If you suspect water damage in your home, you must contact a Water Damage Restoration professional. Although you can try to clean up small amounts of water yourself, larger volumes and severe water damage often require the assistance of a professional. In order to minimize the damage and restore your home to its pre-damage state, you must first assess the extent of water damage.
First, identify the source of the water. This will allow a specialist to determine the category of water contamination and the classification of the water damage. The water damage class indicates whether the material is easily dried or needs extensive drying. If the damage is not irreparable, building materials may need to be removed to ensure that the property will dry out quickly.
Water damage can occur from natural or manmade sources. Natural causes include storms, burst pipes, leaks in appliances, and miscellaneous mishaps. Toilet overflows can also result in water damage. Natural water damage can also occur when moisture seeps into the foundation of the house. This type of damage can be very expensive to repair. To avoid this costly situation, a water damage restoration company can help you.
Water damage can also occur from “grey water.” Grey water is wastewater that is no longer clear. Typically, it contains detergents, soap scum, and chemicals that can be harmful to humans. Professionals will need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to clean up this type of water.
A professional water damage restoration company can also assist you with mold damage restoration. Many of these professionals are certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), which sets the standards for water damage restoration professionals. A certified technician will follow best industry practices and be trained in the latest technology. They will also ensure that the property is thoroughly dried and properly restored.
Before contacting a water damage restoration company, it is important to define the type of water damage and what you want done. If you’re unsure about what your needs are, it’s best to get a second opinion. Make sure to let your insurer know what kind of work you need and ask for someone else to review your claim. Once you know what type of water damage you’re dealing with, you can determine what type of insurance is right for your home.