Read Water Damage DOs and DON'Ts

Our cleaning professionals at ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts, use advanced products, procedures, and equipment to assure the highest level of cleaning performance and protection for property and furnishings. Our technician are trained and certified under the IICRC guidelines to ensure the best care is given to you, our customer. The process unfolds in six steps:

• Inspection and assessment
• Water removal
• Anti-microbial application
• Drying: air movement
• Drying: dehumidifying
• Drying: monitoring

One of the biggest problems with water disasters is the effect on carpets and floors. ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts understands the issues and provides fast, on-site carpet and wood floor drying.

On-site Carpet Drying  back to top

Here’s what a ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts professional considers when drying carpet:

Age and condition of carpet If a carpet is so old that it is a better value to replace than attempt restoration, ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts will let you know which makes the most financial sense. ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts uses industry resources to help determine the exact value of carpet.

Length of time carpet was exposed to water
Most carpets can withstand water for up to three days. Immediate response to your loss is critical. In most cases ServiceMaster by Restoration Xperts can be at your site within two to four hours.

Type of water
Types of water affect the restoration process.

• Clean water: water from a clean source with no debris.
• Grey water: water that is not necessarily clean but is not hazardous (washing machine and dishwasher overflow, for example).
• Black water: sewage backup or runoff water. These losses are hazardous and should be handled with caution.

Water temperature
The temperature of the water is important as well. For example, a hot water heater with very warm water will affect the glue used to hold the carpet fibers together.

On-site Wood Floor Drying  back to top Here are the factors to be considered when drying wood floors:

• Wood floors are very sensitive, so proper drying is critical.
• Wood naturally holds water—up to 10% depending on the type of floor.
• Wood floors are very sensitive, so proper drying is critical.
• Wood naturally holds water—up to 10% depending on the type of floor.
• Wood can absorb another 5% to 10% without showing any noticeable effects. Within a few days, however, the floor cannot hold the water any more and it will expand, causing cupping or crowning, which is very difficult to restore.
• Emergency response is critical for any damage to wood floors.

We offer complete water mitigation services, which include:

• Sewer back-ups
• Sanitation
• Content removal/ Storage
• Commercial Mitigation/ Disaster
• Fire and smoke mitigation
• Mudslide clean-up
• Hazardous Material Disposal & Cleanup

Sewage Backups   back to top

Sewage backups and dark water intrusions are more than nasty, smelly deposits – these damages also introduce harmful microorganisms into your home. Our technicians remove the sewage, contaminants, and moisture, and help ensure the structure is properly cleaned, disinfected, and deodorized.

WATER DAMAGE DOs & DON'Ts  back to top

What to do if you ever have water damage:

• If the outside temperature is above 60 degrees, use dehumidifiers if available.
• Use fans to circulate the air and assist drying.
• Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
• Wipe furniture dry.
• Lift draperies off carpet, loop through a coat hanger, and place the hanger on the drapery rod.
• Prop up wet furniture cushions for even drying and place small wood blocks or aluminum foil under furniture legs.
• Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings.
• Open furniture drawers, closet doors, and luggage to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
• Remove wet fabrics and dry them as soon as possible. Hang furs and leather goods to dry separately at room temperature.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread out to dry.
• If damage occurs during a cool season, leave heat on; if in summer, use an air conditioner if available.

Important warnings on water damage

• Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water.
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.

Do not wait to call for professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.