How much do you really need to know about restoration services for your home or business? If your home has had a recent flood or you have detected a mold issue, take a look at what you should know about the types of potential water or mold damage and the various services many restoration contractors offer.
Water Intrusion Categories
Not all interior residential floods are the same. While you will always need to remove all flood damages to reduce the risks to your home and household members, this process may require different steps based on the category of water damage. According to the IICRC (Institute of Inspection and Cleaning and Restoration Certification), which sets the standards for the cleaning industry and water-damage restoration training, there are three different categories:
Category 1 is normally considered a sanitary water source with no contaminants and can involve a malfunctioning appliance like a water-supply line to your refrigerator.
Category 2 is considered to be significantly contaminated and has the potential to cause sickness. An example of a Category 2 water loss can be a discharge from the dishwasher or washing machine or an overflow from a toilet bowl.
Category 3 is considered to be grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents. An example of Category 3 water includes, but is not limited to sewage, toilet back flows, ground surface water as well as wind-driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms or other weather related events.
Water Extraction
In order to remove excess water from your flooded home, the professional will drain the standing water using an extractor, vacuum, pump or other specialized equipment. This extraction reduces the risks of mold and can leave your home or business dry and free of moisture.
Dehumidifying Services
Water on the ground isn’t the only potential problem flooding can cause. The restoration contractor may need to do more than just remove the dampness from your floors, ceiling and walls. They may also need to reduce the overall moisture content in the air.
The air can absorb excess moisture. This can coat furniture, flooring, walls, and other home spaces — reducing the overall effectiveness of the drying or restoration process.
To complete the water remediation service and reduce the risks of an additional issue, the contractor may need to use a dehumidifier. This device removes the dampness from the air and helps to restore a healthy indoor environment. A dehumidifier can also decrease the likelihood of mold growth.
Mold Damage Remediation
Mold results from a combination of airborne spores and excess moisture, which makes the post-flood indoor environment the perfect setting for mold growth. Not only does mold have an unappealing aesthetic and odd odor, but it can also cause allergic reactions, cause respiratory problems, or aggravate existing asthma.
A mold damage remediation contractor may inspect the entire structure for mold, find the potential sources, clean and encapsulate the surfaces, remove unsalvageable items, and sanitize the space. To better understand the specific steps your potential future contractor offers, ask for a full description of the mold remediation services they offer.
Water Damage Mitigation
This term and water extraction may seem like the same service. But each one involves separate steps. Unlike extraction, mitigation means that you make the damages less severe and prevent from getting worse. Mitigation can include removal of drywall, floors and baseboards, sanitization and more.
The mitigation process may also include additional services to help ensure your home has a safe indoor environment. If the water intrusion has occurred due to damage to the roof your home, tarps or a shrinkwrap may be required to protect open parts of the structure or boards for windows. If your home has suffered damage as a result of a weather related event, talk to a qualified restoration contractor about the need for and benefits of these options.
Do you need help to restore your home after suffering water damage? Contact ACE Restoration Services, LLC, for more information.