It’s an emergency that nobody wants to face the water is rushing into your business, possibly from an unintentional leak or burst pipe, or a severe flooding, rainstorm or a mid-winter “big melting”. The water will be “sneaky”. It could get into wall cavities as well as other places which are not visible. Each time you leave it, the damage will spread. If not properly dried the water continues to create problems like decay and growth of mould beginning within the first 24 hours.
Step 1: If you can begin, the first step is to shut off the water. Locate the shut-off valve for the primary purpose that the plant is operating (and ensure that everyone else is aware when they need to locate the valve).
Step 2: Call a professional. Once you’ve shut off water you’ve already caused an issue. The situation will only get worse if the homeowner doesn’t receive the proper assistance.
Here’s a list of 5 points to consider when selecting a partner
- Check that your partner is IICRC certified
The water damage requires an expert in restoration and cleaning you can count on. They are the Institute of International Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) is the non-profit certification body for the restoration and cleaning industry. They establish the guidelines for restoration of water damage procedure to ensure the best methods of remediation and safety. If the contractor you choose to work with is certified by the IICRC this means they’ve been certified and trained with the most effective practices in the remediation and restoration services. This means that you are confident your contractor is able to do the job right!
- 24-hr emergency response
Damage to water isn’t good news regardless of the cause, be it because of a ruptured pipe or backups in sewage or storm drains and flooding inside a huge tower that is multi-story. Sitting in water may cause more damage, which includes an increase in waterborne illnesses and the growth of mold spores. When drying begins and the chances of mould growth diminishes and the damage will no more be worsened.
It is important that your emergency flood service provider will be able to respond quickly to your emergency and dispatch the team within a few hours.
The first extraction of standing water usually is only a couple of hours; however to fully dry the building, it could require 3-5 days. Damage to floors, walls or ceilings can be repaired once the structure is dry. The entire process typically will take under 10 days.
- Services for remediation
Clean up following flooding needs a particular method of mould remediation to stop the growth of mould within the moist surroundings. This is crucial. If the water isn’t effectively removed and the area dried, it will become an ideal breeding ground for mold within 24 to 48 hours. Mold spores may spread around the facility through the air and through duct systems increasing the severity of the problem and causing health and safety hazards.
Services for removing mold include:
- Repairing the water issue (burst pipes, etc.)
- Remove the affected area (if mold is found in the area)
- Removing damaged and wet materials
- Sanitizing and cleaning the area
- Drying the area effectively to stop the growth of mould using special drying equipment
- Testing for moisture and mould after cleaning up
- Assistance with insurance claims
You’re already doing enough without having to worry about the insurance process and forms. If you work with a reputable restoration company they are familiar in the process and documentation required to submit insurance-compliant claims. This can significantly ease the burden of the job for you.
- Restoration services
Restoration of water damage shouldn’t only consist of restoring your actual structure back to its original function. Once the problem has been resolved it is important to determine the root for the damage to avoid any further incidents and ensure your property is protected.
Services included include:
- Repair/restoration of drywall and structural damage.
- Moving furniture and packing it for storage in the course of restoration
- Repairs or replacements are also available for electric systems, pipes and other electrical systems.
All restoration and cleaning companies are created equal. Be sure to seek the appropriate assistance to ensure that, once the catastrophe is over your business will be back to normal like it had never occurred.