Home Services
One of the certified home services company specializes in is water damage services, but they offer home plumbing services, HVAC, home improvement services, roofing repair, pest control, and other home repair services as well. Here, homeowners will learn how a water leak can affect every part of the home, and they will also learn how home services and water damage restoration experts will help them get things back to normal.
When Water Gets Into the Home
When a pipe bursts or an HVAC unit develops a leak, accumulated water may cause severe damage to drywall. As the drywall gets wet, it will sag and disintegrate, and eventually, the inner insulation and wooden structure will be damaged as well. Saturated carpets delaminate, or pull away from their backing, and become ruined. Finally, water damage may short out the home’s electrical system, causing shock and fire hazards as well as extensive damage.
Why Call a Home Services and Water Damage Restoration Specialist?
While a mop or a few towels will clean up small spills, a large-scale flood is much more serious. If a large part of the home has been flooded, it’s the hidden water that causes the most problems. Dark, inaccessible areas are the ideal place for mildew and mold to grow. Not only does mold cause structural damage, it may pose health risks to the entire family. No matter the cause of the damage, to prevent future structural and health issues, home improvement and water damage repair projects should be undertaken by insured, certified, and licensed professional home services contractors.
How Long Will it Take to Dry the Entire Home?
No two situations are the same, and the answer to the question depends on the extent of the damage, how long the water was in the home, and the type of materials involved. While roof decking dries faster than concrete, in most instances, waterlogged homes take two or three days to dry. Our team will work with customers to get the home dry and back to normal as quickly as possible.
Is it Necessary to Leave the Home During Cleanup, Repair, and Restoration?
If the damage doesn’t require extensive roofing work or reconstruction, it’s possible to remain in the home while work goes on. However, the equipment used during the cleaning and drying process may be noisy, and the air movement may make conditions unworkable or unlivable. In the event of an extensive project, customers may wish to consider booking a hotel or finding other accommodations.
Why Do Contractors and Remediation Specialists Need Access to the Home?
Once standing water has been removed and the drying process has been started, a team of professionals must control and monitor the home’s humidity levels. With observation, it’s possible to prevent toxic mold growth while providing the proof needed to justify an insurance claim. Industrial equipment is placed so it operates as efficiently as possible, and they check each job’s progress regularly, so adjustments can be made accordingly.
Will the Air Feel Fresh?
Our water damage restoration, plumbing, and HVAC services all work together to remove moisture from the home and restore it to its prior condition as quickly as possible. The contractors’ professional equipment is designed to remove all moisture from the air, but the drying effect is only temporary. Once the water damage cleanup and repair process is complete, the home’s air will return to its normal humidity level. The process is set up to provide optimal drying conditions, and it’s not advisable to open windows or turn the HVAC system off without consulting the experts.
Should the Equipment Be Turned Off?
The water damage restoration and home repair process requires certain equipment to run 24/7 without major issues. The restoration team places its equipment in a way that promotes the drying-out process, and homeowners shouldn’t move it or turn it off. If the noise becomes a problem, the owner should consult their insurance carrier to determine coverage for alternate living arrangements.
What Happens if Materials Must be Replaced?
The goal of a certified home services company is to return customers’ homes to pre-flood condition. Most insurers pay for replacements of like kind and quality, but after significant water damage, the removal of roofing, drywall and other components may make a homeowner want to update and renovate. When materials are replaced, in most cases, the homeowner must pay the difference between the replacement cost and the insurance company’s allocation.
Is it Necessary to Replace Carpet?
Again, the answer to the question depends on the customer’s unique situation. When carpet is wet for a while, or if the water came from sewage or another contaminated source, it generally can’t be salvaged. However, if contractors start work right away, it may be possible to clean, sanitize, and dry a home’s carpet.
Do Homeowners Have to Find a Reconstruction Expert After Water Damage Remediation is Complete?
If a customer hires the company to handle water damage, they don’t have to worry about choosing a general contractor, roofer, or HVAC service provider. With certified home services, contractors can handle any project from beginning to end.
Does the Process Involve Dangerous Chemicals?
The company uses multiple antimicrobial and biocidal agents during a water damage restoration project; these cleaners prevent the growth of harmful mildew, mold, and bacteria. While most of these agents are both safe and effective, some customers may understandably be concerned. If a customer is worried about chemical exposure or toxicity, ask the contractor which solutions they’ll use, and ask for MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) for each product. To be on the safe side, consider keeping pets and children out of the area during the drying-out process.
Is it Possible to Prevent Residential Water Damage?
There’s not much a homeowner can do to prevent storm- or flood-related water damage. However, these events don’t happen as often as many people think. Although flooding causes some home water damage, most is caused by an indoor plumbing failure. With these facts in mind, homeowners should know that regular maintenance and inspection will reduce the risk of plumbing or HVAC failure and the water damage that may accompany it. Use the following tips to mitigate the risk:
Ensure that all home appliances (such as dishwashers, washing machines, and water heaters) are in good condition. Ask a plumber to check all hoses and connections, even if they’re made of braided metal.
During plumbing inspections, ask the tech to check under the bathroom and kitchen sinks for tight connections and signs of corrosion.
Check all toilets for signs of leaks.
Keep an eye on monthly water bills. A sudden increase in water usage may be caused by a hidden leak.
Ensure that all responsible family members know where the main water valve is and how to use it.
Are There Questions About HVAC Repair, Water Damage Restoration, Plumbing Repair, or Other Home Services?
If a customer has questions that haven’t been answered here, or if a flood, sewage backup, or failed appliance causes water damage, they should call a local home services company. With the help of a water damage restoration company, HVAC services, and home repair service providers, customers get the peace of mind that comes with getting back to normal after a catastrophic event. Call today to consult water damage contractors in the area.