Water Damage Cleanup
|
The Process
Our Water Removal Specialist will complete an assessment through a series of intricate steps.
Assessing the Damage
The first step in water damage cleanup is to assess the damage and identify the content and building materials that need to be cleaned or removed. Items that are in the affected area but not damaged themselves can be relocated to a clean area of the house or to a storage pod during cleanup.
During this initial phase of the process the specialist will thoroughly document all areas of water damage with photos. |
The Overall Process
In cases where the water involved is category 1 and is addressed quickly, minimal demolition is required. If the affected area is a wall, for example, the trim can be removed and holes drilled to get air moving within the wall cavities. Then reconstruction would merely involve reattaching the trim. Of course, this is one of the best-case scenarios.
When water is category 2, some items and building materials will have to be demolished. Carpet can no longer be dried but will have to be pulled and replaced. Anything that category 3 water comes into contact with needs to be demolished, as this water is extremely unsanitary and contains pathogens and/or toxins. Whatever is not demolished (permanent fixtures such as studs) would be cleaned with an antimicrobial agent.
In cases where drywall comes into contact with category 2 or 3 water, a "flood cut" is carried out. A cut is made 2 feet above the line where the water stopped, and the lower portion of drywall is removed. The studs and framing are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and finished with an antimicrobial coating.
When large volumes of water are present, extraction will be necessary. An extractor is a powerful, industrial-strength wet vacuum that removes standing water quickly. Removing as much water as possible and as quickly as possible prevents secondary water damage, mold growth, and further contamination.
For a category 3 event, our water mitigation team will set up a containment barrier around the affected area, using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, leaving a flap or zipper for access. A HEPA 500 air scrubber and negative air machine is used to create a negative-pressure environment, allowing air to flow into the area but not out of it, thus preventing contamination of other areas of the home.
When water is category 2, some items and building materials will have to be demolished. Carpet can no longer be dried but will have to be pulled and replaced. Anything that category 3 water comes into contact with needs to be demolished, as this water is extremely unsanitary and contains pathogens and/or toxins. Whatever is not demolished (permanent fixtures such as studs) would be cleaned with an antimicrobial agent.
In cases where drywall comes into contact with category 2 or 3 water, a "flood cut" is carried out. A cut is made 2 feet above the line where the water stopped, and the lower portion of drywall is removed. The studs and framing are then thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and finished with an antimicrobial coating.
When large volumes of water are present, extraction will be necessary. An extractor is a powerful, industrial-strength wet vacuum that removes standing water quickly. Removing as much water as possible and as quickly as possible prevents secondary water damage, mold growth, and further contamination.
For a category 3 event, our water mitigation team will set up a containment barrier around the affected area, using 6-mil polyethylene sheeting, leaving a flap or zipper for access. A HEPA 500 air scrubber and negative air machine is used to create a negative-pressure environment, allowing air to flow into the area but not out of it, thus preventing contamination of other areas of the home.
Identifying the Source of Water Intrusion
Typically after a water-damage event the source is evident: an overflowing toilet, a burst pipe, a faulty sump pump, ice dams. In cases where the origin is unclear, our technician will conduct a thorough visual inspection of the home to locate the origin. Outside, he'll look for disconnected downspouts, poor grading, missing or broken gutters. Inside, he'll use thermal imaging cameras, moisture meters, and other tools to pinpoint the source and ensure the water intrusion is stopped.
Categories of Water
The IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) classifies water into 3 categories, summarized below.
|
Drying & Measuring Process
Once standing water has been thoroughly removed and affected items have been sanitized, the drying process can begin. Powerful drying equipment such as air movers and commercial dehumidifiers are necessary in order to dry as quickly as possible to minimize damage and prevent the cultivation of mold. The drying process typically takes about 3 days. On day 1, the moisture content of the building materials (wood studs, drywall, etc.) will be measured and documented, as well as the temperature and humidity of the air in the affected room. From there our team will return daily to monitor and re-record these measurements, moving equipment around as necessary. The job is done once the moisture content of the building materials and the room humidity have reached acceptable levels and all items are completely dry.
|
Documentation
The cleanup and restoration process involves a lot of photos, measurements, and other necessary documentation regarding the scope of the project and the labor involved. Our mold specialist team will record all necessary data and measurements onto scope sheets, and they'll provide thorough photo documentation. We'll navigate the labyrinth that is the insurance process for you, to the extent you want us to. As the insurance company's job is to minimize costs, they may question certain aspects of the work or request explanation, and thorough documentation is key to getting the benefits you're entitled to.
|
Ready to schedule your free consulation?
Our specialist can come to your home, at no cost to you, to answer your questions about the process and provide a detailed outline of costs and a timeline for completion. Call or text 612-558-1737, or set up a free consultation for either water removal or water damage cleanup here.
QUESTIONS? WE'RE HERE TO HELP.
|
Twin Cities Furnace Cleaning, Inc.
7627 Dallas Ln N Maple Grove, MN 55311 Phone (call or text) 612-558-1737 info@TwinCitiesFurnaceCleaning.com |