Water Damage Restoration: What to Know and How to Mitigate

Water Damage Restoration and Mitigation

Water damage can happen anywhere and anytime, but it is important to respond quickly to mitigate damage and protect the health of your property and occupants.

Water damage restoration is a multi-step process that involves assessing the extent of the damage, removing and drying out affected areas, and restoring the property to its pre-damage condition. Mitigation refers to the actions taken to prevent further damage from occurring, such as stopping the source of the water leak, removing standing water, and setting up drying equipment.

What is the Biggest Concern with Water Damage?

Mold and mildew growth.

The presence of water creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew to thrive. These microorganisms can cause a variety of health problems, including allergies, respiratory irritation, and even infections. They can also damage building materials and furnishings, leading to costly repairs.

To prevent mold growth, it is important to:

• Act quickly to remove all standing water.
• Dry out affected areas thoroughly using fans and dehumidifiers.
• Clean and disinfect all surfaces that came into contact with water.
• Monitor affected areas for signs of mold growth and take immediate action if mold is detected.

Additional Tips for Water Damage Restoration

• Call a professional water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
• Document the damage with photos and videos.
• File a claim with your insurance company.
• Take steps to prevent further damage, such as placing towels or blankets over wet areas to absorb water.
• Stay out of damaged areas until they have been cleaned and dried.