The thought of water damage issues can be daunting for anyone involved. It’s common to picture the worst-case scenarios or to worry about costs during the water damage restoration process. At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we help homeowners, insurance providers, and businesses across the country with damage restoration services. We know that having all the information can help you make decisions with greater confidence.
With that in mind, we’ll take a look at 4 common mistakes during the water damage restoration process—and why they matter in the first place.
4 Mistakes to Avoid During the Water Damage Restoration Process
1. Delaying the Water Damage Restoration Process
When it comes to water damage, one of the biggest (and most common) mistakes is not starting the restoration process right away. It’s understandable when this happens: It may seem like it’s not that big of a deal, or that a few days or weeks won’t make much of a difference. But that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The fact is, speed can be one of the most crucial factors in the water damage restoration process. That’s because many issues can begin in the hours or days after water infiltrates an environment. Mold, for example, can appear in as little as 24 hours. It means that time is of the essence—and it’s essential to start the water damage restoration process as soon as possible.
2. Ignoring Mold or Mildew
It’s tempting to think that mold is inevitable in some areas of the home, like the basement or attic. That’s an especially common belief for those with older homes. But this isn’t true—and it can also get in the way of any effective water damage restoration process.
Mold and water buildup go hand-in-hand. Where there’s mold, there’s likely to be a buildup of moisture in the air, or nearby water intrusion, or another hidden issue. Finding and treating this water buildup is essential to putting a stop to mold. It also reduces the potential for any further water damage.
It’s also important to note that mold grows and spreads wherever it can. Putting a stop to active growth in areas like the basement can help to prevent future growth in other areas of the home, too.
3. Overlooking Moisture Below Surfaces
Water damage isn’t always obvious at a glance. In the wake of flooding, leaks, or similar events, it’s not just about obvious signs of water buildup. It’s also just as important to address any water that’s seeped below the surface.
Moisture below the surface is incredibly easy to overlook, but it can precipitate all kinds of water damage issues. Even worse, this kind of damage can easily result in structural damage and other concerns. But finding and identifying subsurface moisture requires the right expertise and processes. It’s why you’ll always want water damage professionals to assess potential issues below the surface as well.
4. A DIY Approach to the Water Damage Restoration Process
When faced with the fears of an expensive water damage restoration process, many are tempted to go DIY. The misconception that the use of household fans and other everyday methods to effectively dry up a home or business is a common one. Another misconception is that wiping away mold will take care of the problem.
Unfortunately, the DIY approach can frequently end up prolonging water damage issues and can result in more costly restoration. That’s because professional equipment and industry-proven methods make all the difference in treating water damage effectively. Household fans simply won’t have the same effect as industrial-grade dehumidifiers or other high-strength equipment. When you need water damage restoration, you need professionals who know how to get the job done swiftly and correctly.
Get Started with Trusted Water Damage Restoration Professionals
Whether you’re dealing with a minor issue or extensive water damage, professional water damage restoration processes can help to minimize any hassle. At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we’re here to help when things couldn’t be worse. Our trucks are always packed and ready to go. From water removal to mold treatment, we’ll take care of every step. Along the way, we can answer your questions and make sure you know exactly what we’re doing to treat water damage issues.
Make sure your water damage restoration process goes as smoothly as possible, with help from a trusted team. Contact 1-800 WATER DAMAGE to find out more.