Water damage is something that almost every home or commercial building can experience, and it can be caused by a number of factors. But regardless of how the damage started, excess water and moisture can cause a great deal of structural damage as it spreads throughout your home or building. It can also cause mold or mildew to grow within 48 hours of the initial exposure, which is why it’s so important to do something the moment you see signs of water damage.
Here are some common questions people ask about water restoration.
Water restoration refers to the process of cleaning up, drying out, sanitizing, and restoring the materials that got damaged as a result. Water damage can cause a number of problems. Some of them can include the following:
-Rotten wood.
-Mold growth.
-Bacterial growth.
-Rusty metals.
-Swelling of composite woods.
-Delamination of materials (including plywood).
Water restoration can include a larger number of repairs beyond simple water damage cleanup.
After the flow of water has been stopped, an inspection of the damage will be performed before the cleanup can begin. Its purpose is to determine what type of water damage has occurred (which is divided into classes) and what kind of water the property has been exposed to (which are broken into categories). The extent of the water damage is broken into four classes, with Class 4 being the most extensive.
The level of contamination will determine the category of water damage. To identify the risk of illness, the industry rates water sources into three categories. Category 1 refers to water that has come from a clean source (such as a water fountain). Any water that comes from a washing machine or dishwasher is referred to as “gray water” and falls under Category 2 (which is water that contains detergents and other substances that can be harmful to humans).
Category 3 water is the most dangerous because it comes from a dirty source (such as a sewer system and a toilet with feces). It can also include flood water that contains debris. The water restoration team will have to wear personal safety gear while they’re on site to prevent any additional contamination.
The actual cost of water restoration will depend on what needs to be done. If the damage was caused by an overflowing sink, it may only cost several hundred dollars. But if a sewer backs up and floods the entire first floor, the cost of black water extraction, dry out, cleanup, and restoration can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Some of the things that can affect the cost of water restoration services include:
– The amount of water.
– The category of water.
– How long the home has had standing water.
– The kind and amount of materials that have been affected.
– Which floor has been affected.
– The time of year and weather conditions.
What are often referred to as “cosmetic repairs” will be the least expensive compared to other types of water restoration. Some of them can include replacing wallpaper, repainting, or repairing small portions of a damaged floor.
If the property has been affected by serious flood damage, there may be structural damage affecting its integrity. Studs could be warping off the walls, or there could be cracks in the foundation that may have impacted its stability. If any electrical damage has been discovered, no further work will be done until it has been repaired.
If water has gotten into your home or building because of a flood or leak, higher moisture levels (which is mixed with low light levels and poor ventilation) will increase the chance for mold growth. You should take care of any water damage as quickly as possible, because it will minimize the risk of mold growth (which is the most expensive to repair). Aside from cleaning the affected area, some additional material may need to be removed as well. Because mold spores can spread so easily, controlling ventilation levels and using air scrubbers can help as well.
If you’re looking for one of the best water restoration services in Corpus Christi, be sure to get in touch with Gulf Shore Disaster Service. We have a team of experienced professionals who would be more than happy to help you with any kind of water damage.