Unexpected water events such as floods, plumbing leaks, or sewage backup can all cause extensive destruction to your business. Getting a handle on the cleanup process should be step #1. It is imperative in order to minimize interruptions to your business, that you call a trusted commercial water damage restoration contractor right away.
Regardless of the event, a swift reaction is needed to prevent secondary damages like mold or mildew. A certified technician can help you assess issues caused by the water damage quickly begin the mitigation and recovery process.
Water intrusion caused by a flood or a burst pipe can spread quickly throughout the building, permanently staining carpets, upholstery, books and other items. Wooden furniture can swell, or begin to disintegrate, while unprotected metal surfaces can tarnish. Mold and bacteria can also grow quickly and generate sharp and/or unpleasant odors, in addition to putting you and your employees at severe health risks. Water can also cause structural damage to buildings, and if left unaddressed, doors, windows, frames, and walls can begin to warp or break.
Therefore it’s important to address the problem quickly to prevent further damage. Be mindful of the unseen damage that water can leave behind as you may begin to notice discoloration in walls or unpleasant odors.
The first thing technicians will do is use special equipment to find out the severity of your commercial water damage problem. Once damages have been evaluated, they’ll then get rid of the standing water. The process differs depending upon whether the water is under the property or inside the property.
If the cause was a broken pipe, a plumber is usually made accessible. Once the pipe is fixed, the contaminated soil is removed. Afterwards, anti-microbial is applied and then the old contaminated soil is replaced with fresh soil.
Furniture is removed from the affected area or put on blocks. If the water is dirty then the carpeting and padding are disposed of. If the water is clean, then the carpets are dried as best they can. Carpet padding is easily replaced and more affordable than attempting to dry them. If water damage has found the walls, then small holes are placed in the wall where the baseboard has been removed. This will allow the air to circulate and dry the wall.
Making sure any affected areas are dried properly and quickly is an immediate priority. A contractor will use specialized equipment to force dry air into these areas. Prior to the dehumidification process, the source of the water damage must be dealt with. This can include areas that have water flowing from outside and into the building, pipe or roof leaks, among other complications. Once the extent of damages has been assessed, then a repair plan is formed and set into motion.