SOCOM Restoration is a complex process that involves emergency response, inspection, removal of water and unsalvageable materials, dehumidification, cleaning, disinfecting, mold prevention or remediation and thorough drying. Homeowners insurance often covers the cost of restoration.
The process begins with a water mitigation company that protects the home’s structure from further damage. This includes boarding up windows, applying tarps and other precautionary measures.
Water Removal
Water removal is an important part of preventing further damage to a property and restoring it to its pre-loss condition. This involves assessing the extent of the water damage, containing and preventing the spread of the water damage, and extracting all the standing water in the affected areas.
Once the water has been removed, the next step in mitigating and repairing water damage is drying out the area. This is achieved by using a combination of air movers and dehumidifiers. Depending on the severity of the water loss, this may be enough to dry out the property, or more extensive steps may need to be taken. This is where the expertise of a professional restoration company comes into play.
During this phase, water is removed from the affected areas with high-powered pumps and industrial wet/dry vacuums. The professionals will also use moisture meters, hygrometers and infrared cameras to identify hidden pockets of saturation that are not immediately visible. They will then determine if carpeting needs to be removed and if it can be saved, as well as whether any wall or floor drywall must be removed and replaced.
It’s crucial to get the water out of the property as soon as possible, because prolonged exposure can cause a wide range of damage. It can compromise the structural integrity of the building, deteriorate wood and other materials, and promote mold growth. A professional water extraction service will ensure that all the excess water is removed from the property to prevent serious and costly problems down the road.
In some cases, water can be classified as Black Water, which is highly contaminated and poses health hazards. In these situations, the professionals will take extra precautions and wear protective gear to protect themselves and the property. The water damage mitigation process will also include sanitization and deodorization of the property to ensure that it is safe for reoccupation. This can also include disinfecting surfaces, cleaning and sanitizing furniture and appliances, and performing any necessary drywall repairs. This step can be very time-consuming, so it’s often best to hire a professional.
Dehumidification
Water damage can be caused by a variety of factors. A burst pipe, a malfunctioning dishwasher, or even a heavy rainstorm can lead to flooded rooms, destroyed flooring, and weakened drywall. It’s important to call a water restoration company as soon as possible when you notice any signs of water damage. Not only can this minimize the amount of water damage, but it can also prevent costly repairs and reduce the risk of mold.
Once all standing water has been removed from the affected areas, a dehumidification process will begin. A professional will use a commercial grade dehumidifier to reduce the level of moisture in the air, helping to speed up the drying process. It is often necessary to use industrial-grade dehumidifiers in order to remove the maximum amount of moisture from the air, especially in areas where there has been significant water damage.
The most common method of dehumidification is using a compressor-based system. This uses a series of coils to condense water vapor from the air, which is then collected and stored. The process can be quite loud and can create a lot of dust, but it’s relatively effective at removing water vapor from the air.
Another type of dehumidification uses desiccant or sorption technology. These systems use solid polymer electrolyte membranes to remove water vapor from the air without condensation. These dehumidifiers are generally lighter and quieter than compressor-based dehumidifiers and they can operate at lower temperatures because they don’t need cooled coils.
During the dehumidification process, the professional may also use a moisture meter or an infrared thermal camera to locate hidden pockets of moisture that may not be visible to the naked eye. These pockets of moisture are important to find, as they can cause serious structural problems over time.
After the moisture has been reduced to acceptable levels, the professional will begin the cleaning and sanitization process. They will clean the surfaces of affected materials that have been exposed to water, sanitizing them with disinfectants and deodorizers. They will then leave their equipment onsite and return on a regular basis to monitor temperature, humidity, and moisture readings to ensure that the affected areas are drying properly.
Cleaning
Water damage restoration is a complicated process that includes several steps: cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting and drying. The goal is to restore the affected materials and structures back to their pre-damage condition. This process can be very time-consuming depending on the scope of work and the amount of contamination present in the affected areas.
To begin the cleaning and sanitizing process, water damage restoration experts will start with a thorough inspection of the property. This is done to identify all affected areas and to determine the best course of action for repair and restoration. This is also a good time to document the situation, taking pictures and collecting any necessary information that will be needed for insurance purposes.
After the inspection, the professionals will begin to clean up and remove all unwanted debris. This may include scrubbing and vacuuming carpet, cleaning rugs and upholstery, removing furniture, washing walls and ceilings, and removing any non-salvageable items.
When sanitizing, the technicians will also wipe down surfaces and use disinfectants to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens that may be present. They will also apply antimicrobial treatments to prevent fungal growth and kill any existing mold spores.
Once the area is cleaned and sanitized, the drying process will begin. This can take 1 hour for a small home with a few affected areas or up to 4 hours in a larger space with more moisture. During this stage, air movers and dehumidifiers will be strategically placed around the property to expedite the drying process.
Moisture meters will be used to monitor the moisture levels in all affected areas of the property. Once the level is below 20%, the professionals will move on to the next step of restoration.
Once the property is completely dry, the contents will be sanitized, disinfected and deodorized. This includes scrubbing and vacuuming carpet, washing rugs and upholstery, removing furniture, sanitizing kitchen and bathroom areas, and washing walls and ceilings. This is a crucial part of the water damage restoration process, as it helps to eliminate any bacteria or pathogens that could be present. It also helps to reduce odors that may be present.
Repairs
If walls, floors, ceilings, or other materials have been weakened by water damage or completely saturated, they may need to be replaced. This is an important step in the restoration process, as it ensures that the structure of the home or business remains intact and safe for future use. Repairs may also include addressing mold or other hazardous issues that have been caused by the water damage and require special attention to avoid additional problems.
Whether it’s from a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or an overflowing toilet, the effects of water damage can be devastating for homeowners. Left unaddressed, it can lead to costly repairs, structural issues, and health risks. But with proper water damage restoration, you can minimize the impact and restore your property quickly and safely.
The first step in the water damage restoration process is to stop the flow of water and dry out affected areas as much as possible. This is called water mitigation and it can involve things like locating the source of the leak and shutting it off (if you can do so safely). It can also include moving furniture, conducting humidity and moisture testing, and taking steps to prevent further damage to the property.
Once the water is removed and the affected materials are dried out, professionals will conduct an assessment of the property to determine the extent of the damage. This will help to identify the water damage class, which determines the next steps in the restoration process. Class 1: Limited water damage to materials with minimal porosity, such as tile, hardwood, and sealed concrete. Class 2: Saturation of more porous materials, including drywall and carpeting. Class 3: Extensive saturation of materials with low evaporation rates, such as concrete and wood.
Depending on the water damage class and the level of contamination, different restoration services will be required. For example, black water — which contains dangerous bacteria and requires full personal protective equipment — requires more extensive cleaning and sanitation than clean or gray water. The amount of damage and the complexity of the restoration project will also affect cost.
