Posts Categorized: Water Damage Restoration

As natural disasters become more and more of a permanent reality, people’s homes become the subject of destructive forces. With an aging infrastructure, the restoration industry is in full bloom. This article will explore some of the pros and cons of restoration trends. 

Better Industry Standards

When Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005, the southeastern part of the United States incurred never-before-seen levels of destruction, leaving many without homes. As a result, new regulations and standards were developed within the restoration industry to tackle the scope of these disasters better, as mentioned in a Biosque Solutions blog post. These new regulations and standards have increased restoration companies’ overall organization and services while allowing them to better adapt to the increasing frequency of natural disasters that occur worldwide. 

Another outcome of Hurricane Katrina is the reevaluation of the health and safety guidelines of the industry by getting the proper personal protection equipment (PPE).

Overcoming COVID

A global pandemic struck the world in early 2020, and with it, many businesses faced severe impacts from labor shortages, new public health protocols, and supply chain issues. An article from a PODS.com blog post estimates that, among restoration companies, 66% found it challenging to find workers while 45% had trouble retaining their workforce. This situation has led to a push toward better wages and benefits if these companies intend to stay in business. 

The aftermath hasn’t all been negative. However, the pandemic has accelerated the modernization of the industry and made companies more adaptable to changing circumstances. Companies are becoming more flexible in how they provide their services to avoid becoming exclusively reliant on one source of materials and equipment. 

Innovation in Restoration

Emerging technologies in restoration, such as mold detection methods or 3D scanning cameras, have increased the scope of services offered by restoration businesses. Companies are starting to offer more targeted solutions to customers’ restoration problems. As the portfolio of the services provided increases, the industry’s workforce is increasingly specialized, with new certifications becoming available such as the Institute of Inspection and Restoration Certification mentioned in this Biosque Solutions article. Better training programs are starting to emerge, offering practical learning to businesses and employees, ultimately to better quality services.

Better Customer Service

Restoration companies are starting to embrace the digital age and emphasize the quality of their customers’ experiences. Facing the public’s many newfound concerns over health, restoration companies have begun strengthening their protocol strategies and offering more clarity on the definition of their services, with a refined focus on their marketing and communications outreach. While it is essential to focus on the customer, some companies have also reinforced the importance of culture within their business. A more cohesive workforce will lead to a better quality of service and higher customer satisfaction levels.

The restoration industry has undergone significant changes in the past decades due to a more disaster-prone climate and a global pandemic. Most of the changes have enabled more effective restoration strategies to be available while simultaneously delivering an improved customer experience.

Water damage can be highly destructive to a home or business. Whether from a severe storm, clogged toilet, pipe leak, or another source, it’s crucial to address water damage of any type. The proper response to water restoration makes the difference between a clean, healthy environment and a potentially hazardous situation. It’s essential to understand the following do’s and don’ts in any situation that requires water restoration.

Act Quickly

Time is critical when dealing with water damage. On a damp surface, mold growth can begin in as little as 24 to 48 hours. Mold can cause serious health problems, including headaches, memory loss, skin, and eye irritation, and respiratory symptoms. Home and business owners should begin restoration as quickly as possible. These tasks include:

• Containing the water when possible.
• Removing standing water. 
• Elevating furniture.
• Removing as many items from the affected area as possible.
• Wiping down hard surfaces with a disinfectant once dry.
• Increasing ventilation in the area to help the space dry as quickly as possible. 

Home and business owners should contact a water restoration professional for a thorough cleaning for solutions beyond these DIY tasks.

Look for a Certified Water Restoration Specialist

When selecting a professional for a significant job due to a flood, leak, or other water damage, hiring only well-educated professionals in this industry is crucial. Although water restoration companies do not necessarily have to have certification, this credential is a helpful indicator of experience and knowledge. Homeowners seeking a water restoration specialist should ask about the specialist’s credentials to best evaluate the provider’s reliability.

Don’t Always Use the First Recommended Service Provider

If insurance covers the damage, the insurance company will likely mention some suggested service providers. It’s important to understand that the policyholder is under no obligation to use these providers. The insurance company may have a profitable relationship with them, but it doesn’t mean these companies are the best at the job.

Homeowners should perform independent research to make sure they’re working with a water restoration company with a good reputation and solid service record.

Don’t Handle Dangerous Water Restoration Jobs

Cleaning up after substantial water damage is no small task. This work isn’t something that the average home or business owner should attempt independently. It’s essential to avoid sites that are hazardous to one’s health and safety. Individuals should never perform the following:

• Work in a space with electrical damage.
• Clean up an area with structural damage.
• Clean up sewage.
• Use electrical equipment of any type on a wet floor.

Leave these dangerous tasks to the professionals. Restoration companies have the equipment and expertise to handle such situations safely, while homeowners can sustain life-threatening injuries or illnesses in these situations.

Working with a skilled water damage restoration professional makes the difference when handling a leak or flood. Those skilled in this specialty can provide the fastest and safest resolution possible for the situation. A water restoration specialist can help families and business owners get back to their regular routines as quickly as possible.

Every year, thousands of homes and businesses experience some type of water damage. Water damage can cause a number of problems for the homeowner or business owner, including the development of mold or bacterial growth. In addition, the building can experience damage to walls, floors, ceilings, and furnishings. The longer water damage sits, the more damage can occur causing further expensive repairs or worse, or a total loss of furniture, flooring, and even artwork. Instead of trying to make repairs after water damage, homeowners and property owners should consider ways to avoid water damage altogether.

Water can cause extensive damage to structures and property in a short amount of time. Water damage can result from leaking appliances or plumbing, broken pipes, roof damage, damp bathrooms, basements, and flooding. When water leaks in a home, there are steps to take immediately to minimize damage to the house and contents. It’s important to take care of water problems quickly because mold can grow on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours.

To prevent safety hazards and structural problems, here are seven steps to take immediately after water damage happens to a house: