Water Damage Restoration
At DryHero, 24/7 emergency water damage restoration service is our business! We specialize in mitigating flooded, water damaged residential and commercial structures. If you have a flooded basement, crawl space, attic or rental property it’s important that you act quickly to remove the moisture and suspend the water damage. DryHero is in your corner. We work directly with your insurance company to document your damage and submit the billing directly to them.
CATEGORIES OF WATER DAMAGE
The type of water damage and how to mitigate it depends on the category of flood water. According to the IICRC S500 Standards and Reference Guide for Water Damages, water damage is defined by one of the three following categories:
Category 1 Water Also known as Clean Water, this is water that is uncontaminated at the source and as such does not pose a threat if exposed to or consumed by humans or animals. Broken water lines or overflowing tubs or sinks would be examples of Clean Water.
Category 2 Water Also known as Grey Water, this water may contain some varying degrees of contaminants at the source and may cause discomfort or illness if exposed to or consumed by humans or animals. Somewhat common type of water damage in Nebraska. Examples of Grey Water would include toilet water with urine present, sump pump failures, and discharge from dishwashers or washing machines.
Category 3 Water Also known as Black Water, this refers to water that is highly contaminated at the source and may cause serious illness or even death if consumed by humans or animals. Very serious situation! This water contains grossly unsanitary agents, harmful bacteria and fungi, and is usually the result of sewage based spills. Other sources may include seawater, rising water from rivers or streams, ground surface water or standing water.
Keep in mind that, with time, the Category of water can worsen or degrade. For instance, Category 1 Water may become Category 2 Water if left untreated long enough. Likewise, Category 2 Water should be considered Category 3 if left standing and stagnant for more the 72 hours. Water damage containing Category 2 or 3 water is best handled by a professional in order to avoid potential health issues.
BASICS OF WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION
In the world of water damage restoration, the goal of the entire process is to return everything to “normal moisture content”. In doing so, you accomplish two important objectives: 1) stabilizing the structural materials and 2) impeding microbial growth. Materials must be completely dried out before repairs can begin. Time is your enemy because the excess water can continue to cause damage to wet materials.
Water damage restoration is a methodical process. Water detection and mapping is crucial because not all water damage is visible. Inexperienced homeowners and even contractors may not always know where to look for hidden problems. It really is best to trust this to a professional. DryHero provides this service for free in Lincoln and Omaha.
The basics of water damage restoration can be broken down into the following three steps:
1) Water Removal & Extraction
This is the process of removing the bulk water by any effective means possible. Vacuums, pumps, flood extractors, gas powered submersible pumps and even squeegees can be used. Electric pumps and normal vacuums are to be approached with caution due to electrical hazards.
2) Structure Drying
Once the bulk, easy water removal is complete, the real water damage mitigation begins. Without sensitive water detection instrumentation it can be difficult, if not impossible, to determine if a material is wet. Surfaces may appear dry but in reality be quite wet.
By creating an environment conducive to significant evaporation, hygroscopic materials can be effectively dried. Industrial low grain refrigerant dehumidifiers, airmovers, fans, blowers, air scrubbers and auxiliary heat sources help us accomplish that. This drying process can take from a single day to several to complete, depending on the types of materials being dried and how long the water damage went untreated.
3) Repair, Reconstruction & Restoration
This is the process of thoroughly restoring your home to its pre-loss condition (per most homeowners insurance policies). This comprises of the repair and reconstruction of the property. Includes such activities as cleaning, repair, and disinfecting of all items or structures that were damaged by the water.
The reconstruction and repair phase can be significant. Carpet and carpet pad can require substantial treatment. Electrical devices may need to be inspected by a qualified electrician before further use. Restoration may also involve the repair or replacing of drywall, flooring, or ceilings, as well as the reconstruction of various areas or rooms in the home.
We service all of eastern Nebraska, including: Lincoln, Omaha, Beatrice, Crete, Waverly, York, Nebraska City, Syracuse, Tecumseh, Plattsmouth, Bellevue, Ralston, Gretna, Fremont, Columbus, Fairbury, Ceresco, Wahoo, Papillon and Ceresco.