Water damage restoration is the next step after water mitigation. This involves repairing and replacing the elements of your home that were irreparably damaged by the water. This could include drywall, furniture, carpet, and structural features like subfloors and support beams.
IICRC certification costs money but can help you get more jobs, as insurance adjusters and agents are more likely to refer customers to certified professionals. Invest wisely to save money and buy the best equipment for your business.
Dehumidifiers
Dehumidifiers cleanse the air of excess moisture to help maintain preferred, healthy humidity levels. They help prevent mold and mildew growth, keep the drywall from warping, prevent wooden structures from rotting, and reduce respiratory problems.
High humidity is the ideal breeding ground for many uninvited guests, including spiders, silverfish, and cockroaches. It also creates an environment for bacteria to thrive, causing health issues.
Dehumidifiers can dry out an area that has suffered water damage during a flood or in a crawl space, basement, or other confined area that can become damp. These boxy appliances suck air and run it over cold coils to cause condensation, which is drained from the device into a reservoir or directed outside via a hose. More sophisticated models include ice sensors that shut the machine off when they detect ice buildup to prevent repeated cycles of icing and defrosting. Some also use Peltier heat pumps for air cooling, which are quieter than compressor designs.
Air Scrubbers
Air scrubbers remove pollutants before they can be released into the atmosphere. This helps protect workers and residents of the property from harmful contaminants found in the water loss. It also reduces the potential for indoor odors caused by water loss.
Scrubber wash water is typically acidic and contains elevated concentrations of metals (e.g., zinc) and PAHs (e.g., phenanthrene, fluoranthene, and naphthalene). These compounds are known to be of concern in European waters, and their discharge from scrubbers should be restricted.
Have students draw/journal about how a wet scrubber works to clean polluted air and share it with the class. Then, use a cork and tubing to create a model of how an air scrubber removes contaminants from the air in a contained area. Be sure to only use the tubes through the cork and never through your mouth. This could cause accidental inhalation of the pollutants you are trying to remove from the air.
Vacuums
Removing standing water is one of the most crucial elements of a water restoration South Sound project. Powered pumps and industrial vacuums are designed to create an enormous force for quickly removing large volumes of surface water. These tools can also help locate hidden pockets of saturation, like behind walls and under floorboards.
Water Vacuums are a must-have tool for any home or business owner that deals with flooding or water damage. They can help to save expensive furnishings, prevent secondary damage from mold and rot, and even prevent structural damage, such as buckling drywall or rotting wood.
When disaster strikes, water mitigation is essential to prevent lingering moisture that can cause long-term damage and increase the risk of bacterial growth and mold infestation. With the right equipment and professional help, you can minimize damage, dry out the space quickly, and avoid costly repairs down the road. Using a water restoration South Sound company with the proper equipment will allow you to rest assured that your property is in good hands.
