Water mitigation is the first step in a process that addresses water damage. It involves water removal, moisture control and structural drying to prevent further damage from occurring. After complete removal of water and moisture, cleaning and disinfecting are often necessary for safety reasons. Water damage can also leave unpleasant odors, so deodorization may be necessary.
Professional air cleaners may be needed in the final stages of repairing water damage, to eliminate flood-related odors and make your building habitable again. Between 2 hours and the end of the first week, the damage will worsen. Your home will experience the growth and spread of mold and mildew, hardwood doors, windows, and floors can swell and warp, and metal can begin to rust and corrode. At the same time, there is a possibility of serious biological pollution.
When experts arrive at your property, the first action taken is a thorough inspection to determine what type of water they use. Protocols for wastewater and clean water vary. The next step in the water mitigation process is to incorporate specialized equipment for water disposal. Drying ensures that water does not cause further damage as it spreads to other areas of the property.
As long as temporary solutions exist, water mitigation experts will get to work deciding what next steps are needed once water mitigation is complete. Industrial pumps help them to quickly get rid of stagnant water. Dehumidifiers and methods to increase airflow help to further dry the space during water cleaning. To avoid secondary damage, technicians must remove excess moisture. A detailed examination of your property, including an inspection of water damage, is required before your home can be restored. As soon as you discover water damage in your home, it's important to take all possible steps to prevent mold.
First, understand the categories and classifications of water damage, which indicate levels of destruction and hazard. Homeowners insurance provides coverage for sudden and accidental damage (such as a broken water heater or a broken pipe). Before a professional water mitigation service can begin the process of eliminating water damage, it will determine which category the damage falls into. Once you have stopped the actual leak, you should immediately start the water mitigation process, which consists of preventing or reducing the amount of water damage, to prevent further damage. If your home has been flooded by too much rain, your water mitigation experience will be different than if your home had been damaged by a hurricane. If the water is black water, such as sewage, anything that the water touches immediately becomes a possible biological hazard.
As the founder of ServiceMaster by Zaba in Chicago, Illinois, Diana is certified by the IICRC in restoring fire and water damage.
