Water Damage Mitigation
A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Property
Water damage is one of the messiest and most expensive issues faced by property owners. With a variety of potential causes ranging from flood water to a roof leak, no property is exempt from the possibility of water damage.
It can be hard for property owners to feel truly prepared against the possibility of water damage. With 24/7 assistance from the water damage mitigation experts at AdvantaClean, you can make sure you are informed and equipped to handle any water that comes your way.
The Urgency of Water Damage Mitigation
Many property owners fall into the trap of believing they can handle water damage cleanup on their own. You may see the issue and think it can be easily solved with some towels and a bucket, but water damage remediation is far more than simply water removal. A professional water damage restoration service provider such as AdvantaClean should always be contacted to manage excess water, no matter how small the issue may appear on the surface.
Professional water damage restoration includes water extraction and drying, as well as an evaluation to determine the source of the moisture and the mitigation strategies that will best prevent further issues. At AdvantaClean, our experts are trained for water removal and can remove even lingering traces of moisture that could lead to mold infestations in the future.
Water damage sets in quickly and can lead to mold within a matter of days. Individuals who choose not to seek out professional water remediation services may put the structural integrity of their property at risk, as well as endangering the health and safety of all inhabitants of the building.
Action Steps to Water Damage Control:
Immediately after detecting water damage, it's crucial to:
- If the source of the water is internal, shut off the water supply.
- Turn off the electricity if the water damage is in an area where it is impacting electric outlets.
- Contact a professional water damage restoration company like AdvantaClean and your insurance provider to file a claim.
- Avoid walking through flooded areas to prevent safety hazards.
Professional companies like AdvantaClean initiate the restoration process by pinpointing and stopping the water source, then proceed with removing, drying, or disposing of affected materials.
Addressing Mold Damage and Air Quality Concerns
No matter the source of the water damage, one major concern is the corresponding mold damage. At typical interior temperatures, mold spores only need the smallest amount of moisture to be able to grow and can set in within 24 to 48 hours. Once they have formed, mold colonies can expand at a rapid rate, opening the door for bigger issues down the road.
Mold colonies consume building materials. If left undetected, these colonies may cause structural damage over time, putting the safety of any inhabitants at risk, decreasing the value of the property, and leading to costly repairs. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a history of mold problems can result in the decrease of a property's value by up to 30%. Long-term mold exposure can also lead to respiratory issues, allergies, and other health problems.
If you suspect mold damage has affected your property, don't wait to call a professional remediation company; AdvantaClean is available 24/7 for emergency service!
AdvantaClean will first send a certified mold specialist to examine the affected area. Mold specialists are certified to assess the situations to accurately evaluate each client's needs. After the assessment, the mold specialist will be able to give recommendations for removal and remediation, as well as determine the source of the moisture and make suggestions for future water mitigation options.
Preventing Water Damage: Proactive Measures for Property Safety
The most effective way to avoid costly water removal or mold remediation services is to make sure your property is protected against excess moisture. Water mitigation specialists like AdvantaClean are available to help.
The most common locations for excess moisture are found in basements and attics. Many attics lack proper ventilation, which can lead to mold growth. AdvantaClean's specialists can assess your unique situation and implement the ventilation system that best suits your needs, preventing future mold damage to your property.
Basement moisture can also be the result of improper ventilation, but some property owners are surprised to learn the source of their dampness is the result of improper grading around the building or lack of gutters. AdvantaClean will do a thorough inspection to identify the source of your basement moisture and implement the most effective corresponding water mitigation strategies including proper ventilation, the installation of vapor barriers, or the use of dehumidifiers.
Navigating Insurance Claims
Managing the costs that come along with water removal and restoration services can be difficult. Many insurance policies cover water damage to a certain degree, but it is important to remember that it is unlikely your homeowner's insurance policy covers flood damage. The best way to obtain flood insurance is through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Flood water damage is categorized as any damage caused by water that has been on the ground before entering your home.
When managing a water disaster, your first call should be to a water damage restoration company, and then to your insurance provider. The faster a cleanup crew arrives, the more damage they can prevent, lowering restoration costs.
AdvantaClean is available 24 hours a day to respond with emergency help and can assist in documenting all water damage for submission to your insurance provider.
Expert Answers to Trending Questions
Water damage can lead to structural deterioration, mold growth, and health concerns if not addressed promptly. Signs of water damage include musty odors, mold presence, changes in wall or floor appearance, and unusually high utility bills. In walls, look for discoloration, peeling, bubbling, and warping.
Water damage is categorized into classes based on the extent of damage and water contamination levels. Class 1 represents minimal damage, while Class 4 indicates severe damage requiring specialized drying. Categories range from clean water (Category 1) to highly contaminated water (Category 3), affecting the restoration strategy and safety precautions.
AdvantaClean employs advanced techniques like moisture meter assessments, infrared thermal cameras to uncover hidden water pockets, heavy-duty fans, commercial-grade dehumidifiers for drying, and HEPA vacuums for sanitation. These tools, combined with expert knowledge, ensure a thorough and effective restoration process.
Immediate action is crucial to prevent the escalation of damage and the growth of harmful microorganisms. Category 1 water can degrade into more hazardous categories if left untreated, increasing the risk of biohazard. Professional restoration services offer the expertise and equipment to efficiently mitigate these risks, safeguarding your health and property.
Homeowner's insurance policies usually cover water damage that is sudden and accidental, such as water damage from burst pipes or appliance malfunctions within the home. However, they typically do not cover damages resulting from outside flooding (e.g., natural disasters, rain), sewage backups, or maintenance issues that the homeowner neglected, such as a continuously leaking faucet. To ensure coverage for flood-related damages, homeowners are advised to purchase separate flood insurance policies. It's important for homeowners to closely review their insurance policy details or consult with their insurance provider to understand the specific coverages and exclusions related to water damage.
AdvantaClean - Restoration Services You Can Trust
Even when a property owner does everything right, the unthinkable can still happen. In a moment when you are at your most vulnerable, AdvantaClean is available to help.
The moisture left behind from even a small water disaster can lead to mold and weaken the structural supports of your home or cause respiratory illnesses in your company's employees. It doesn't matter if you wake up to a flood in your basement or find a burst pipe in your office, AdvantaClean is always there to help--every step of the way, from removal and restoration to planning and implementing new strategies for future water damage mitigation.
Call AdvantaClean today or schedule a service appointment with one of our experts to protect your property, your loved ones, and your peace of mind!
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How AdvantaClean Can Help
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Water Damage & Restoration
Pipes bursting, indoor flooding, or even a small amount of water over time can cause structural damage, mold, and other kinds of hazards, we can help.
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Mold Services
Don't let mold take over your life, AdvantaClean can help with testing, remediation, and removal of mold. Explore your options.
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Moisture Control
Moisture problems can lead to mold and mildew growth. Stop the problem before it spreads.
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Explore these five common myths everyone should know about mold and mildew.