I know firsthand how difficult and stressful it can be to deal with flood damage in your home or business. As a professional restoration contractor with over 10 years of experience, I have helped countless clients through the restoration process after major flooding events. In this article, I will provide an in-depth look at the professional restoration process and important considerations for recovering from flood damage.
Assessing the Damage and Drying Out the Property
The first step is always to fully assess the extent of the damage. I perform a thorough inspection, identifying all affected areas and the level of impact. Things I look for include:
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Standing water – I check for pooling water and saturation levels in walls, floors, and other materials. Prolonged exposure leads to more extensive damage.
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HVAC and appliances – I determine if mechanical systems like furnaces and water heaters are damaged, as well as checking the condition of electrical systems.
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Porosity of materials – I identify materials like drywall and wood that tend to absorb and retain moisture, leading to swelling, warping, and rot if not addressed quickly.
Once I’ve assessed the situation, my top priority is always to get things dried out as quickly as possible. Lingering moisture will only lead to bigger problems with mold growth and structural issues over time.
To rapidly dry out a property, I utilize powerful extraction equipment and dehumidification systems. For more extensive water intrusion, I may also remove sections of saturated drywall or flooring to access hidden moisture underneath. Proper drying conditions are verified using moisture meters.
Sanitizing and Removing Contaminants
Floodwaters often contain high levels of bacteria and contaminants that can pose health hazards if not properly addressed. As part of the restoration process, I complete disinfecting and sanitizing throughout the affected structure.
For porous materials like drywall and insulation that have been significantly saturated, removal and replacement is often the safest recourse. I remove and dispose of these materials properly.
For contents and belongings impacted by the flood, items may need to be discarded if too badly damaged. Otherwise, I utilize professional cleaning techniques to restore belongings as much as possible.
Structural Repairs and Renovations
Once drying is completed, I move on to making any necessary structural repairs and renovations to bring the property back to pre-loss condition. This can involve:
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Framing repairs – Fixing water-damaged wall studs, floor joists, and other structural members.
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Insulation replacement – Installing new, dry insulation in walls and ceilings.
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Drywall/wood replacement – Removing damaged drywall panels and wood materials and replacing with new, matching finished materials.
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Flooring replacement – Removing and disposing of water-damaged flooring and installing new subflooring and finished flooring throughout affected areas.
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Painting/finishes – Applying new primer, paint, and wall/ceiling finishes to repaired areas. Matching existing colors and textures.
My goal is always to return the restored areas seamlessly back to their original condition, or sometimes make improvements in the process.
The Drying and Restoration Process Takes Time
While I work as quickly as possible, it is important to understand that true drying and restoration takes significant time – often weeks or months depending on the extent of the damage. Attempting to return to a property before proper drying is complete can allow mold to take hold and lead to major structural issues.
Throughout the process I work closely with clients to set proper expectations on timelines and address ongoing needs as they return to normal living conditions. My expertise ensures that restoration is done right, avoiding major problems down the road.
Working With Insurance Adjusters
A major part of the restoration process often involves coordination with insurance adjusters and carriers. I work on my client’s behalf to ensure proper insurance documentation, damage assessment reports, invoices, and claim submissions are all handled promptly and accurately.
My experience with the claims process helps maximize reimbursements available under applicable policies. I also recognize that delays in insurance payments can impose financial hardship, so I make every effort to expedite approvals and payments to my clients throughout restoration.
Why Hire a Professional Restoration Company?
Attempting flood restoration as a DIY project can be overwhelming and often leads to missed issues or improper drying and repairs. As a professional service, I bring specialized expertise, equipment, and techniques that simply aren’t available to individual homeowners.
My services ensure:
- Proper structural drying to prevent major mold and water damage long-term.
- Compliance with building codes for any repairs and renovations.
- Coordination with insurance process to maximize claim reimbursements.
- Peace of mind in an already stressful situation.
While flooding can be extremely disruptive and difficult to recover from, hiring an experienced professional restoration contractor like myself ensures you receive the highest quality service and outcomes in the process. I approach every project with the same goal – getting my clients back into safe, restored, and habitable living conditions as quickly as possible.
