Water restoration is the process of restoring water-damaged structures to a condition that is safe, compliant, and appropriate for the intended use. This involves cleaning, removing mold and bacteria that can cause health problems, and restoring lost structural integrity.
The key to water restoration is an understanding of what makes a surface wet: not just from rainwater or from flooding but also from condensation on cold surfaces or melted snow. A thorough assessment should be conducted by a qualified professional before any work begins.
Top tips for water restoration
Below are some tips for a successful water restoration.
1. Surface preparation
For water restoration to function effectively, there needs to be a comprehensive assessment of both the damaged structure and the surrounding conditions.
2. Mold removal
Mold can cause health problems even after it has been removed from the structure. It needs to be properly tagged so it does not contaminate clean surfaces after being removed from the building. If there is any possibility that mold may still exist in a building, a thorough assessment should be performed by an environmental health professional (EHU). Complaints such as coughs or headaches need to be investigated and treated as a possible secondary infection due to mold exposure. In some cases, further medical testing is required if symptoms persist despite cleaning and remediation efforts.
3. Sanitation and cleaning
Depending on the level of damage to the structure, sanitizing may be required before restoration activities can begin. Bacteria and mold growth can occur after a significant water leak that causes water to spill onto the floor of a building, especially if the temperature and humidity is conducive for microbial growth and mold development. If there is not enough affected surface area to sanitize with an EHU approved product, deep cleaning may be needed as well. The purpose of sanitation is to reduce or eliminate organisms from a surface (i.e., mold, bacteria). This prevents colonization during restoration activities which in turn reduces or eliminates re-contamination after repair work has been completed.
4. Structural and moisture protection
After a thorough assessment has been completed, the restoration process can begin. This involves cleaning and drying of wet materials, sanitizing affected surfaces, and repairing damaged structures. There are several methods for water extraction, drying and dehumidification that can be used depending on the nature of the problem:
5. Cleaning and finishing
During clean up and restoration work it is important to choose finishes carefully. This is something that many restoration companies do not think about, but it can make a big difference in terms of future maintenance costs or avoiding issues like mold growth. For example, if the floor is being repaired using the same finish as before, it makes sense to choose a finish that is more prone to wear and tear. Other finishes are smooth and slippery which will cause more problems than they solve. Here are some examples:
6. Preventive maintenance
Water restoration should be carried out on a regular basis to prevent further damage or problems. This is especially true in warmer climates where water damage can occur even if there are no exterior leaks because of condensation on cold surfaces or melting snow.
Conclusion
Water restoration is the process of restoring water-damaged structures to a condition that is safe, compliant, and appropriate for the intended use. A thorough assessment should be conducted by a qualified professional before any work begins.
