What to Know About Water Damage Restoration

Have you suffered water damage? Want to know what to know about water damage restoration? With the East Coast heavily into its summer hurricane season, the threat of flood damage is imminent. The aftermath can be stressful. If you've never faced water damage restoration decisions, its best to prepare before the need arises. When damage does occur, having a reputable service available makes the job easier. Water damage restoration cleanup covers assessing damage, repairing and restoring property to its pre-damage state. Getting back  to that state means first determining the extent of damage. Next, stop additional water from getting into the damaged area. Some damage is irreparable and will need professional repairs or remodeling. Be sure to check your homeowners policy for coverage.

For recovery you can handle yourself, water damage restoration cleanup may be manageable. Get air moving through the damaged area as soon as possible using fans, opening windows, etc. This speeds up drying. You'll also need to use dehumidifiers to get the damage area dry 100%. Check drywall for swelling along the wall and its seams. As long as theres no swelling it wont need to be replaced. You may need to prime and repaint.

More than anything, find the cause of water damage and repair it. Water damage restoration cleanup is complete when the damage source is taken care of and avoids repeat damage. Check ceiling tiles and replace affected tiles. The same applies to floors. Replace flooring as needed pending damage. Again, if damage is extensive you'll need to involve a water damage specialist or service. Again, be prepared in the event you need professional repairs or remodeling.

Water damage restoration costs varies from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. This is dependent upon the amount of damage and the level of restoration needed. Extensive water damage needs the involvement by a specialist. Water damage restoration certification begins with the IICRC, The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration. Its a non-profit organization that certifies professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry.

Most technicians obtain certification through IICRC-approved schools, courses, and instructors. And, they must have 1-3 years of hands-on experience pending the qualification level. The minimum requirement for hands on experience is 1 year. IICRC has no schools of its own but it is the accepted throughout the industry. The industry standard for restoration is the ANSI/IICRC S500.

Reputable technicians use the S500 standard as their guide. The standard is adhered to by insurance companies as well as industry professionals. Technicians complete advanced certifications at either the Journeyman or Master Water Restorer levels. Both types of water damage restoration certification mean the tech completed certifications in the areas of commercial drying, carpet cleaning and maintenance, carpet repair, and carpet reinstallation. Be wary of companies who don't abide by IICRC standards or who don't have the proper qualifications. Not doing so may increase water damage restoration costs.

Water damage restoration remediation has to do with mold and mildew. They're the bane of water damage and can cause health problems as well as. If its addressed as soon as possible cleanup may be minimal. Keep in mind that mold and mildew can travel through a home very quickly. Getting the damaged area dry as soon as possible is key. Should mold or mildew set in, a water damage restoration remediation specialist or service is invaluable to stopping the spread.

Water damage restoration causes billions of dollars in damages every year. Once water damage occurs, homeowners need to assess its extent as quickly as possible. Dry the damaged areas immediately. Handle any repairs that you can yourself.  Do use your homeowners insurance.  If you find that the damage may be extensive, involve experts with IICRC certification. This will help to keep restoration costs manageable.