It’s every building owner’s nightmare: water pouring in and soaking everything in its path. Few interior areas are built to endure even brief inundation. The only items able to withstand moisture in a bathroom, for instance – usually the “wettest” room in the building – are the fixtures. Bathroom walls, floors and cabinets are just as vulnerable to water as the rest of the structure.
So, whether the flood is large or small, action must occur quickly to avoid serious and lasting damage. “Action has to be undertaken by professionals versed in flood mitigation,” cautions Darren Impson, President of Paul Davis of Tampa, Florida. “These experts will implement a series of important mitigation activities that must happen before owners can even think about restoring the affected areas. Turn off the electrical breakers then leave the rest to us.”
Water mitigation experts will lead four activities that set the stage for reconstruction and restoration:
Consider the source: Mitigating a flood from a broken water supply pipe follows different protocols than sewer overflows or storm flooding. The latter often carry bacteria, viruses, chemicals and other dangerous pathogens, which require special protective procedures to safeguard technicians and residents in the short-term and long-term.
Inspect and verify the extent of the damage. Water mitigation experts have a keen understanding of how water flows, how different materials absorb or resist water over different time spans, and how building designs channel moisture. These experts also have the tools and expertise to inspect even hard-to-reach areas: ductwork; heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems; wall sheathing; crawlspaces; and the undersides of flooring.
Extract water and handle mold issues right away: Mould can begin growing within 24 hours of the flood, so experts know that rapid action is absolutely essential. They deploy state-of-the-art pumps, air movers, desiccants, moisture meters and masking to quickly remove water and humidity that support mould. These experts also know which building materials can be dried and which must be replaced.
Clean and sanitize: Water mitigation experts apply specialized products to remove soil, treat microbial contamination and deodourize materials. Floods – even from water supply pipes – often deposit foreign matter that may permanently stain or create odour if not treated.
If you require a water mitigation specialist, call Paul Davis at 800-661- 5975. The Difference MakersTM