Water damage can occur 24 hours a day,

Seven days a week and create damage in minutes.

Be informed.

It happens when we least expect and almost always when you need to be working on something else. Water damage can occur from a broken supply line, overflowed toilet or bath, sump pump, rainwater and any number of reasons. Read on for some important notes to keep if you are experiencing an ongoing water damage situation or simply looking to educate yourself further.

Stop the Water.

Stop the water damageIf you can safely stop the flow of water do so.

Do not enter into an area of your home or business where electrical devices or fixtures have been affected.

If you are uncertain, be safe and contact us at 614-505-7581

Look for an IICRC Certification in water damage restoration.

Simply put, if the company is willing to invest in furthering their knowledge by educating themselves on the main subject you are looking to hire then they must be certified by the IICRC. The International Institute of Cleaning and Restoration Certification is the first step in acquiring the needed skills to take on water damage restoration. With certification tracks ranging from beginner to master; the IICRC has published standards including the IICRC S500 detailing restoration procedures accepted throughout the country; including your insurance carrier.

Ask questions and verify the IICRC Certification. Often, carpet cleaners are certified in carpet cleaning but lack the skill needed to address a water damage in your home or business properly. Insurance carriers have gained experience and have gotten wiser than the days of old. Many now insist on seeing the proper documentation regarding the procedures used.

ECO Disaster Services, LLC has certified technicians in water damage restoration; including the IICRC Master Certification. Every technician is expected to perform to the procedures outlined in the IICRC S500 including using the correct equipment, documentation, and communication.  Dedication to being there for you 24 hours a day seven days a week. 614-505-7581

Why should I call a water damage restoration service as soon as possible?

The importance of having a quick response lies in what is called “secondary water damage.” Secondary water damage results from the excess moisture in the air which will saturate its surroundings. Drywall will sag or buckle, ceiling tiles will lose their shape, and floors boards will become removed from their base. But the real issue is the possibility of mold. Moisture in building products will become a breeding ground for mold. Unattended water damage can lead to mold beginning to form in as little as 48 hours.  The water damage restoration team at ECO Disaster Services can be onsite at a Columbus, Ohio property in as little as an hour. 614-505-7581

How long does water damage restoration take?

This depends on the extent of the damage. For instance, if your basement has been flooded and lacks a sump pump or significant drainage then it will take longer if the water has to be manually removed or pumped out. Most often, truck mounted extraction systems are used to remove the water.

Once the water is removed, then the real work begins. Often, wet baseboards and door casings will have to be removed as the water will have saturated them with moisture. Holes will have to be bored into walls and ceiling cavities to begin the drying process, and wet or contaminated insulation will have to be removed. Dehumidifiers and air movers are then used to get rid of the excess moisture. This whole process can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the extent of the damage and how quickly a water damage restoration team was called in to fix the problem.

Will my insurance cover the expense of water damage restoration?

Our experience has shown that there are some different factors which affect an insurance claim. For example, not all water damage claims are treated the same by all insurance companies. Many will cover costs related to flooding caused by a broken pipe in the infrastructure of a building, but will not assist when the flooding is due to a natural disaster. For people in flood-prone areas, there is usually an individual additional policy available which you can opt to buy. If you are located in a flood-prone area, check with FEMA for the appropriate flood coverage.

It is important to know exactly how your insurance company defines water damage and flood damage because many disputes have been made over claims due to these misinterpreted definitions.

In essence, the best thing to do is to check your insurance policy to see what is covered and if you have the option to buy further coverage. ECO Disaster Services can help you make a claim to your provider, and we can also point out important factors to consider in the documentation process. If you have a concern over filing a claim, contact us at 614-505-7581

What does water damage restoration entail?

Water damage can be in the scope of all shapes and sizes making the question a difficult one to fit into one answer. Every property will be unique, and the circumstances that caused the water damage could be difficult to assess. Ideally, look for these common traits in an IICRC Certified company.

  • Damage assessment > Thoroughly verify the extent of the water damage and the impact on the building materials.
  • Water extraction > Weighted extraction (Top-down drying method) or Wand Extraction (Typically truck mounted or portable)
  • Anti-microbial > Insist on environmentally friendly, often referred to as Green products. Don’t add a chemical sensitivity issue to a water damage one.
  • Containment > Always look for the technician to reduce the amount of area. The more air space available, the more difficult it will be to control the environmental conditions.
  • Equipment > Typical breakers run 15 amp. Much of the drying equipment these days using 1.5 to 3 amps on the air movers and up to 9 to 10 amps on a dehumidifier. Do the math. Using inferior equipment directly costs you and your insurance claim money.
  • Monitoring > Imperative that the water damaged area and the environmental conditions are reviewed and verified daily. Ask for these records; often called “drying logs.”
  • Final > Property walk through with your technician. Ensure that the area is clean and ready for your family or co-workers.

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