Frequently asked water and flood damage repair questions
What should I do after a water leak ?
First halt the water leak source
switch off water meter and when necessary phone a plumbing company. Make an attempt to contain the water into an enclosed place with bed sheets, covers, towels etc. Next take out as many items from the water in order to avoid more damage. Start getting rid of water using bath towels, mops and or a wet shop vacuum plugged into a GCFI outlet only. Do not use your typical vacuum cleaner.
Why can’t I use my hands to touch an object to check out if it’s dry?
First of all water conducts electricity so there may be a potential electrical shock hazard. Even though it is typical to touch something using your hand to discover how it feels, it’s not wise. How something feels doesn’t mean how something really is. Simple fact is the body averages somewhere between 55% & 78% water. How in that case, is it possible to consider something that’s mainly water and know if something is wet? This is the reason moisture meters were created. They help provide us a norm to follow as opposed to opinions or speculation.
Will infrared or thermal imager camera display what’s moist?
Technically infrared or thermal cameras are unable to show what’s wet or dried out. They merely display temperature (hot, warm, cold). Even so, if you have a hot water leak then you may observe a hot location. In case you have a cold water leak then you definitely might find a cold place. These types of cameras aid indicate a likely problems or issues. You will have to use a moisture meter to determine if something is damp. Infrared cameras are usually a fantastic instrument through the inspection process, if utilized by a trained or qualified infrared inspector.
How do I know how severe or what sort of water damage has occurred?
One would need to know the specific situation & background of the building to discover the way to address the water destruction. Based on the IICRC S500 Standard 3rd Edition, there are three various categories of water. These categories can change or intensify with time. The categories of water refer to the level of contamination in water, taking into account both its originating source as well as its quality following its contact with components present on the job site.
How do you know if it is dry?
You will have to utilize a moisture meter as well as get readings on building materials. Many moisture meters possess gages intended for moisture content readings for timber. If your moisture content of wood is over sixteen percent it can help microbial development (like mold) within the surface area. If your moisture content of wood is above twenty percent it could possibly help microbial growth on the inside of the wood (also often known as dry rot). Once the moisture level of wood is above thirty percent, it may possibly support microbial development on the interior of the wood (also called wet rot). These moisture meters can be used for different building components by contrasting affected spots with untouched locations.
When can one begin restoration after a flood?
That depends on what type of water damaged the structure. Category 3 water loss requires additional procedures in the restoration process and also will need to only be executed by anyone who has been educated in hazardous materials circumstances. As a general rule once all of the correct clean-up and drying is completed. It may be advisable to think about a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) to verify the cleanup process is effective ahead of any rebuilding. We highly recommend a CIH for every category 3 water damaged cases.
Should power washing following a flood work?
Power cleaning is not advised for flood restoration. The high water pressures commonly puts water into the building of the building that currently has a water trouble. Another thing that can occur may be the high water pressures might spatter & spread the destruction to other spots.
Why does it smell just like basements?
When several building components contain over the typical moisture content levels, they might generate microbial unpredictable organic compounds (gases). Smells can also show the condition of the material is deteriorating creating an urgency to solve the water trouble.
How do you find out if a thing is moist or dry?
Only by using a moisture meter can you establish if one thing is wet or dry. Different building components contain different moisture content concentrations. Drywall can be somewhere between six to 10, while lumber can be between 10-12 moisture content levels. Then you should contemplate what portion of the country you happen to be based & what season or time of the year it is. You can even evaluate an affected location to an untouched spot. If your whole house flooded, compare the one you have to your neighbor’s home while using the very same moisture meter.
Allied Restoration Company is a full service restoration company specializing in restoration of structures due to water damage. We help mitigate flood and mold damage in homes as well as contain and remediate mold.
We have a wide range of clients and can likely help YOU! Our list of clients includes residential and commercial property owners, real estate agents, facilities managers, adjustors, HOA and management companies and general contractors.