Dealing with water damage can be a stressful and overwhelming experience for property owners. Whether caused by flooding, burst pipes, or a leaky roof, water damage can wreak havoc on your property, leading to potential structural damage, mould growth, and the destruction of valuable belongings. In this article, we’ll dive into the specific services offered by water restoration companies like RestorePro in Auckland and explain the comprehensive process they follow to restore your property to its pre-damage state.
Steps Water Restoration Companies Follow to Restore Your Property
1. Emergency Response and Assessment
Quick action is critical when it comes to water damage. Water restoration companies are typically available 24/7 to handle emergencies. Once you contact a company a specialised team is dispatched to your property to begin the restoration process as soon as possible.
The first step involves assessing the extent of the damage. This means identifying the source of the water, classifying the water damage (categorized as clean water, greywater, or black water), and determining how far the water has spread throughout the property. Modern tools like moisture metres and thermal imaging cameras are often used to locate hidden pockets of water and assess conditions behind walls and under flooring.
2. Water Extraction and Removal
Once the damage has been assessed, the next step is to remove standing water from the property. Using industrial-grade pumps and vacuums, restoration professionals efficiently extract water to prevent it from seeping further into the building materials. Quick water removal is crucial to mitigate further damage and reduce the risk of mould growth, which can begin as early as 24-48 hours after water exposure.
Special attention is given to areas like basements, carpets, and upholstered furniture, which tend to retain water. The longer water remains in these areas, the harder restoration becomes, underscoring the importance of immediate action.
3. Drying and Dehumidification
While initial water removal eliminates visible water, many materials such as wood, drywall, and carpets often retain moisture. Water restoration experts utilise advanced drying equipment like air movers and dehumidifiers to thoroughly dry out affected areas. This step ensures that all hidden moisture is captured, preventing structural damage and mould growth.
Drying techniques vary depending on the material and extent of the damage. For instance, wooden flooring requires slow drying to prevent warping, while drywall needs specialised handling to avoid further deterioration.
4. Cleaning and Sanitisation
Once the property is dry, the next step involves cleaning and sanitising. Water damage can introduce harmful contaminants like bacteria, particularly in cases involving greywater or black water. Restoration professionals use high-quality cleaning solutions to disinfect all affected surfaces and ensure a safe environment for inhabitants.
For items such as furniture, clothing, and rugs, specialists may use cleaning methods like dry cleaning and foam cleaning to restore them to usable condition. An effective cleaning process helps to salvage as much of your property as possible and minimises the need for replacements.
5. Mould Remediation
Exposure to moisture significantly increases the risk of mould growth, which can damage your property and pose severe health risks. Water restoration companies often provide mould remediation services as part of the process. This involves identifying areas affected by mould, safely removing it, and treating the area to prevent future mould growth.
Specialised antimicrobial treatments are applied to surfaces, and air filtration with HEPA filters is sometimes used to remove airborne mould spores. Mould remediation is vital to ensure your property remains safe and habitable long after the water damage has been addressed.
6. Structural Repairs and Restoration
After addressing the water damage and ensuring the property is clean and dry, the final step involves repairing and restoring the damaged areas. This may include minor repairs such as replacing drywall, repainting walls, and installing new carpets. In more severe cases, major structural repairs might be necessary, requiring skilled builders to reinforce or rebuild sections of the property.
Water restoration companies often collaborate with contractors and building professionals to restore everything to its original condition. Some companies provide a seamless service by handling both the restoration and reconstruction, ensuring the job is done efficiently.
Need Help Restoring Your Water-Damaged Property? Call RestorePro Today
Water damage can be devastating, but with the right help, your property can be restored quickly and effectively. As experienced water restoration professionals in Auckland, RestorePro provides comprehensive services to address all aspects of water damage, from initial assessment to full restoration. Contact RestorePro today by calling 0800 843 776 to get the expert assistance you need to bring your property back to its best condition.