What Does a Water Damage Restoration Contractor Do?
After a flood or a serious water problem such as a leaky roof or broken pipes, you may feel overwhelmed by the amount of water in your home and the resulting damage.
To clean it all up yourself can be a daunting and time-consuming task, which is why it is sometimes better to call in a professional water damage restoration contractor.
Let’s examine what this type of contractor actually does to help you determine whether you need to call someone in for your particular issue.
Do You Need a Contractor For This?
What does a water damage restoration contractor do? The first thing they would do is a full inspection of the damage and what had caused it. They might use moisture sensors if there has been water seepage through walls.
A water damage specialist would take note of what needs to be done to remove all the excess water, make any necessary repairs, and repair or remove damaged household items such as carpeting, furniture, electronics, and appliances.
Caution!
One very important reason to let the professionals handle it is the danger of electrocution when wires get submerged, and the possible contamination of flood waters with raw sewage, chemicals, or other hazards.
Water damage restoration specialists also have the tools and equipment to deal with a large amount of flood water. Industrial-strength fans and dehumidifiers will help to remove moisture from flooded areas and get fresh air in, which is vital to prevent mold from growing in these areas. Vacuums are also needed to completely remove the water before repairs can be done. If the water was contaminated, the whole area will need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Flooding Can Affect Many Components
Part of water damage restoration may involve repairs to walls, roofs, flooring or other structural components of the home that may be weakened by the flooding. Unfortunately, some things can be expensive to repair such as ducts, HVAC systems, roofing, sewage and well systems, and the foundation. Some may need to be replaced if the damage is too extensive to repair, but the goal is to get your home back the way it was before the damage, or even make improvements that will prevent future problems.
Repairing flood-damaged walls can be difficult, as paneling and wallboard can soak up a lot of water and must be removed, especially if the water was contaminated. Sometimes the plaster can be repaired, but only if the studs and sills are properly dried. Water damaged insulation will need to be replaced.
Water damage can be devastating, but keep in mind that there is a lot that can be done to repair and restore your home, and good restoration specialists can take care of the problem quickly and efficiently.