what IS WATER MITIGAtION? IS THERE A DIFFEReNCE BETWEEN WATER MITIGAtION AND RESTORATION?
Water damage mitigation and restoration are services R & S provides to our customer service area in Metro Detroit and beyond. With all the different industry terms used within the restoration industry, we feel it is best to explain what we mean by “mitigation” and “restoration”. Here we will outline the differences and go into our procedures to help you better understand what types of services R & S restores engage in when onsite as we work to return your property to pre-loss condition.
WATER DAMAGE MITIGATION
Water Damage Mitigation: The definition of mitigate is; “To lessen or compensate for a previous event that had significant impact on a structure or area.” Water damage mitigation refers to the steps you take to minimize the spread of water or stopping it entirely. Sometimes this can be done by locating the cause of loss or source of the water and turning it off. Unfortunately, it may not be that easy. Water damage can be caused by a collection of issues. It could be storm damage, severe weather, overflowing toilet, water heater leaking, or sump pump going bad. That’s why it is important to get in touch with a cleanup and restoration company and why R &S Restores offers 24/7 emergency water mitigation.
Whatever the water source, R & S Restores water damage mitigation process includes the following steps:
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When you contact R & S Restores, a water mitigation and restoration specialist will ask a series of questions to ensure the proper response and course of action. The ultimate goal is to set up a time for R& S Restores to get onsite ASAP. This allows us to assess the property and develop a mitigation and restoration proposal. Remember one of the most important steps after safety is to stop the source of water.
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R & S Restores works with R & S Plumbing so we can work to locate and stop the source of water. Once the source is found and stopped, we start thorough an inspection and assessment of the damaged area. This is done with thermal imaging and moisture readings to assess the severity of damage. Once we do that, we are able to see what building material is restorable and what may need to be removed.
Water Damage Restoration
Water Damage Restoration: The definition of restoration is; "To perform activities and remedial work to return a site to approximately the same condition as it was before any incident or alteration has taken place." Restoration usually follows remediation, like in the case of flood, sewage backup, or fire. When talking about water damage, restoration is the process by which your property is restored upon completion of water damage cleanup. Depending on the severity of damage, this can include carpet replacement, removal of kitchen cabinets, or full reconstruction. R &S Restores property restoration process after water damage restoration process includes the following:
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Complete removal of the water, via water extraction, dehumidification, fans and other equipment to stabilize your environment and mitigate further damage.
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Removal of unsalvageable damaged materials from the area. We do this to ensure the restoration process continues in an efficient manner. Leaving items like wet carpet or drywall can lead to mold and longer drying times. This is a time communication will be paramount, and rest assured we will discuss with you what steps we will take while we partake in water damage mitigation service.
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We also start cleaning, sanitization, and deodorization to keep you safe and in a comfortable environment. We use proven methods and equipment based on situations presented.
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Drying equipment is normally brought onsite during the initial trip. The purpose is to dry and remove the water you cannot see, extracting it from household materials to bring them back to their normal moisture level pre-loss.
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This will require R & S Restores professionals visiting your property on a regular basis to monitor the drying process and make equipment adjustments as needed.
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At the time mitigation is completed we can discuss restoration requirements and steps, including construction services, and looking at replacement items.
Water Damage Emergency Tips
While R & S Restores can help with any of your water damage mitigation and restoration needs, there are some helpful water damage emergency tips that may be beneficial while you wait for us to arrive to provide onsite restoration:
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Collect miscellaneous items from floors
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Turn on air conditioning to reduce humidity and increase drying conditions, especially in the summer or when it is humid outdoors
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Water can cause items to leach color, so it is best to remove colored rugs and such from wet carpeting
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If you can, remove artwork, computers, and other vulnerable, sentimental items or paperwork from the affected area
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Lift up wet upholstery and cushions
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To the best of your ability remove excess water via mopping, shop vac or blotting
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Remove lamps and other tabletop items, then wipe excess water from wood surfaces as humidity trapped under them can damage or stain wood
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Try to separate furniture from wet floor via aluminum foil or wood blocks between wet carpet and furniture legs
R &S Restores Is Here for you
When disaster strikes and you need cleanup, restoration, and construction services R &S Restores can take care of all your property damage needs in Novi, Michigan and the greater Metro Detroit area. We are equipped and trained to handle minor to large scale losses in residential. Contact R & S Restores and let us take care of your water damage and help restore your property to pre-loss condition.
