Seeing water damage on your hardwood floors or carpet is devastating. In Schenectady County, we have a lot of storms. It is understandable that nature can get the best of our homes. It can be broken pipes or even a bad roof. Water invades, you need to call a restoration service NOW. The longer you wait, the worse the damage; the more costly the repairs; and the more toxic the mold.

 

Water damage restoration services are more than a simple cleaning service. They are a trained team with all the right tools, and they understand structures. They know how to lift the drying process beyond the basics. Don't be overwhelmed with recovery. Trust the process and the experts to return your home or business to it's original state. Quick Response Restoration is a trusted local restoration company that works with homeowners and businesses to fix water damage emergencies.

Understanding the Impact of Water Damage

Schenectady County homes and businesses have several different types of old and new construction. All types create infrastructure systems that can be aging and failing.

 

Burst pipes: Pipes in unheated spaces like attics and crawl spaces will freeze and crack and burst when temperatures drop. These small cracks create a waterfall in your walls while you sleep.

 

Sewer Backups: Heavy rains overwhelm area drainage systems. Many of Schenectady's older homes have joined sewer lines and during storms will push sewage and gray water into basements.

 

Appliance Malfunctions: Washing machines and dishwashers can really let you down when you use them to store things in the utility room. Hoses burst, seals go bad, and appliances overflow.

 

Roof Leaks and Storm Damage: Capital Region's shingles and siding are susceptible to storm damage. Once a breach is created, water will leak and collect in ceiling and insulation.

 

The Hidden Dangers: Mold and Structural Issues

Water damage doesn't stop when the the puddles are mopped. The real danger hides where you cannot see.

 

Mold Growth: Mold loves moisture and begins to grow within 24 - 48 hours of a water event. Mold grows in walls, floors and carpets and settles as a respiratory irritant of poor indoor air quality.

 

Structural Integrity: Drywall becomes a sponge when soaked. It loses its structural strength and begins to crumble. Prolonged moisture causes wood to rot and floors to warp which creates a significant repair bill.

 

Electrical Hazards: Never mix water and electricity. If water has entered your outlets, light fixtures, or wiring, you could have a fire and/or shock hazard. Never walk into a flooded room until you are sure the power has been cut.

 

The Professional Water Damage Restoration Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Water damage restoration is a multi-step process that goes from assessment to repair. Here is an overview of the steps involved.

Inspection and Water Extraction

When the restoration crew arrives, their first priority is to survey the problem. They will locate the source of water if it is still flowing and will put a stop to it. They will inspect the extent of the damage and ensure there is no hidden water by checking behind walls and under floors. They do this by using moisture meters and thermal cameras.

 

After assessing the extent of the damage, it is time to remove the water. This damage restoration crew uses truck-mounted vacuum and industrial water pumps. It is important to remove as much water as possible to prevent water from seeping through the floors and walls of the home and causing further structural damage.

Drying and Dehumidification

After the majority of water has been removed, large portions of the home may still feel damp. This is where the drying process begins and the damage restoration team will keep a close watch to make sure that everything is completely dry.

 

Here is some of the equipment used to dry the home:

 

  • Dehumidifiers: These commercial-grade dehumidifiers work much more effectively than those purchased for personal use.

     

  • Fans: Specially designed fans will move moisture and cause it to evaporate more quickly.

     

  • Dryness Monitoring Equipment: The restoration team will continually check that the moisture has evaporated from the walls and floors before removing any of the drying equipment. This will ensure everything is dried to the proper standards.

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Odor Control

Water can carry bacteria, especially if it came from a sewer backup or a leak in an appliance. All surfaces are cleaned with antimicrobial agents. This kills germs and prevents mold from spreading.

 

They also tackle the smell. Damp smells can be stuck after the water is gone. Odor elimination treatments like ozone machines or thermal foggers are used to neutralize air smells. If your furniture was affected, they have specialized cleaning for these items.

 

Reconstruction and Repair: Restoring Your Property

 

The last step is getting everything back to the way it was. If walls had to be cut open to dry the studs, they have to be patched. If the flooring was ruined, that has to be changed. Restoration teams have to do the following:

 

  • Do the repairs and replacements to the drywall, insulation, and trim.
  • Replace the flooring, whether it needs carpet, tile, or wood.
  • Make it look all new by painting and finishing.
  • Find and fix the cause of the water issue.

Why Choose Certified Water Damage Restoration Professionals in Schenectady County

The Consequences of Attempting a Water Damage Cleanup Yourself

 

Water leaks may seem like something you can manage yourself, but that is a false assumption. Customers usually do not understand the amount of equipment necessary to get into hard to reach places like behind baseboards and wall cavities.

 

Leaving moisture behind will lead to mold. Further, if you cleaned up the mess yourself and your claim is denied because cleanup was done improperly, you will have to cover repair costs.

Advantages of Using Certified Professionals From the Area

Professionals from the area will have a better understanding of the building styles and the infrastructure specific to Schenectady County, especially the plumbing in the older homes.

 

Time and Money: Having a team ready to start work provides a financial advantage and minimizes the amount of damage done in the home.

 

Easier Claim Process: Restoration services have experience talking to adjusters and provide the reports and photos needed to support the claim.

 

Everything in One Call: Restoration services do every part of the process from plumbing to cleaning and rebuilding. Only one call is needed.

 

Better Sleep: Knowing the job was done properly keeps you and your home safe.

Taking Action: What to Do When Water Damage Strikes

 

What Should You Do When Water Damage Happens to Your Home or Business? 

So water has made its way into your home (yikes!). Now what do you do?

 

Check for Safety: Do not walk into water if you suspect the power is still on. If you can do so safely, turn it off at the breaker.

 

Stop the Flow: For a burst pipe, turn off your main water valve. This action needs to happen critically.

 

Document: Take pictures. Take lots. Take pictures of the leaking source, the flooding, your items, and every inch of the damage. You will be grateful later when you file for your insurance.

 

Don’t Leave It: If the damage is not too great, and it is safe, take your items to the dry zone.

 

Time to Call: This is an emergency. You have to act fast in order to have the best chance of saving your property. Call a restoration company in Schenectady County.

Working with Your Insurance Company

 

Most typical homeowner's insurance covers water damage due to events like burst pipes. But, you have to check your policy. When you call your insurance, be sure you have everything documented (including your emergency repairs). Your restoration company will also be your advocate.

Conclusion

Dealing with water damage can be extremely frustrating. Luckily, the help you need is just a phone call away. Protecting your home from the worst water damage requires being able to recognize the signs of water damage and acting fast.

 

Damage from water seepage will worsen over time, so don't wait to act and give mold time to grow in your home. If your home is filled with standing water, Quick Response Restoration is in Schenectady County and ready to respond quickly with the experience you really need to restore your home.