Water damage can happen when you least expect it. A sudden storm, a clogged pipe, or an overflowing washing machine can leave your home at risk of mold, wood rot, and other issues associated with standing water or excess moisture. When this happens, you can count on Rytech Nashville to provide comprehensive water damage restoration services so that you can return home without fear of residual effects.
If you do experience water damage, you should know that there is a formal process that water damage restoration providers will follow depending on the severity and the source of the intrusion. The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) categorizes water damage into three groups. These are:
Category 1. A Category 1 cleanup is one that involves a clean source of water, like a small leak in the roof or a busted pipe under the kitchen sink, and results in minimal damage. This is the least expensive type of damage to repair.
Category 2. Water falls into the gray water category, which is that which has been contaminated by chemicals and detergents people use every day. A few examples include used bathwater and water from an overflowing washing machine or a leaking dishwasher.
Category 3. In Category 3, water damage is the most difficult and dangerous to rectify. This would include significant sewage backup or a major flood event. This type of water is heavily contaminated, and likely contains organic matter, toxic substances, and bacteria that could be harmful to human health. You might hear the term black water used to describe Category 3 water damage.
Water damage restoration process
Water damage restoration is not done all at once. Instead, Rytech’s team will go through a list of steps to ensure their safety and that of the homeowner. The first is to confirm that the property is safe to enter. Once that’s been established, the technician will determine where the water is coming from and, if possible, stop it from flowing. Industrial dehumidifiers will then be brought into the home and moisture measurements will be taken. Your technician will employ a number of other tools including infrared cameras and hygrometers to determine the extent of the damage.
All saturated materials will be removed and then as much water as possible will be suctioned from the home. If the damage falls under Category 1, water will be removed from carpeting; Categories 2 and 3 will require complete removal and disposal of these materials.
The final steps involved in water damage restoration include removing affected building materials, applying special antimicrobial chemicals throughout the home, and returning everything to its pre-damage condition. A final walk-through completes the job, and your Rytech Nashville technician will not leave until you are fully satisfied that your property is clean and ready for your finishing touches.