Everything You Need To Know About Water Restoration: A Must-Read Guide
Water damage is a significant concern for facility teams, building managers, and property owners alike. Whether caused by natural disasters or human-induced incidents such as storms, floods, broken pipes, or sewage backups, the effects of water damage can be severe and require immediate attention from certified professionals. IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) emergency restoration professionals, such as those at Desa Contracting & Restoration in Toronto, are qualified to ensure safe living conditions by restoring the past and building the future.
Given the potential severity of water damage, it is easy to understand why incidents such as overflowing toilets, leaky pipes, or burst pipes can be traumatic experiences for those whose properties have been affected. These incidents not only cause financial hardship but can also take an emotional toll on those left to deal with the aftermath. Understandably, many may feel uncertain about how to proceed in such situations. To help those affected by water damage to their property, we have developed an essential guide to water restoration in Toronto.
Our goal is to empower property and business owners to better understand the water damage restoration process, making it easier to manage emergency water damage situations. This guide includes information on what water damage restoration is, the steps involved in the process, the importance of water damage restoration, and the major causes and preventative measures for water damage. It’s important to note that this essential guide on water damage restoration in Toronto and the GTA is a valuable resource to have on hand, as it covers the most common water damage scenarios, including those caused by natural and human-induced incidents. For more detailed information, please continue reading.
Water Damage Restoration: What Is It?
Water damage restoration refers to the actions taken to safely and efficiently clean up and restore a property to its original condition after being affected by water damage. This process, also known as water remediation, removal, extraction, mitigation, and flood cleanup, addresses all aspects of water damage, such as cleaning up after a flood, fixing a leaky roof, and addressing any other water-related damage.
That said, the property restoration process consists of several stages, from initial assessments to completion. These stages may include tasks such as water removal, drying and dehumidifying affected areas, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces, and making necessary repairs. It is best carried out by certified professionals, such as those at Desa Contracting & Restoration, who possess the specialized equipment and techniques needed to address the damage quickly and efficiently.
These professionals are trained to identify the source of the water damage, assess its extent, and take immediate action to contain and prevent further damage to the property. Additionally, during this process, emergency restoration professionals are also responsible for efficiently extracting any standing water from the premises and performing the necessary repairs to restore the property to its pre-loss state. They also take necessary steps to prevent secondary issues, such as mold growth and structural damage, that can result from water damage.
The Water Damage Restoration Process: Understanding the Steps Involved
As previously stated, “water damage restoration” is the process of professionally restoring a property to its pre-loss condition after it has been affected by a water emergency, such as flooding, burst pipes, or sewage backups. Although this may seem like a simple task, restoring a property affected by water damage is a comprehensive process that involves several steps and can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the size and severity of the damage. Therefore, prompt action is crucial in preventing further issues, regardless of the extent of the damage.
To give you a better understanding of the water restoration process, we have outlined the individual steps a professional emergency restoration company will take in the event of water damage to your home. The procedure is as follows:
1. Water Damage Inspection:
The first step in the water damage restoration process is the initial assessment. After you call an emergency restoration firm upon discovering water damage to your property, a certified team of restoration experts will promptly arrive to conduct a preliminary water damage inspection or assessment. During this initial assessment, they will identify the water source, the degree of water contamination, and the type of water damage.
Considering that, the source of the water has a direct impact on the extent of damage to a person’s property. However, finding the exact source of the water can be challenging, even when the cause of the damage, such as a flood, is known. Once identified, the expert will ascertain the degree of water contamination when the source has been located and halted.
During this step, determining the classification of the water pollution is crucial for the water damage restoration process, as it helps the specialist select the best decontamination techniques to employ. Professionals can better understand the extent and type of restoration needed by determining the water damage class as the next step in the inspection process. Additionally, by defining the water damage class, specialists can more quickly calculate the level of drying and dehumidification needed later on.
2. Standing Water Extraction
The next crucial step in the professional water damage restoration process is the efficient removal of any standing water, often referred to as “stagnant water.” The method and equipment used for this step will depend on the severity and source of the water damage to a property. Industrial vacuums and submersible pumps are examples of equipment that can be used for water extraction. After removing all standing water, the next step is to extract any remaining surface water, which can be done using portable wet and dry vacuums. Specialists may also use moisture meters or infrared thermal cameras to detect hidden pockets of saturation in walls or under floorboards. Even after vacuuming, there may still be residual surface water present.
3. Debris Removal
After removing all standing water, the next step in the water damage restoration process is to remove all unsalvageable debris. If certain construction components, such as drywall, carpeting, and padding, cannot be recovered after a water damage incident, they may need to be removed. This stage is usually completed before drying, as exposing wall cavities by removing drywall and sub-flooring by removing carpet helps speed up the overall drying process. However, if no structural damage is found, the drying process can typically begin immediately.
4. Dehumidify and Dry Affected Areas
After removing the water and clearing away debris, the cleanup crew will use air movers and dehumidifiers to dry and eliminate moisture from the affected areas. They may use powerful fans and commercial-grade dehumidifiers, and can increase airflow by opening windows and doors, as well as utilizing specialized equipment. While an efficient drying plan can dry out a property in a few days, it is important to note that the drying and dehumidification process usually takes longer than just water removal.
5. Sanitize and Clean All Surfaces
After effectively drying the affected area, the next step in the water damage restoration process is to sanitize and clean all surfaces. In cases of severe water damage, all surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned using an antimicrobial solution to prevent the growth of mold. It is important to note that, under the right conditions, mold or fungus can start to grow within 24 hours of a water damage emergency. In such situations, professional restoration companies may decide to apply antimicrobials as a precautionary measure or to eliminate existing mold spores.
The process of mold cleanup requires specialized protective gear, such as N-95 masks, gloves, goggles, rubber boots, and disposable clothing or overalls for the specialist. Thorough sanitation can be achieved by using equipment such as a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuum, an air scrubber, and other types of negative air machines.
6. Repair & Restore Damage
The final phase of the water damage restoration process involves conducting thorough moisture testing to ensure that the affected areas have been completely dried. After that, any structural elements that were removed during the restoration process are reconstructed and rebuilt. A comprehensive restoration company, such as Desa Contracting & Restoration, will provide support throughout the entire process, including the reconstruction phase. This can include the installation of electrical systems, plumbing, drywall, and other finishing materials to ensure that your property is restored to its original condition and is fully functional again.
The Importance of Water Damage Restoration
Certified professionals who provide water damage restoration services are essential for helping individuals and communities recover from floods, sewage backups, or burst pipe emergencies. They work to minimize the damage and ensure safe living conditions for everyone involved. The main objective of water damage restoration is to restore properties to their pre-disaster state, providing property owners and building managers with emotional and financial relief.
Water damage restoration is an invaluable service for managing the aftermath of property damage caused by water. It helps people and communities get back on their feet by restoring what has been lost and preparing for the future. However, underestimating the importance of water damage restoration services can have serious consequences, as water damage can result in a variety of structural problems, such as collapsing walls, ceilings, and floors, as well as mold growth. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize water restoration efforts in order to protect Toronto’s citizens, homeowners, and building managers.
Primary Water Damage Causes
Water damage can stem from a variety of natural and man-made sources, both internally and externally. For example, external water damage can occur when flood water seeps into a home due to broken or damaged building structures, while interior water damage is often caused by leaks and defects in home systems, fixtures, and appliances. Regardless of its source, water can be highly destructive and costly to restore. To aid in identifying the source of water damage, we have compiled a comprehensive list of common causes of water damage to your property. Use this guide to make the process of identifying the cause of water damage hassle-free!
The common causes of water damage include:
- Severe weather
- Damaged or clogged gutters and downspout
- Unsealed siding
- Damaged chimneys and roofs
- Leaky windows and doors
- Foundation Cracks
- Cracked, warped, or split flooring
- Malfunctioning sprinklers
- Air conditioning unit condensation
- Natural disasters (e.g., fire) and rainy weather
- Rubber or PVC water supply lines
- Broken household appliances
- Septic tank and sewer backups
- Burst or leaking pipes
- Old or faulty water heaters
- Water overflow from toilets
- Inoperative sump pumps
- Inefficient roof water drainage
Preventative Measures to Protect Your Home From Water Damage
In order to protect your property from water damage, it is essential to understand how to effectively address it. Water damage can originate from various sources, such as leaks, floods, broken pipes, and heavy rain, which can result in costly repairs, structural damage, and even mold growth. That said, taking preventive measures, such as performing regular maintenance, being attentive to potential problem areas, and addressing any leaks promptly, can help protect your home from costly and detrimental water damage. For further insight on how to protect your home from water damage, follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Uphold Proper Drainage
Step 2: Examine Your Sump Pump
Step 3: Look for Any Leaking or Spotting.
Step 4: Regularly Check Your Roof and Caulk as Needed
Conclusion: Get Your Home Back After Water Damage
In conclusion, emergency restoration services, such as water damage restoration, are essential for homeowners and building managers in Toronto who have been affected by natural disasters, leaky pipes, burst pipes, or sewage backups. The cost of emergency restoration services varies depending on the severity, type, and location of the damage. It is important to note, however, that many homeowners’ insurance policies cover a significant portion of the associated costs. Therefore, it is essential for homeowners to act quickly and consult with a professional emergency restoration company to ensure the safety and livability of their properties.
Professional property restoration companies, such as Desa Contracting & Restoration, specialize in quickly repairing and restoring affected properties. For reliable and experienced water damage restoration services, contact the experts at Desa Contracting & Restoration today.
