Water damage refers to different possible losses incurred by water seeping into a structure in which it will allow entry of potentially harmful processes including rotary action of fungi, mildew growth, corrosion of metal, growth of bacteria, et al. Hence, damage is one of the most common causes for structural failures in building construction. There are different approaches to water damage restoration depending on the nature and magnitude of the damage. Restoration techniques may include the use of mechanical devices to dry out the site and remove debris, or the use of cleaning chemicals to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. Some methods may even use advanced technologies to completely dry the building while preserving structural integrity. When restoring damaged structures, the first priority should be to dry out the site.
It is important to take action at the earliest opportunity once the water damage has occurred. In some cases, simple de-humidification may suffice to dry the site quickly and prevent further damage. Professional assistance should be sought in extreme cases when drying can no longer be achieved with portable fans, heaters, or other heating devices. In addition to drying out the space, efforts should be made to contain the contaminated building materials. This requires a good assessment of the risk of mold contamination to both the structure and the surrounding environment.
For large buildings, water damage restoration corona ca is often necessary after flooding. In order to salvage the integrity of the building materials, it is necessary to begin drying the site as soon as possible. This should involve removal of any furniture, carpeting, or floor coverings that could cause further water entry or facilitate water damage buildup. The source of the flooding may be determined through water sampling, site investigation, or other means. After the source of the flooding is determined, the next step in the process is to contain the contaminated area.
De-humidification is an important component of water damage restoration. This process consists of removing excess moisture present in the building and the surrounding air. Portable fans and heaters can be used to draw cooler air into the space while damp carpets and furniture are removed and properly dusted. Furniture that can be lifted and moved is then taken outside for drying. Portable air conditioners should also be used to maintain adequate indoor humidity levels in the rooms where water intrusion is detected.
For buildings that are not structurally sound, it is often necessary to hire the services of water damage restoration professionals. In many cases, water remediation is necessary even after the building has been deemed safe for human habitation again. In buildings considered dangerous to habitation, water extraction from the building is the only option. Water extraction is often done by pump trucks using high-pressurized water to pump excess moisture from the building into the ground. After the soil is saturated, a dehumidifier is used to restore the indoor humidity to the established normal range.
Besides water damage restoration, there are several other reasons why dehumidifiers are required during any type of water remediation. In addition to the obvious health considerations, excessive moisture present in the atmosphere can also create an ideal breeding ground for mold and other fungi. Mold and mildew can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, and asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Air scrubbers can eliminate allergens from the air and restore relative humidity levels in the area. Air scrubbers such as the dehumidifier mentioned previously can also provide protection from mold spores making it an important tool during any mold remediation procedure.
Of course, no water damage restoration is complete without addressing the issues that contributed to the initial water intrusion in the first place. The most obvious is the need to remove water from the flooring. When moisture seeps into the flooring, it expands into the carpeting, padding, and sub-flooring, potentially leading to a buildup of microbial growth. Further water penetration into the drywall or wood framing can lead to flaking and warping of the framing which leads to further structural damage. Professionals involved in water mitigation may also suggest drying methods that will prevent further water entry.
Even if the water source has been resolved, there is the possibility of future occurrences that will require maintenance or repair. Long-term exposure to high humidity and water damage restoration can lead to wood rot, cracking, premature aging of carpet, or a host of other unsightly and costly conditions. Long-term exposure to this type of conditions can also decrease the resale value of the property. Due to these factors, homeowners should plan for long-term care and maintenance by investing in water damage restoration services. It is also a good idea to purchase materials and equipment that will help to prevent future water damage.