Several things cause water damage. Understanding water damage before it occurs minimizes damage and makes handling easier. There are eight factors to consider regarding water damage and restoration.
Contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of West Fort Worth for more on residential and commercial water damage restoration.
Before Water Damage
It is just as important to understand how to prevent water damage as it is to resolve it.
Conduct Regular Maintenance
Conduct maintenance at least twice a year by inspecting leaky or broken pipes, cracks in window or door seals, and leaky roofs.
Review Insurance Policies
Most home insurance policies do not cover flooding. Homeowners are encouraged to purchase separate flood insurance. Review policies for water damage coverage before significant water damage occurs.
Be Aware of Water Damage Classifications
White water comes from clean sources, including drinking water. Gray water damage comes from showers, baths, and washing machines. Black water damage comes from contaminated sources such as toilets, septic tanks, and floodwaters. More contaminated water damage requires more extensive cleaning.
Understand the Impact on Materials
Water damage varies with different materials. Some water-damaged articles and furnishings are unsalvageable and require discarding, regardless of restoration practices. Fabrics and carpet padding are primary examples because they foster mold and mildew growth.
After Water Damage
When water damage occurs, remain calm, take a breath, and consider the next few steps.
Act Quickly
Water damage worsens the longer it sits. Standing water increases mold and bacteria growth which can be challenging to eliminate. Quick actions make a difference between salvaging the items or throwing them out.
Stop Water at the Source and Contact Insurance Companies
Before starting the restoration, stop the damaging water at the source. Find the leak, cover the hole in the roof, or turn off the water to the home. Take detailed photos and report the incident for insurance purposes.
Determine Water Extraction Methods
Proper extraction depends on the extent and type of water damage. Damage from a leaky pipe may only require basic drying and cleaning, but flooding from a natural disaster requires more extensive extraction and deep cleaning to rid contamination.
Conduct Thorough Restoration Measures
Most assume that water damage restoration is lengthy and complex. While it can take a few days, the amount of disruption to the daily routine is relatively minimal when done correctly. The most critical concern is to be thorough.
Allow one to two full days of drying time. Rushing the process increases the likelihood of water remaining, causing further damage. Once dry, begin mildew and mold removal from drywall, furnishings, floors, and ceilings.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is a family-owned and -operated damage restoration company serving the West Fort Worth areas, including Benbrook, TX. The company offers free consultations and 24-hour emergency services. SERVPRO trains its technicians for any disaster using the most advanced equipment in the industry.
Following severe damage, homeowners and businesses seek professional damage restoration from various companies, including water restoration companies, mold remediation companies, and fire restoration companies. The mission of SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is to be the resource for everything you need in one place. Services include:
- Fire and emergency water restoration
- Residential water cleanup
- Mold removal
- Commercial cleaning services
Contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of West Fort Worth at (817) 560-3086 to schedule an appointment for water damage restoration.
