If a homeowner notices mold or a musty, earthy smell, it’s time to call in the professionals. Mold and Water Damage Repair in Buffalo NY can lead to serious structural damage and health problems.
A professional restoration specialist will use fans, air movers and commercial-grade dehumidifiers to dry areas and promote healthy circulation. They will also open windows and doors to speed up the process.
Drying
When a water disaster strikes, most homeowners immediately begin searching online for tips and advice. Some of the first steps they take include locating and turning off the water source and removing standing water as quickly as possible.
Leaving excess water and moisture behind, however, can lead to further damage, mould growth, and health risks. In fact, mould spores can trigger allergies and respiratory problems in occupants. This is why it’s so important for water damaged buildings to be dried promptly and thoroughly.
As part of the water damage restoration process, professionals use advanced drying equipment to remove all remaining moisture from affected surfaces. This helps prevent structural damage, protects belongings, and speeds up the repair and restoration process. It also reduces costs by lowering the risk of secondary damages. Whether caused by flooding, burst pipes, or sewage backups, the quick removal of moisture helps to minimize the impact on property and occupants alike. The next step is cleaning and sanitizing.
Repairs
If the water damage caused by flooding, leaky pipes or other water incidents is severe enough to cause permanent structural damage, it may be necessary to replace drywall, carpeting, furniture and wood structures. Porous materials like drywall can absorb a large amount of water, making it difficult to dry and increasing the likelihood of mold or mildew. Wood can rot or even collapse when wet for an extended period of time.
If the home you are considering buying has significant water damage, it is a good idea to get several professional estimates for repairs before making a bid. This way, you can either include the costs of completing these repairs as part of your offer or use them to negotiate a lower price for the property. You should also get a CMA report from a real estate agent to compare the current market value of the property with the estimated repair cost. This will help you determine if the property is a good buy or not.
Cleaning
Water is essential for life, but when it goes where it shouldn’t, the results can be disastrous. Whether caused by a natural disaster, such as a storm surge or flooding from a hurricane, or by a home’s internal plumbing problems or leaks, the damage left behind can be extensive.
Water restoration professionals have the training and tools to identify the source, stop the flow of water, and repair the damage quickly. This will reduce the cost of repairs and prevent mold development.
A professional will extract standing water and use pumps when necessary. They will also use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to speed up the drying process and prevent rot, as well as special cleaners that are not available to the public. If the items damaged can be saved, they will be restored to their original condition. This can include specialty rugs, electronics, oak tables, and more. All items must be thoroughly inspected to determine the extent of the water damage.
Sanitation
When water damage occurs, there is often contaminates present. Flood waters or stagnant water provides ideal breeding grounds for bacteria, mold and fungus growth. These contaminates can cause diseases in both people and animals.
Sanitation is an important part of the restoration process for water damaged properties. Items that came into contact with contaminated water will need to be disinfected, especially absorbent materials like carpeting, rugs and furniture. Any items that cannot be disinfected will need to be discarded.
The best way to mitigate damage caused by water is to act fast. This will help to avoid costly repairs and minimize the chances of long-term damage. It will also make it easier to identify which materials can be saved and which need to be replaced. Using a central file-sharing software, communication platform and holding regular team progress meetings can help streamline the decision-making process.
