Water Damage Restoration
The goal of the water damage restoration process is to transform an abnormally wet, potentially damaged structure into an environment of equal or better appearance and cleanliness than before the intrusion occurred, and to do so in the most economical and efficient means possible.
Water affects materials indirectly. Excessive moisture leads to elevated humidity. Many building materials will absorb excess water vapor and suffer damage, especially when the air in the structure is allowed to remain above 60% relative humidity.
Water Removal
The first step to drying a structure is extraction, which may include removal of wet materials, and then evaporation. The extraction phase removes most of the liquid water and then evaporation removes the remaining liquid water and “draws” the moisture out of wet materials (drywall, plywood, framing lumber, etc.).
The water removal process is optimized by first doing a good extraction to remove as much of the liquid water as possible and then using Psychrometry to set up a drying system that maximizes drying efficiency. Psychometric measurements determine the humidity and vapor pressure. From this, we can then determine what water removal equipment should be employed to maximize the drying process.
Sewage Cleanup
In performing sewage cleanup work, the greatest risk is that of ingestion, which a full face respirator helps prevent. Attempts to salvage sewage contaminated semi-porous and highly porous materials such as wall to wall carpet can create a health risk.
The S500 specifically states that carpet and cushions contaminated with Category 3 water should be removed and disposed of properly. Unless local regulations specify otherwise, recovered sewage and rinse water should be discharged into the sanitary sewer system or municipal waste water treatment facility.
Flooded Basement
Floods are generally caused by prolonged heavy rainfall. Flooding occurs when ponds, lakes, riverbeds, soil, and vegetation cannot absorb all of the water.
Rising water overflows the natural boundaries of bodies of water, and flows across the ground as surface runoff picking up all kinds of contamination.
The water can be contaminated with soil bacteria, decaying insects, animal droppings, oils and fluids from roadways, and fertilizers and pesticides from fields or gardens.
Frozen Pipes
Winter weather can cause extreme damage to a home when inspections and preparation for the cold weather are neglected. Extreme cold, heavy snow, ice, and freezing rain can pose a serious threat to a property. It’s important to prepare your home in advance for potential frozen pipes.
Heavy snow and low temperatures can cause pipes to freeze and roofs to leak. Improper maintenance and inspection of the roof, pipes, and areas of the home that are less insulated can leave you with some unexpected headaches to deal with this winter season.