January 4th, 2018 | by dwiseman | Posted in
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Water in the home is never something a homeowner wants to encounter. But it happens. And when it happens, it may not just mean water-logged contents and water damage. Health issues and mold growth are also factors to consider. Thankfully, our flood restoration professionals are trained to restore water damaged property to pre-loss conditions quickly and effectively.
Here’s a brief look at the restoration process from beginning to end:
- Response: Response time is key when you’re dealing with water damage. Hence, you want to contact a water restoration company as soon as possible. Here’s why:
- Mold growth can begin in 24-48 hours.
- The longer water is in the home, the harder it will be to salvage some items.
- Standing water can become a health hazard if it becomes contaminated.
- Repair costs are more likely to decrease
- On-Site: Once the our techs arrive, they’ll begin a thorough evaluation into the scope of damage and what needs to be done to restore it.
- The affected area will be inspected for safety hazards. For instance, in older properties, we may have materials tested for asbestos.
- Visual inspection of the damage to determine the Category of water loss and to know what measures to employ.
- Our flood restorers will also analyze the full scope of water damage using moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to assess floors and walls.
- 24 Hour Water Extraction and Flood Water Removal:After evaluating the scope of damage, it’s time to get to work. We will pack out and secure any contents impacted by the moisture in attempt to salvage or dry separately. Then, water extraction (or water removal) will start. Depending on the scope of loss, anything from a light extraction wand to a submersible water pump may be necessary during this step.
- Structural preparation:This step varies based on the category of water. According to the IICRC S500 Standard for Water Damage Restoration, there are three categories of water. Category 1 water is clean water. Category 2 water is described as water that may have some contaminants andCategory 3 water is water that contains bacteria contaminants, sewage and is a health risk.
- With Category 1 water, the carpet and flooring can be dried in place, however with Category 2 and 3 water, porous items need to be removed and disposed of, semi-porous items are considered on a per-item basis and only non-porous items can be cleaned and sanitized. Actual flood water from rising rivers, streams, oceans (which Queen Creek doesn’t have to worry about) or heavy rains that travel over the ground surface into the property is also a category 3.
- Structural Drying:The next thing our flood techs will do is set up drying equipment to fully dry the affected area(s). Some common drying equipment use to dry Queen Creek buildings includes:
- Air movers: They come in two main types – axial and centrifugal.
- Dehumidifiers: The “dehus” help take the moisture out of the air, which is distributed by the air mover fans.
- Wood floor and wall cavity drying equipment: Today’s equipment can pump high-pressure air or vacuum the air from walls and cavities to speed drying. Air movers can also be incorporated to blow air into walls.
- Heat drying equipment: Heat drying units may also be deployed in the area to speed up the drying.
- Monitoring a Water Damage Restoration Project:Drying equipment will likely run for several (2-4 in most cases) days. Each day, we’ll return to the property and properly monitor the drying using moisture meters and other specialized tools. In fact, today’s technology is so advanced that remote monitoring is now available so we can keep an eye on progress while we’re not there. Monitoring ensures the structure is drying properly and also allows any adjustments to be made with the equipment should drying be hindered in any way.
- Documentation:You can’t underestimate the importance of documentation when it comes to water damage restoration.
- Moisture readings can be analyzed to track and validate drying progress.
- Documentation helps verify drying success to an insurance adjuster.
- A tangible report and drying log ensuring drying was successful is beneficial for transfers of property.
- Reconstruction:If it was Category 2 or Category 3 water in the home, it’s likely that reconstruction or structural water damage repair will need to commence. Here are some examples of what may need to be done:
- Carpet and pad replacement
- Drywall repair
- Drywall replacement
- Hardwood floor repair
Call Patterson Restoration, LLC – Queen Creek Water Damage Repair Experts
So while you never want to discover water damage in your home, Our company can have your home restored to a pre-loss condition in a matter of days.
January 4th, 2018 | by dwiseman | Posted in
Uncategorized
Water is a powerful and destructive force. Water Damage is the result of this force entering a building. The amount of water damage present is hard to gauge without the right moisture inspection equipment. Water can flood a property in many ways. Most structures flood from plumbing failures. Subsequently, these leaks often stem from pipe breaks and toilet/sink overflows. Other types of flooding come from outside the structure. Rising rivers, ocean surges, and heavy rains are three prime examples of water damage originating from outside a property.
There are three categories of water damage and four classes. The category, class, and material(s) affected will dictate the action needed to get the property back to a pre-loss condition. No one ever expects to come home to a flooded house. However, it happens more often then people think. Statistics show that water damage is one of the most filed insurance claims in Arizona and Tempe is no stranger to property damage. Monsoon season often leaves a wake of damage behind it. But, the type of damage that happens more frequently is one you never really hear about. So, when exactly does it does happen? How will property owners know what to do? If you’re not sure about what to do in a water damage situation, our certified water damage restoration professionals will help you every step of the way.
24 Hour Water Removal Services in Tempe, AZ are a Call Away
Fast response to flood damage is critical. This action lowers the chance for secondary damage. Not to mention, lessening the cost of repairs. Mold is a prime example of secondary damage.
It’s probably safe to assume most property owners aren’t familiar with structural drying principals. Surprising to some, drying a building involves more than a mop and bucket. Proper drying even takes more than a mop, bucket, house fan, and a few open windows.
24 Hour Water Damage Restoration Company in Tempe, AZ
Our certified technicians facilitate water damage repairs efficiently and effectively. Time is not your friend when dealing with the effects of water damage. When a situation allows for “in place drying”, we ensure a fast and thorough water extraction.
Removing as much standing water as one can, drying times typically decrease significantly. But, to achieve such an extraction, the right tools of the trade are a must. We utilize light wands, subsurface extraction tools, weighted extraction tools, and powerful truck mounted (or portable) vacuum systems. to remove the maximum amount of moisture from flooring materials. The more water removed; the less water there is to remove through evaporation.
Because leaks happen unexpectedly, our restoration company offers 24 hour water cleanup and repair services. No matter the time of day or night, these trained technicians can be on the site of a flood situation in 60 minutes or less (most cases). Once on site they’ll identify and eliminate safety hazards, remove standing water, secure contents and other moisture sensitive items, then develop a drying plan. Whats more, we set up drying equipment to increase evaporation. When all affected structural components reach their dry standard, drying is complete.
Qualified 24 Hour Water Extraction Company in Tempe, AZ
Many unqualified companies pollute the water damage restoration industry. We on the other hand, ARE qualified and equipped to handle any situation be it big or small.
In conclusion, if you’re facing a water damage situation and need immediate assistance, we’re ready to help and available 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. Avoid unnecessary repairs by acting fast. It’s our company’s goal to restore your property, not to replace everything. This sets our company apart from our competitors.
December 30th, 2017 | by dwiseman | Posted in
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When faced with a sudden water damage situation, first try to stay calm… then, CALL US. Second, and at all cost, avoid any potential safety hazards (e.g. shock/electrocution and potential overhead collapse situations). Third, call us for a free water damage inspection. Once on site, we’ll provide a detailed estimate to repair your damage.
What do you do until help arrives? If there’re ZERO safety hazards, it’s best to secure furniture (e.g. foil tabs or wood/foam blocks under footings) as well as important paper items that are wet (e.g. separate carefully and lay out or freeze quickly). Fast action is crucial and may save you thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs. Our professional water damage experts are ready 24 hours a day and all year round. By calling Patterson Restoration, you’ll always have access to help when you need it. So please don’t hesitate to call.
What’s the best way to clean up standing water?
The best way to clean up standing water depends on what your cleaning it off of. For example, if you need to remove a lot of water from carpet, you’ll need a high powered wet-vac system and weighted extraction tools. If you need to extract water off tile or concrete (depending on the amount) a mop and bucket might do the trick.
If it’s a large amount of water, you need an industrial wet-vac or special truck-mounted water extraction equipment. Smaller areas may require just a few towels. Because each situation is different, it’s best to know what you’re doing and to have the right equipment for any task. That’s why calling our company is a good idea. We’ll have all that’s needed to assist you with any structural water damage situation.
After water extraction, what more is needed?
After addressing safety hazards, securing contents, and extracting water, the job isn’t done just yet. Actually, the restoration process has just begun. Because properties have a multitude of very porous materials, its crucial to identify exactly what was impacted. Drywall is one example of a material that soaks water up quickly. Baseboards, insulation, particleboard (cabinet panels, sub-flooring, etc.), and even tile wick up moisture quickly. We have moisture meters and water detection equipment (e.g. thermal imaging cameras) which locate hidden pockets of moisture.
Cleaning up water damage on your own.
Every water damage situation is different. The amount of saturation, the materials impacted, the category of water (e.g. 1, 2, or 3), how long the materials have been wet, the cost to dry vs. replacement, and many other factors must be considered before attempting to restore it yourself.
Without proper drying equipment, training, and knowledge, drying a home can be quite difficult. Do it yourself drying is typically for very small areas affected by a clean water source and where no high end finishes were affected. It’s highly recommended to contact a professional when dealing with sewage water, flood water, mold, wood flooring, wet cabinets, wet ceilings, entire walls that are wet, or flooded duct-work.
Should I file a claim for water damage restoration services?
Filing a claim can be both a good thing and a bad thing. It can be a good thing when it’s actually needed. It can be a bad thing if it was filed for something small or gets denied due to lack of coverage. Before filing a water damage claim you should discuss the situation with your insurance agent. They’ll be best qualified to help you make this decision. Some factors that can weigh on the decision are the amount of damage sustained, the category of water damage, when the water damage occurred, where the damage came from (the source of the leak), is visual mold present in the areas affected, the cost of repair vs. your deductible amount, and what a claim will do to your premium just to name a few.
Should a claim be your best option, a good water damage restoration company can guide you through the process. We are that company. We’ll be in contact with your adjuster from start to finish. In most cases we’ll bill your insurance direct using specific insurance billing software for the services we provide.
December 23rd, 2017 | by dwiseman | Posted in
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Water Damage Repair Services in Gilbert Arizona
Patterson Restoration, LLC is a top water damage repair company serving the Gilbert community. Our team is standing by ready to aid you with your repairs 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. Responding to water damage quickly is imperative to prevent further structural damage and mold growth from occurring. Furthermore, the sooner a professional is on site to mitigate the loss, the lower the cost will be to repair the structure and any contents damaged by the leak.
Why is Water Damage Common in Gilbert, AZ
Water Damage Repair in Gilbert is as common as any other city in Arizona. It’s safe to assume that most properties in Gilbert have some sort of plumbing running through it. This being the case, and because malfunctions in plumbing are inevitable, each property with plumbing has the potential for a water damage issue to occur. So, what does one do when face to face with a water damage situation? Well, unless you are an water damage restoration expert, our suggestion would be to call our company to assist. The sooner you call, the faster your damage gets repaired!
Helping Gilbert Residents Clean Up The Mess
Cleaning up water damage is an overwhelming task without the right “know how” and equipment. This is precisely why a we are here to bear the burden for you. Our company has certified water damage repair professionals ready to help you at a moments notice. We’re operate just like the Gilbert Fire Department does. When we’re not cleaning up water damage, we’re cleaning our drying equipment, maintaining our service vehicles, and training to ensure we stay current on the latest procedures, standards, and regulations in our industry.
A fast response is the key to mitigating the spread of further damage. Water damage repair companies arrive on site, anywhere in Gilbert, in 60 minutes or less (most cases). Once on the scene, a safety inspection takes place to make sure no immediate dangers are present. We then begin securing contents. Securing contents after the safety inspection prevents further damage from setting in until the water extraction starts.
A proper and thorough extraction can dramatically improve the drying process, as well as prevent unnecessary flooring replacement due to water being allowed to dwell longer than it should. It only takes a short moment for full saturation to set in to structural materials. Our technicians have special moisture detection equipment (such as thermal image cameras) that find and measure the level of saturation in each affected area.
The Structural Drying Process of a Gilbert Property
A typical water damage dry-out take between 2-4 days to return the affected materials to a normal moisture content (dry standard). To meet the dry standard, the water damage repair company will first test and record what that standard is. This happens by measuring the same material in an unaffected area. The dry standard then becomes your target reading. There are many different approaches to drying wet structural materials, most of which will use four basic principles of drying. The four main principles are:
- A thorough extraction
- Proper air-movement
- Adequate dehumidification
- Proper temperature control
Our IICRC Certified water restoration professionals understand these drying principles and know how to apply them to any real life situation. There is no margin for error when it comes to water damage repair services. Complete drying of your affected property, in the least amount of time (less than 5 days), is a must to prevent mold and bacteria from thriving. Because mold is a natural part of the environment in Gilbert, it only takes up to 24 hours for mold to germinate and within 48-72 hours mold can begin to colonize. Scary right!? Don’t let this happen to you. Even the smallest amount of water damage can cause mold to grow. Water is one of the main things mold needs to grow so it should be the main thing to control to prevent it.
24 Hour Water Extraction and Cleanup Services in Gilbert, AZ
Our 24 hour water cleanup service for Gilbert property owners are a phone call away. Because water damage can strike at any time, our certified water removal technicians are available 24 hours a day; 365 days a year. Patterson Restoration, LLC is always on standby ready to help you no matter the nature of the project. Round the clock restoration service is available anywhere in Gilbert. We understand the urgency water leaks create inside a home or business and know that having water damage repair crews at your door in 60 minutes or less is crucial to saving you money and your valuable belongings.
December 1st, 2017 | by dwiseman | Posted in
Uncategorized
Do you have water damage from a busted pipe? Did your toilet or sump pump overflow? Is your basement flooded? What about storm damage?
Whatever the reason may be, the fact is, water damage is not an oddity. In fact, it’s one of the most filed homeowner insurance claims. Additionally, the number of water damage claims filed is increasing year by year. Nevertheless, the important thing to remember is water damage, while undesirable, is typically not a total loss. That being said, here’s a look at the water damage restoration process in general:
Initial Inspection of Water Damaged Areas
Before a home can be restored, a plan of action needs to be formed. This consists of a restoration expert inspecting the home and finding where and how far the water penetrated. A professional will use moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras to see how far the water spread on surfaces. These tools locate hidden areas of moisture in wall cavities and under flooring.
Content Pack-out
Many people in Mesa, AZ who experience water damage, quickly think their electronics, clothes, documents and photos will be destined for the scrap heap. However, that’s not the case in many situations. Most homeowners are shocked to learn that over 90 percent of all items damaged in a conventional water loss. Patterson Restoration, LLC helps you through the entire content restoration process.
Water Extraction
Using a piece of equipment known as a truck-mount; Patterson Restoration, LLC will extract any standing water from the property. Water extraction is essentially the removal of standing water from flooring materials so that maximum drying can take place at a pace that’ll inhibit microbial activity.
There are three categories of water loss, as defined by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC):
- Category 1 – water from a clean or sanitary source.
- Category 2 – water that contains some level of contaminants that may pose a health risk to a homeowner.
- Category 3 – unsanitary water that could cause illness. Sewage losses, flooding from rivers or streams and wind-driven rain are all examples of Category 3 water.
It’s also important to note that a Category 1 water loss can quickly degrade into a Category 2 or Category 3 water loss if it mixes with certain contaminants or is allowed to dwell in a building long enough to support mold growth. The faster the water is removed from a home, the better. Immediate action is important for a property owner after discovering water damage.
Structural Material Removal Instead of Drying
In the event of a Category 3 water loss, deconstruction may be necessary. The IICRC S500 Standard on Professional Water Damage Restoration states that anything porous damaged in a Category 3 water loss shall be removed. Drywall and particleboard material are two main materials removed. Additionally, anything semi-porous shall be treated on a case-by-case basis and anything that is not porous can be sanitized and disinfected.
Based on this standard, drywall, carpeting and flooring materials will not be salvageable if damaged in a Category 3 water loss and shall be removed from the home. If Category 3 water wasn’t present inside the home, then the aforementioned can likely be dried. That brings us to our next step…
Drying Water Damaged Areas
After water extraction, our certified water damage restoration crew will set up the need equipment to dry the impacted areas. This can be done in a few ways. The most popular method of drying is to place air movers and dehumidifiers in the affected area. Subsequently, this method promotes evaporation and the excess moisture the air gets removed by the dehumidifier. Injection drying equipment can also be set up in to dry wall cavities and under cabinets to further save many of the homes components. Complete drying is usually 2-5 days.
Disinfect and/or Sanitize Water Damaged Areas
Following extraction and drying, additional measures may need to be taken to ensure that mold doesn’t grow. Applying an antimicrobial product to the wet area can usually inhibit the mold growth process. Antimicrobials and biocides also work to treat any mold or bacteria that may have already grew and can prevent any new growth from starting. Because every water damage loss is different, a professional will know the best way to treat your loss.
Verification of Completed Structural Drying
At the end of a residential water damage restoration job, verification is done to ensure the job was completely correctly. Moisture meters and thermal image cameras are again used to verify there’s no remaining water in the affected areas. In the event of a Category 3 water loss, surface sampling is used to verify cleanliness of the impacted area.
In addition to this step, reconstruction and/or minor repairs may also be needed based on the extent of the initial damage.
Flooding and Flood Damage in Mesa, AZ?
Mesa Arizona is no stranger to floods. Due to our desert monsoon season, it has seen its fair share of flooding. During this time Mesa receives a good amount of rainfall which also contributes to numerous roof leak issues. Flood cleanup is a different monster in the world of restoration. All flood damage is classed under a category three loss. This means there will be less to dry and more to remove. Because flood water can carry multiple contaminants, proper cleaning is a must to ensure a safe and healthy restoration of the property.
Flood damage is a loss that typically requires a specific insurance policy for those types of damages to be covered. Many homes however, do not have this coverage and are subjected to cover the cost of the repairs. It is always a good plan to know what your coverages are that way preventative steps can be made and missing pieces can be put into place should a flood damage your property. You can check with your local insurance agent on how to get more information on flood insurance and if it’s right for you.
The Aftermath of Water Damage
Residential water damage repair jobs vary in length based on the area that is affected, the category of water and more. But generally speaking, most homes can be restored to a pre-loss condition fairly quickly
Finding water in the home is never a fun thing for a homeowner to experience. Patterson Restoration, LLC understands that perfectly. That’s why they we make sure we’re on site quickly. We’re here to help calm and comfort property owners while starting the water damage repair process. Thanks to great advances in drying technology, water damage cleanup can be completed faster and more convenient than ever. This all means that our customers get back to normal faster!
So if you ever find water in your home, don’t try to handle the situation yourself. Just call the Mesa Water Damage Repair Professionals at Patterson Restoration, LLC.