If you have experienced water damage in your home or business, you know it is not fun. Whether it occurs because of a burst pipe, leaking faucet or weather issues, water can cause serious damage to your property.
And, as you can imagine, the longer it sits, the more damage water can cause. So, the sooner you call in professionals to assist, the better.
Once you call in the experts, they will talk you through what needs to be done. You will either just need water damage mitigation, or water mitigation services followed by water damage restoration services.
Water mitigation and water restoration services can be performed separately, but often professionals rely on both methods when working on a specific job.
But what’s the difference between the two services, and what can you expect from both?
In simple terms, water mitigation service is the prevention of further water damage by removing standing water and drying any affected areas.
The property owner can start the process before the professionals arrive, such as removing belongings and opening windows to help dry the area. (More on that below).
Water mitigation service involves using specialized equipment and techniques to prevent further damage from water intrusion. The overall goal of water mitigation is to minimize loss.
What Does the Water Mitigation Process Look Like?
Removing affected materials such as furniture, soft furnishes, flooring, beams, or drywall
Commercial grade equipment and special techniques are used to extract water and dry out the affected area
Cleaning and disinfecting any salvageable materials
Protecting the property’s integrity by boarding up windows and doors and taking other necessary precautions
Typically, water damage mitigation services aren’t designed to repair or replace water-damaged property but rather ensure the disaster doesn’t lead to further consequences.
What is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration repairs and rebuilds the effects of water damage with the goal of restoring a home or business to its pre-damaged state. This will usually take place after the water mitigation process.
Trained professionals will use techniques and equipment to restore your property, followed by rebuild or reconstruction services. The tools and approach used depends on the type and extent of water damage.
What Does the Water Damage Restoration Process Look Like?
Replacing or repairing damaged flooring and walls
Repairing and/or replacing roof and ceiling damage
Cleaning and disinfecting the area
Cleaning carpets, rugs and upholstery
Working to prevent mold growth
To sum it up, water damage restoration services involve repairing or replacing damaged parts of your residential or commercial property, where water mitigation does not.
Dos & Don’ts of Water Damage in Your Home or Office
If you are experiencing water damage, there are many things you could do, but only a handful that you actually should do.
What TO Do if You Experience Water Damage
Switch off your electrical supply
If you are dealing with a burst pipe or leaking appliance, switch off the main water source
Call the professionals, and your insurance company, as soon as possible
Remove valuables, artwork, furniture, rugs and belongings
Mop and soak up as much water as you can
Loop your curtains up over the rods to prevent them from getting wet
Open closets, cabinets and drawers to allow them to air out
Open windows and doors to allow air into the space
Take photos to document the water damage for your insurance company
What NOT to Do if You Experience Water Damage
Do not enter a room with any electrical or structural damage until it is safe to do so
If the water is grey or from a sewage pipe, do not come into contact with the water
Do not place any newspaper on the floor
Do not attempt to lift up any carpeting that is tacked down
Do not use a vacuum to suck up the water
Never use electrical appliances if standing on a wet floor or carpet
Don’t try and tackle water damage yourself; it is a job that’s always better left to the professionals
If you have water damage in your home or office, then you need to call the top water damage restoration company in Eastern Michigan, Aladdin’s Cleaning & Restoration.
