Water is the most destructive substance in the indoor environment. Water causes damage
many ways. It adversely affects materials by dissolving them or causing them to swell, warp,
stain or corrode. Water also promotes and sustains the growth of destructive and potentially
dangerous microorganisms. Water damage will get worse unless we do something about it.
As a water restoration professional, and as owner of Flood Damage Restoration, we want you to
understand and be comfortable with the restoration recommendations we make. Our recommendations
are based on common sense, science and years of successful practical experience.
However, as the customer you have the right to control aspects of the project, and will bear responsibility
for problems that result from the refusal of our recommendations.
WE WORK FOR YOU, NOT THE INSURANCE COMPANY
Although your insurance company may have recommended our firm, we will be working for
you, not your insurance company. If you do not agree with our opinions and suggestions, you
have the right to obtain another opinion. You have the option to use a different service provider.
We want to make matters as easy as possible for you. Our job is to be part of the
solution.
EMERGENCY RESPONSE
Under the terms and conditions of an insurance policy, the policyholder is obligated to take the
necessary action to limit and to prevent further damage. Prompt action is necessary to prevent
further damage. However, your insurance company need to inspect before carpet and other furnishings
are removed or disposed of. Your health and safety is more important to us than
money. Sometimes the right choice is expensive. Porous materials contaminated with bacteria
or fecal matter should be removed. If you decide otherwise, be prepared to release the contractor
from liability.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
"My carpet retailer says that water will destroy my carpe."
Some carpet retailers are unfamiliar
with current drying technology or have a conflict of interest. According to a recent study,
wet carpet initially loses strength, but gets stronger after being wet for 48 hours - even to the
point of exceeding the original dry strength. According to the Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI),
and organization of carpet and fiber manufactures, carpets exposed to clean water that are
promptly and professionally dried, cleaned and restored, will not experience any loss of strength
or useable life span.
"My homebuilder says that wet drywall needs to be replaced."
Water is used both in the manufacturing
of drywall as well as during some installation processes. Drywall exposed to clean
water, and promptly dried and professionally treated is routinely restored without loss of
strength or structural integrity.
SALVAGING VS REPLACEMENT IS DEPENDENT UPON VARIABLE FACTORS
Of course, there are limitations to what we can accomplish. Some water-damaged carpets and
structural materials may not be salvageable. Salvaging these items is dependent upon may factors
- - the cleanliness of the water, response time and thoroughness of the response. The
cleaner the water and the faster the response, the more likely the material can be restored.
Other issues and factors may include the expense, feasibility or desirability of restoration versus
replacement.
WATER PURITY CATEGORIES
Invasive water typically falls into three categories: clean, dirty and contaminated"
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Category 1 water is referred to as " Clean Water". Clean Water originates from a source
that does not pose substantial harm to humans. Examples of clean water sources may include,
but are not limited to, broken water supply lines, tube or sink overflows with no contaminants,
appliance malfunctions involving water supply lines, melting ice or snow, falling
rainwater, broken toilet tanks and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants and additives.
•
Category 2 is known as "Gray Water". Gray water contains a significant level of contamination
and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if consumed by or exposed to
humans. Gray water carries microorganisms and nutrients for microorganisms. Examples
of gray water sources may include, but are not necessarily limited to, discharge from dishwashers
or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet
bowls with some urine (no feces), sump pump failures, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure,
broken aquariums and punctured water beds.
•
Category 3 water is referred to as "Black Water". Black Water contains pathogenic agents
and is grossly unsanitary. It presents a substantial risk of harm to humans. Black water includes
sewage and other contaminated water sources entering or affecting the indoor environment.
Category 2 water that is not removed promptly from the structure may be reclassified
as Category 3 water. Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap is considered
black water contamination, regardless of visible content or color.
Some water claims are easy to categorize while others are not. Small problems unrecognized
or improperly dealt with can and do grow into big problems. The difference between a
successful water restoration project and an unsuccessful one may be as simple as selecting the
right contractor.
INSPECTION
The inspection phase of a water restoration project is extremely important. Water always seeks
its own level. Water may collect and form hidden packets of moisture inside lower wall cavities.
This is further complicated when the source of water is above or overhead; this permits
water to enter ceiling or upper wall cavities. Water damage professionals rely on diagnostic
instruments to locate all the areas and surfaces which require drying and to monitor the drying
process.
THE DRYING PROCESS
The drying process consists of two components - - evaporation and dehumidification. Air
movement equipment is utilized to accelerate the rate of evaporation. Dehumidifiers remove
this excess moisture from the air, building materials and personal property. Proper drying may
involve making acfcess openings into wall and ceiling cavities. If airborne particles area concern,
the affected areas may be draped off with plastic, or air filtration devices can be installed
to remove particulates from the air. Room temperature also plays an important role in how fast
we will be able to dry your structure. It also effects how efficiently our equipment performs. It
is very important that we maintain certain room temperatures throughout the drying process.
MOLD
Mold is a type of fungus. It occurs naturally in the environment. It spreads by means of microscopic
airborne spores. Mold is found everywhere live can be supported. However, it requires
certain conditions to grow. First and most importantly, mold growth requires moisture. By
minimizing moisture, we can reduce or eliminate the risk of mold growth. All molds are not
necessarily harmful, but certain types of mold are believed to have adverse health effects to susceptible
people, such as allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. However,
experts disagree about the level of mold exposure required to cause health problems.
BIOCIDES
Biocides are sometimes used to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms like mold and bacteria.
Although it is our company's general policy to limit the use of Biocides, there are certain
situations that merit their use. In addition, Biocides might be used in losses that have gone unprocessed
for a number of days.
Thank you for allowing our company to put our knowledge, skills and experience to work
for you. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
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