The 4-W’S Of Water Damage Restoration
Topics: The, 4-W’S, Of, Water, Damage, Restoration
The rains have been pouring hard for several days. The rivers are overflowing and there’s a danger of levees breaking down and flooding the whole area. These, and similar dangers threaten homes in flood-prone areas. Homeowners, aware of this possibility, should know the basics of water damage restoration. Having this knowledge would prepare them for the sudden onset of flooding, and would know what to do if this calamity strikes.
The following discusses answers to the What/Why/Who/When questions and issues related to water damage restoration.
1. What is water damage restoration?
The term water damage restoration refers to activities aimed at recovering an item from damages sustained from prolonged exposure to water. This could include anything from houses or buildings that were totally submerged in water, to documents and books that got wet from the flooding or water exposure. Restoration activities could also include water-damaged furniture, appliances, electrical gadgets and even automobiles.
2. What are the procedures in water damage restoration?
Procedures for restoration of water-damaged items vary depending on what type of item or material are to be restored. However, the general process can be subdivided into four major stages.
a. Water Removal
The first stage in this program is the removal of water from the affected area or item. Examples are flooded basements or kitchens that will need submersible pumps to completely remove water. Another example of water removal is by using wet/dry vacuum cleaners on water-soaked carpets and rugs.
Part of water removal is to cut the source of the water damage. Not all are due to flooding and some can be attributed to faulty seals on machines or leaks in the water pipe system. Such causes may need separate repairs to address the source.
b. Cleaning
Floodwater carries with it a variety of mud, dirt, sewage and other filthy materials. These are carried into the water-damaged area, contaminating all materials it comes into contact. The cleaning process removes this dirt and other floodwater residue from the affected materials. Examples are the use of special shampoo to clean carpets and rugs, upholstered furniture, beds and other items.
c. Drying
After the floodwater has been removed, and appropriate cleaning has been done, drying would be the next step in the water damage restoration program. Procedures can vary from natural drying-out of the item under the sun, or through the use of air blowers and dehumidifiers to hasten drying if putting the item under the sun is not possible.
d. Disinfecting and Deodorizing
The final stage is disinfecting with the use of fungicides to prevent the growth of molds, mildew and other fungi. Water damaged items are prone to attack from these microorganisms, which can cause health hazards if not addressed properly. The use of disinfectants can prevent these risks from occurring. An integral part of this step is deodorizing, which is necessary to remove the unpleasant odor that are brought about by the floodwaters.
3. Why do we need water damage restoration?
Water-damaged items, if left untended, could result to further deterioration and more damage. Serious consideration should be addressed for structural integrity of homes and buildings, which would be safety hazards to their inhabitants.
Materials that are exposed to prolonged submersion to water are also prone to mold infestations. These microorganisms are proven health hazards and may cause a variety of diseases that can put inhabitants in danger. Mold remediation is needed to address this problem and prevent further infestations.
4. Who can perform water damage restoration?
These activities, although cumbersome, are quite simple and basic in nature. These can be performed by the homeowners themselves without the use of highly sophisticated machines and equipments. However, safety should be the primary concern when involved in these activities, which include the proper wearing of protective clothing, as well as following safety precautions when entering a water-damaged structure.
5. When should water damage restoration be initiated?
Time is the most important factor in the restoration of water-damaged properties. Molds can grow and infest the surroundings within 24 to 48 hours. Once the source of the flooding or the water damage has subsided or has been contained, the restoration activities should start right away.
Samson Paulotti distributes information on homeowner concerns. Additional information available at www.therestorationresource.com
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