Water is a home’s worst enemy. In a matter of minutes, water can absorb into building materials, furniture, and other belongings. In just a couple of days, mold can begin to grow. If water damage is not quickly resolved, the damage can become more substantial and the cost to make essential repairs can skyrocket. Water mitigation is an important restorative process that consists of cleaning, sanitizing, drying, and repairing water-damaged property to its original condition.
Water Mitigation vs. Water Damage Restoration
If your home has recently suffered water damage, you may be looking into repair options. Two of the most common services associated with water damage include water mitigation and water damage restoration. While these two services have some similarities, they have many differences.
So, what is water mitigation? Water damage mitigation focuses on the prevention of further water damage to a home and your belongings. To minimize financial losses and stop the spread of damage in its path, special equipment and techniques are used. Water mitigation often involves removing damaged furniture and other materials, such as flooring and drywall. It also means cleaning and disinfecting salvageable materials.
To ensure that the home is safe for inhabitants to reenter, a water mitigation professional will also protect the structural stability of the home by applying tarps and boarding up windows, if necessary. You can also expect the extraction of water from the home using commercial-grade equipment, followed by efficient drying techniques.
Water damage restoration, on the other hand, focuses on the reconstructing and rebuilding of a home that has been damaged by water. This may include replacing damaged flooring and walls, repairing roof damage, eliminating mold, and conducting moisture and humidity tests to ensure that water-related issues have been resolved.
When Would I Need Water Mitigation Services?
While most homeowners never expect to have to deal with water damage, this type of problem is fairly common. A pipe could burst that floods your kitchen, or your home could flood during a storm, causing massive damage to your furniture and possessions. When these types of incidents occur, you will want to have a reputable water mitigation company on speed dial.
There are certain red flags associated with water damage. If your home is showing any of these signs, it is time to call in a water mitigation service to assess the damage and recommend the right services. Common signs of water damage include:
- Wall Damage – When water damage occurs, your walls may begin to swell and the paint may crack, bubble, or peel. In just a short amount of time, the walls will become engorged with water and will need to be removed and replaced.
- Floor Damage – Water can also build up under the floor. This can result in the buckling of wood or laminate flooring, the peeling of linoleum, or the loosening of grouted tiles. When this occurs, the flooring will need to be removed to assess and repair the subfloor underneath.
- Mold Presence – It takes just 48 hours for mold to start growing after water damage has occurred in a home. Mold will often appear as darkened areas, and you may notice a musty odor. It is important to tackle mold problems as soon as possible to prevent spores from spreading through the home.
Who Should I Hire?
Given that your home is your largest asset, you may be concerned about choosing a water mitigation company to help restore your home following massive water damage. It is important to understand the benefits that a water mitigation professional can offer and how these services can be used to make important repairs to your home.
A quality water mitigation company will respond quickly to your inquiry and will discuss your problem in detail. The company will also schedule service at a time that is convenient for you and your schedule. You should also choose a water mitigation company that is available round-the-clock as water damage can occur day and night.
If you are located in the West Columbia, SC area, trust the water mitigation experts at Kingsley, LLC, for all of your water damage restoration, water extraction, and mold remediation needs. This premier water mitigation company serves clients in Fairfield, Lexington, Kershaw, and Richland County, and has a team equipped to handle water damage situations of all sizes.
Speak to a Water Damage Restoration Company
Water damage is a serious situation that should always be handled by experienced professionals, especially if the damage is extensive or affects multiple rooms. To avoid ongoing problems like mold growth, it is essential to deal with water damage swiftly and to get the damaged materials out of the home without causing further damage. If you need water damage restoration, water extraction, or mold remediation, the experts at Kingsley, LLC can help. Schedule an appointment with a water mitigation professional.