What Every Texan Needs To Know About Water Damage Restoration

Hurricanes have held a personal grudge against Texas, be it Hurricane Ike or Hurricane Irene. These forces of nature have affected nearly every city, including the metropolis Houston. Every storm leaves in its wake destruction and water damage. If you are facing water damage or want to learn how to be prepared for water damage before a storm, then read below for ways to handle the situation.

Once the wind and rain dies down after a severe storm or hurricane, you often are left with water flooding your basement or standing water located in different parts of your house. This can cause severe damage to your property and possessions, not to mention the dangers they pose to the health and well being of your family. Mold and other toxins are prominent in a flooded house and can cause severe allergic reactions. The first step you must take to handle the damage is to call an expert water damage restoration company.

Before hiring them, make sure that they are insured, licensed and bonded. They must be able to offer a complete plan of action to you after inspecting your facility. This may include removal and storage of any belongings that may be saved followed by complete property damage restoration. Now, restoration includes drying the floors and the walls, carpet cleaning and furniture restoration. The next thing that the company must ensure you is that they will dry the structure of your property, sanitize any contaminated areas, and lastly deodorize all affected areas and objects.

Another thing that you must inquire from the water damage restoration company is to find out what equipment they use for damage restoration. It has to be the latest and the most advanced equipment so that restoration is done quickly, getting you back to normalcy faster. Here is a list of commonly used water damage restoration equipment so that you know what you are looking for and what the cleaning company has to offer you:

Desiccant Dehumidifier- This equipment is one of the primary tools for water damage restoration. It has four components. The first part is a container that holds the desiccant material, which is right next to a fan that aids in de-humidification. The heater will quick-dry the desiccant material and another fan next to that keeps the desiccant dry. The dehumidifier is used after the water has been pumped out. It gets rid of water that has been absorbed by various surfaces like wood, carpet, insulation, walls, etc.

Infrared Moisture Meter- This tool is used in the inspection stage and lets the experts assess the amount of damage caused. An infrared moisture meter gives a reading of the moisture content in bulk solids by using infrared light. The infrared meter brings out the damage that may not be visible to the naked eye. The hidden complications can then be seen and taken care of with the assistance of this meter.

Air Movers or Carpet Dryers or Blowers: These are very handy in speeding up the drying process, whether it is drying the carpet or other upholstery. These dryers work really fast and can save your possessions from being affected by mold growth.

Heave Roller- This is a piece of equipment that is brought out in special cases only. It is used to press the carpet or any other upholstery to pump out lingering water. Usually, this process is done before the blowers are brought in and it helps aid in quicker drying of the carpets.

These are the basic equipment used to restore your house after flood or water damage. Take a note of them so that the next time a hurricane strikes Houston water damage restoration tips mentioned here will let you get back on your feet faster.

The writer is a restoration consultant with ServiceMaster Advantage in Houston Water damage and fire damage restoration are the primary services offered by the company.