What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water Damage Restoration

If your home has been affected by water damage, restoration is likely needed. This may have resulted from a pipe leak, AC overflow, or a roof leak. There are many ways that a home can be impacted by water. It is important to investigate and correct the source of the water. To prevent the spread of and/or further damage, the affected areas also need to be addressed.  This guide outlines what restoration is, why it is important, and the basic process of restoration.

What is water damage restoration?

Water damage restoration refers to returning something to the previous good condition. The goal of home restoration is to return the area affected by water to healthy conditions.  Restoration involves drying wet materials and removing materials that have been permanently damaged. This reduces the spread of damage and lowers the risk of secondary damage such as mold growth.

Why is restoration important?

Restoration has many benefits for the homeowner and all those who occupy the space.

• Reduced Costs: Water can continue to spread and move throughout building materials if not properly dried. Restoration involves professional drying which can reduce the amount of materials that need to be removed resulting in lower repair costs.

• Safety: Water naturally contains microorganisms.  Just one drop of water can contain thousands! Most microorganisms are harmless but exposure to the harmful variety can be dangerous and even cause death. Professional removal of the water, drying, and cleaning of the affected areas eliminates the risks that contaminated water presents.

• Health: Mold can begin to grow on wet materials in as little as 24 hours. Even before the mold is substantial enough to be seen it can cause material damage and affect your health.  Mold produces mycotoxins that can cause coughing, rashes, irritated eyes, and more severe symptoms in those who are immunocompromised. The drying of the affected area decreases the risks of microbial growth.

The Water Damage Restoration Process

Restoration of water-damaged property can vary based on the contamination level of the water and the areas it has affected. The standard process of restoration is set by the IICRC and provides the safest and most efficient process of restoration. IICRC-certified providers have the knowledge, experience, and insurance required to complete restoration effectively.  The basic steps below are essential to every restoration project:

• Stop the Flow: Ensure the flow of water is stopped. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to repair the source of the water. A restoration service provider can coordinate that process if help is needed.
• Extract: Extraction is the removal of standing water.
• Assess: The provider will assess the affected areas using moisture detection equipment to decide what materials are unable to be restored (dried) and then remove those materials.
• Dry: Drying equipment will be placed strategically to dry out affected materials. This must be done correctly to prevent secondary damage.
• Monitor: The equipment and affected materials need to be monitored daily until dry.

When the area is dry, the equipment will be removed and the reconstruction of any removed materials can begin.

The Restoration Process

It is important to address water damage when it happens to prevent the spread of damage and reduce the risks of microbial growth. Professional restoration will return the affected areas to pre-existing healthy conditions. If you need restoration, search for local certified restoration providers through the IICRC.