What Are The Processes Involved In Drying Out Your Home?

7/21/2021 (Permalink)

Drying out your home after a flood (from a storm, plumbing leak, etc.) can be a real chore. In many cases, it is best left to trained, certified professionals. Naturally, some people attempt to dry out their home on their own, without consulting the experts. Whether they're trying to save money or are simply avid DIYers, they feel they can do the job adequately and appropriately. This may well be the case. But trained professionals with certifications, the right technology, advanced equipment, and more, will likely do a more thorough job in as little time as possible. They will even go so far as to sanitize areas where needed.

If you have experienced a flood or water leak in your home, should you tackle water restoration on your own? Let's look at what's involved.

Evaluation of the Site

The first thing you want to consider is the type of water involved. Within the industry, category one water is referred to as clean. Category two, however, is contaminated on a minor basis. Black Water, or category three, is considered to have come from a source that is contaminated.

There are requirement standards to deal with each type of water. Affected area pressurization, personal protection gear, and special precautions are required when dealing with water sources that are considered contaminated. For category three or category two, it's always best to use a professional.

Additionally, you must be aware of a musty/mildewy smell or visible mold. It's growing if you can see it or smell it! You might also have to worry about asbestos being present, particularly if your home was built or remodeled before 1978.

Extracting the Water

Whether or not floor coverings stay or go can depend on the category of water referred to above. To get the water out of padding and carpet, you'll need a weighted extractor. No shop vac or conventional vacuum can do the job adequately.

If you have solid wood flooring, the only way to get under that is with special equipment.

Mapping Moisture

You have to know all of the areas of your home that got wet before you can be assured everything is dry. For an extended period of time, this could mean making your way around the premises on your hands and knees. Hopefully, you’re well-versed regarding building materials, tools, etc. To reduce assessment time, wireless monitoring systems, thermal imaging cameras, and more can be used. The experts have those handy. Do you?

Stabilization of the Environment

Air movers and dehumidifiers will be needed to stabilize the environment. Again, the experts have these on hand. Even if you use fans, dehumidifiers, etc., you may still experience a mildew/mold problem that could remain hidden until it's too late.

If you have filed a claim with an insurance company due to water damage, you may have no choice but to go with a professional for water removal and restoration services. Truth be told, this is the best way to go no matter if it involves an insurance claim or not.

Have You Experienced A Flood or Leakage?

If your home has been flooded, you've experienced a significant leak, had a fire extinguished, or some other source of water has infiltrated your area, you could well be in the market for water extraction and other services.

Not only does all of the water need to be completely and totally extracted, the area must be 100% dried out. After that, restoration has to take place. You may even need the area sanitized! That's a lot to deal with. Why not leave it to trained, certified professionals for guaranteed results.

Contact us today at SERVPRO to dry out your home.