SERVPRO and the six-step water-damage restoration service

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

Blog summary: Discussion on how the water damage restoration process works and how SERVPRO handles this process from the beginning till the end.

Know the steps to restore a property after water damage

Water damage can fall into various types and has several causes that lead to it. Therefore, every water damage event requires a professional and customized solution that can be summed up in a six-step process below. 

Water restoration companies like SERVPRO utilize a scientific approach to water removal and water cleanup that emphasizes monitoring and documenting the drying process from beginning to end. 

Step 1 Emergency contact: This is the first step towards restoring the property. Contact a water restoration company that can respond to the emergency within 24 hours, which will help prevent any further damage.

Once a call is made to SERVPRO, the specialist will ask questions to help determine the equipment and resources that the restoration team will need to carry.

• Name and contact information
• Insurance information (if applicable)
• The street address of the water-damaged home or business
• When did the flooding or water damage occur?
• What caused the water damage (if known)?
• Is there electricity available (on-site)?

Step 2 Inspection and water damage assessment: A 360-degree inspection of the water damage will determine a successful plan of action.

The team at SERVPRO will take the following steps during the damage analysis:

1. Identify and stop the water source

The source of moisture must be closed before any restoration or drying of the building can be conducted. The experts will also check for contaminated water.

1. Identify the type of water

The categorization and classification of water damage - clean water, gray water, and black water - is imperative to a successful restoration as per industry guidelines. The level of contamination of the water will decide the restoration processes that must be used.

1. Survey the extent of the water damage and inspect the premises

The extent of damage and the spread of moisture is checked to ensure proper and complete restoration. In addition, a holistic safety inspection is conducted for issues like lead or asbestos.

1. Move or block furniture

Furniture and property contents are moved and items are blocked to help prevent rust or furniture stains on wet carpet.

Step 3 Water removal/extraction: Powerful vacuums and pumps are used to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons of water during the water removal process. 

1. Move-out/pack-out

In case extensive restoration or cleaning is required, SERVPRO can conduct an organized, efficient move-out to protect belongings from further damage.

1. Emergency water removal

The technicians initiate the water removal process almost immediately. Water removal helps reduce drying time and prevent secondary water damage as well as mold and bacterial growth. Powerful submersible pumps in addition to industrial-strength wet/dry vacuums are used. 

1. Inspect the carpet pad and carpet

This inspection helps determine if these items should be removed to protect the subfloor.

1. Water removal equipment

SERVPRO uses a range of meters to measure moisture saturation; infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture; submersible and gas-powered pumps to extract high-level water and; truck-mounted and portable extraction units for efficient water removal.

Step 4 Drying and dehumidification: A surface may appear dry, but may still be wet to the touch upon further inspection as most building materials and flooring are porous and retain water.

1. Drying/dehumidification

Room measurements, temperature, and relative humidity are used by SERVPRO experts to determine the optimal number of air movers and dehumidifiers to dry the property. The progress is monitored with moisture meters to reach acceptable drying goals.

1. Monitor floor and walls

These structures are inspected for moisture levels to monitor the drying process. 

1. Drying equipment

Secondary water damage such as swelling and warping of floors, walls, and furniture is prevented by using industrial-grade dehumidifiers. Evaporation of moisture is encouraged with high-speed air movers.

Step 5 Cleaning and sanitizing: Water damage also affects belongings like furniture, clothing, and personal items. Therefore, thorough cleaning and sanitization are imperative.

1. Contents restoration

SERVPRO specializes in restoring contents damaged by fire, water, or mold and makes restoration an economical process. Below are the services offered for cleaning.

• Dry Cleaning
• Wet Cleaning
• Spray and Wipe
• Foam Cleaning
• Abrasive Cleaning
• Immersion Cleaning

1. Odor removal and deodorization

Technicians identify and eliminate, not just mask, offensive odors by using industrial-grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment.  

1. Sanitizing treatments

Depending upon the requirement, antimicrobial, antibacterial or disinfectant treatments may be used to sanitize the property.

1. Disposal

SERVPRO will remove and dispose of damaged materials with guidance from the property owner and its insurer.

Step 6 Restoration: The last step is restoring the property to its pre-water damage condition. The restoration step can be relatively minor, such as replacing a few drywall panels or it could include major reconstruction, such as rebuilding entire rooms of a home or business.

1. Emergency building services

SERVPRO provides the following building services in case the property has been damaged by a storm or water. The immediate concern may include temporary protective measures to prevent additional damages.

• Board-Up
• Roof Tarp
• Temporary Fencing
• Move-Out/Pack-Out
• Temporary Warehouse Space

1. Repairs and minor building services

The following building and repair services may be necessary to restore the property to pre-water damage condition. 

• Drywall Removal and Installation
• Hardwood Floor Repair
• Tile Floor Repair
• Painting
• Carpet Repair and Installation

1. Building services and reconstruction

One qualified company to handle both the initial water damage mitigation and rebuilding the affected areas can save time and keep costs low. SERVPRO can provide this continuity by supervising a full range of restoration services that will bring a building back to full functionality.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill-upgradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For water cleanup and mold removal, call SERVPRO® of Grapevine/NE Tarrant County today at  (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com