Recovering from Water Damage With Flood Restoration Services
Understanding the water damage restoration process and knowing what steps to take can help you navigate the stress and overwhelm of costly water damage. That’s why we’ve put together this informative blog. Here, we will answer your most common questions and concerns about flood damage restoration, including how long restoration takes, the steps involved, working with your insurance company and more.
How Long Does Water Damage Restoration Take?
The duration of emergency water damage restoration varies based on the severity of the flooding and the extent of the damage. Factors influencing the timeline include the amount of water, structural repairs required, potential mould removal and water category:
Category 1: Sanitary Water – This includes water from faucets and toilet tanks. Potable water.
Category 2: Grey Water – Clogged sink water, dish or washing machine water.
Category 3: Black Water – Sewage backup, grossly contaminated water and stagnant water.
On average, the restoration process typically takes anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks to properly mitigate.
What Are The Steps Involved In Flood Restoration?
Water damage restoration generally encompasses several essential steps:
Step 1: Inspection and Assessment
A team of expert Edmonton property restoration specialists will assess the extent of the water damage, including the affected areas, structural integrity, and potential health hazards.
Step 2: Water Extraction
High-powered pumps and specialized equipment remove standing water from the premises. This step is crucial to prevent further water damage and helps reduce the chance of microbial growth.
Step 3: Drying and Dehumidification
Industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers are deployed to dry the affected areas thoroughly. Here again, this helps reduce microbial growth while preventing additional structural damage.
Step 4: Cleaning and Sanitization
All surfaces and contents are cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized using professional cleaning techniques and products. This step aids in the prevention of potential bacteria, fungi, or odours caused by the standing floodwater.
Step 5: Restoration and Repairs
Structural repairs, such as replacing damaged drywall, flooring, or appliances, are conducted to restore the property to its pre-flood condition. Painting, flooring, carpet replacement, and other aesthetic repairs may also be necessary.
How Do the Remediation Experts Restore Flood Damage?
Restoring flood damage requires a systematic approach. Here are 6 common steps our Edmonton restoration specialists take when responding to water damage.
Water and Flood Damage Assessment and Quote: Using various methods (i.e. moisture meters and thermal cameras), your restoration experts will map out and document water damage, providing you with a comprehensive quote.
Emergency Water Removal: Using pumps, wet/dry vacuums, or buckets, trained technicians will eliminate standing water. Prompt removal is essential to prevent further damage.
Dry Out and Dehumidify Affected Areas: A professional restoration company will begin by utilizing air movers and dehumidifiers to facilitate drying. They will then use specialized equipment to speed up this step effectively.
Removal of Damaged Materials: Furniture, carpet, appliances, textiles and other affected items will either be discarded or undergo contents restoration.
Cleaning and Sanitization: The team will thoroughly clean and sanitize all affected surfaces, furniture, and belongings. They will also use appropriate cleaning products and methods to inhibit fungal and bacterial growth.
Insurance Assistance: In most cases, water damage will be covered by your home insurance. Your restoration services provider will guide you through the insurance process (more on that below).
Does Insurance Cover Water Damage?
The coverage for water damage usually depends on the type of insurance policy you hold and the cause of the flood damage. Homeowners’ insurance typically covers sudden and accidental water damage from burst pipes, rainstorms, or plumbing issues. However, it may not cover damage caused by floods or sewage backups. That’s why it’s crucial to review your policy and consider purchasing additional flood insurance to safeguard your property.
What Happens If Water Gets In Your Walls?
When water penetrates walls, it can lead to significant damage if left unaddressed. Waterlogged insulation and drywall, as well as weakened structural components and mould growth, are all common results. A professional Edmonton restoration company will employ techniques such as wall cavity drying, moisture detection, and mould remediation to mitigate the damaging effects of water ingress.
Can Water-Damaged Wood Floors Be Fixed?
In many cases, water-damaged wood floors can be salvaged through proper restoration techniques—however, the extent of the damage, duration of exposure and category of water play significant roles. Restoration experts will assess the floor’s condition, dry it completely, and use specialized equipment to restore its structural integrity. In some cases, replacement may be necessary if the damage is too severe or if mould is detected.
What Do You Throw Out After a Flood?
Items often considered unsalvageable due to contamination risks or irreparable damage include porous materials like mattresses, upholstered furniture, carpeting, rugs, and insulation. Food, medicine, and cosmetics that have come into contact with flood water should also be discarded for safety reasons. It is essential to consult with professionals to determine which items can be salvaged and which need to be thrown away in your particular situation.
Note: Nothing should be disposed of until properly documented and communicated to the insurer to ensure accurate compensation.
Flood restoration is a complex process that requires swift action and professional assistance. By understanding the basics of flood restoration, including the steps involved, potential timelines and insurance coverage, you can better navigate the restoration process. Remember to consult with a reputable Edmonton restoration company to ensure efficient and effective recovery from water damage.
First General is a family-owned and operated restoration services company located in Edmonton. If you’ve been faced with a water damage-related emergency, we’re here to set things right. Contact us today.