Water damage can devastate a commercial property, disrupting operations and posing safety risks for employees and customers. Understanding the restoration process can help commercial property owners and managers make informed decisions that minimize downtime and reduce long-term costs.
All Pro Services teams are trained to conduct detailed inspections using advanced equipment to detect hidden moisture and expedite repairs. The following services are typically included in a thorough restoration:
Pre-inspection
Commercial water damage restoration involves more than simply making a property look like it did before the disaster occurred. Restoration companies also repair structural damage and deteriorated materials, preventing secondary issues from arising. A comprehensive restoration effort can save businesses from costly downtime and long-term damage.
The first step in the process is to evaluate the extent of the damage. This is done by inspecting the space, determining the source of the water, and identifying all affected materials. Once the damage has been assessed, the next step is to remove the water and dry out the space. This is done using industrial-grade pumps, high-capacity dehumidifiers, and specialized equipment for cleaning porous surfaces. The last step is to evaporate the remaining moisture with high-velocity air movers.
This is one of the most important phases of water damage restoration, as it prevents additional problems like mold growth and material deterioration. It also protects the health and safety of customers and employees.
Mitigation is especially critical following flood or storm damage, as standing water can be highly contaminated and increase the risk of bacteria and other organisms growing. The longer water sits, the more damage it causes to structures and contents. Professionals, such as BELFOR, can provide the immediate mitigation services needed to preserve properties and mitigate future issues.
While it is possible to perform some level of water remediation yourself, this is usually best left to the professionals. It’s not only easier, but safer and more effective. This is especially true for class 3 and higher water damages, which require specialized equipment to be safely addressed. Attempting to handle this kind of damage without proper training and equipment can lead to further damage, health hazards, and increased costs.
Extraction
When a commercial property is affected by water damage, it’s not just an inconvenience—it can jeopardize operations and financial stability. That’s why it’s important to work with professional restoration services to minimize downtime and safeguard against long-term issues like mold growth and structural deterioration.
The first step in water restoration is identifying the level of contamination and what materials and structures are affected. Then, mitigation technicians can begin extracting standing water and deploying industrial-grade drying equipment such as pumps, vacuums, and high-velocity air movers.
This process also includes assessing whether the material in question is salvageable or needs to be replaced. For example, if drywall has been exposed to clean water and doesn’t have extensive damage, it may be dry enough to save, but if it was saturated by grey or black water, it will likely need replacement to prevent future problems like mold growth and material rot.
In addition to addressing immediate concerns, water restoration professionals can help business owners understand their insurance coverage and navigate complicated claims. They can also provide guidance on preventing secondary damage like water-borne bacteria, which could require additional cleanup and a longer restoration timeline. By addressing these concerns immediately, restoration experts can expedite the recovery process and ensure that your property is safe for employees, customers, and vendors.
Drying
The drying phase involves removing standing water and then thoroughly reducing the amount of moisture in building materials like drywall, wood, and insulation. This prevents the onset of mold, rot, and other long-term problems.
The amount of damage caused by a flood or plumbing issue depends on how much water is present, how long it remains on the property, and the type of water contamination. A professional restoration team will inspect and categorize the extent of the damage to determine how quickly it must be addressed.
Once the area is free of visible water, it must be dried out with industrial-grade drying equipment. This includes pumps and vacuums to remove surface water, dehumidifiers to reduce humidity, and air movers to promote rapid evaporation of the remaining moisture. Drying also includes precise moisture monitoring to catch hidden moisture pockets that can cause problems later on.
Commercial properties can experience various types of damage after a disaster. Fires, for example, can leave behind extensive smoke and soot damage that requires cleaning and sanitization as well as structural repairs. Additionally, firefighting efforts often result in water damage from hoses and pumps used to extinguish the flames.
Regardless of the source of the water intrusion, it must be removed as soon as possible to limit the impact on the structure and contents of a property. This is especially important for businesses that rely on data and computer systems, which can be severely affected by prolonged exposure to water. In addition to ensuring that all water is removed, the restoration process includes sanitizing and disinfecting all affected areas to eliminate germs and other contaminants that can cause illness. This also helps ensure a safe environment for employees and customers to return.
Cleaning & Sanitization
Whether from burst pipes, severe storms, or plumbing failures, water damage can threaten your business’ operations, assets, and safety. It also creates an environment ripe for mold growth, which can cause respiratory problems in people with allergies or asthma. The good news is that rapid response and restoration services can help protect your business’ property, minimize disruptions, and mitigate costs.
Professionals perform a comprehensive water restoration process that includes mitigating the immediate damage, removing excess water, and deploying drying equipment like dehumidifiers and air movers to remove hidden moisture in walls, flooring, and furniture. They also clean and sanitize the affected areas to prevent the spread of mold, and they can complete necessary structural repairs.
The type of water damage to which a commercial property is exposed dictates the steps needed for restoration. In general, clean water (Class 1) only affects drywall, carpet, and other materials with low permeability. However, gray and black water can wreak havoc by penetrating deeper into drywall and other materials. This type of water is often contaminated with harmful microorganisms, and it requires specialized decontamination techniques.
In the cleanup phase, technicians remove debris and waste materials to speed up the drying process. They may even extract furniture and other items that can be salvaged, saving you the cost of replacing it. Depending on the severity of the water damage, professionals may recommend using biocides that kill any remaining bacteria and other microorganisms. They can also apply deodorization treatments to freshen up the space.
Repairs
Commercial water damage is a significant threat to property values, operations and the health of staff and customers. If left unchecked, it can lead to secondary problems like mold growth and structural deterioration. Professional restoration services prioritize addressing these issues and safeguarding properties from long-term damage.
After assessing the extent of the damage, technicians begin by removing any excess water and moisture with industrial-grade pumps, high-capacity dehumidifiers, and specialized drying equipment. These tools expedite the process and minimize the risk of long-term damage to the building’s structure and contents.
As the property dries, cleaning and sanitization processes take place to ensure that all bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants are completely removed from the space. These steps are critical, as the longer water sits, the more contaminated it becomes, which can lead to additional damage, higher cleanup costs, and even potential safety risks for employees and customers.
Once the space is completely dry, any necessary repairs can be made. This may include replacing drywall, repairing flooring, and restoring any other affected materials. Professionals are also trained in repairing and restoring any structural components that have been compromised by water damage, including load-bearing walls and beams.
Water damage can result from any number of sources, such as faulty plumbing, roof leaks, or flooding caused by inclement weather. It can be a serious problem for businesses, causing disruptions in operations, resulting in lost revenue and potentially damaging the reputation of the business. However, by partnering with a qualified water restoration company, businesses can minimize downtime and protect their assets and staff. A team of experts can handle everything from insurance claims to restoration services, ensuring that all aspects of the repair process are handled professionally and efficiently.