pipes to prevent further leaks
- Separating damaged items from good items
Basically, water mitigation focuses on reducing the level of damage or loss that can occur rather than repairing the damage. It is often used as a temporary solution pending when restoration would be done.
What is Water Damage Restoration
Opposed to water mitigation, water damage restoration focuses on repairing and restoring a home or property to its state before the damage occurs. It is often carried out after water mitigation. During water damage restoration, trained staff use a variety of applications and various appliances to reconstruct and rebuild a home.
The detailed processes involved in water damage restoration are aimed at helping homeowners to recover fully from the damage. Although the processes involved in water damage restoration depend largely on the extent of the damage, the basic processes involved include the following:
- Complete replacement of damaged roof or a re-roofing
- Changing damaged floorings and drywall
- Removing mold from affected surfaces
- Performing a moisture test to ensure a complete drying process
Although there are differences between water mitigation and water damage restoration, the two processes work together. Complete restoration can only begin after the mitigation process has ended. So, when you hire an expert, you should expect both services from them.
When to Call an Expert For Water Mitigation or Water Damage Restoration
Ideally, when you contact a water damage restoration expert, they always carry out mitigation and restoration since they work hand in hand. However, depending on the extent of the damage that has been done, you may start the mitigation process yourself while you wait for them to arrive. For instance, after a flood, you may begin to remove the water from the floor or remove your property from the flooded area and clean dirt off your surfaces. However, if the flooding is caused by black water or water from the sewer, it’s best to wait for the experts. Black water often contains pathogens that may be harmful to you if proper care is not taken.
Some water damages are minor, and homeowners who are well-versed in home renovation projects can handle it themselves. But sometimes the damage can be severe and would require professional help. Also, some tasks, such as replacing flooring, drying the walls, and cross-checking electrical connections are fundamental and not fit for a DIY project, as minor mistakes or errors can result in serious damage in the future.
What to Look For in a Water Damage Restoration Company
Water damage restoration is a serious business; oftentimes, the company you work with determines how your home will look in the end. For long-lasting results, choose a company that is reliable and credible. Here are some vital things to look out for.
- They must be insured or licensed
- They must have good equipment
- They must have experience
- They must have good reviews and testimonials
- They should offer a guarantee
- They should be readily available
- They should have a reasonable service charge
Choosing the right water damage restoration company may take some time. However, considering the following factors above would help you save time and effort and also guide you in your decision-making. Also note beyond their qualifications, whichever company you choose to work with should have a comprehensive plan for repairing the damage and restoring your home.