Guide to Water Damage Restoration and Repair

Water damage can be one of the most devastating and costly issues a property owner faces. Whether caused by flooding, leaky pipes, or a faulty appliance, the clock starts ticking when water enters your home. And without quick and strategic action, you run the risk of structural damage, mold growth, lost personal items, and costly repair expenses. But don’t panic! We’re here to help you prevent and quickly recover from water damage incidents.

Why Water Damage is Dangerous

Water damage is much more than an inconvenience—it’s a health and safety hazard that can:

• Create a breeding ground for mold: Moisture and stagnant water create the ideal conditions for mold growth. Mold can cause serious respiratory issues and other health problems.
• Weaken structural integrity: Water exposure can weaken and warp building materials, causing severe structural damage.
• Become an electrical hazard: Water and electricity don’t mix. When water comes into contact with your electrical system, it can not only electrocute anyone who enters the affected area but also cause fires and damage appliances.
• Lead to costly repairs: The longer water damage goes unaddressed, the more damage it will do. Over time, small leaks can turn into extensive and expensive repairs.

How to Avoid Water Damage

While water remains the leading cause of property damage, the unfortunate fact is many of these incidents could have been prevented simply by:

• Conducting regular inspections: Regularly check for early signs of water issues such as ceiling cracks, brown spots, or dampness around basement walls. Early detection can prevent minor issues from becoming major catastrophes.
• Keeping up with maintenance: Schedule regular plumbing inspections to identify and fix potential issues like clogs, drips, and pipe corrosion before they become full-fledged disasters.
• Cleaning your gutters: Clogged gutters can back up, overflow, and seep into your home’s foundation. Keep your gutters clean and direct water away from the home to prevent this disaster.
• Monitoring your water bill: Autopay is convenient but can also make sudden usage spikes easy to overlook—clear indicators that you may have a hidden water leak.

What to Do When Water Invades Your Home

It’s essential to act quickly once you discover a water disaster:

• When possible, stop the water. If a pipe has burst, turn the main valve off. If you are experiencing a roof leak, contain the water using buckets or containers. Unplug the unit and shut off the water supply line for appliance leaks.
• Turn off the electricity in the affected area in the power box. Do not enter standing water if it has reached outlets or appliances.
• Begin basic cleanup. Mop up excess water, open windows to increase ventilation, and run fans to begin drying the area. Remember, the longer water sits, the more damage it causes!
• Take photos of the area to document the extent of the damage. This is for insurance purposes and should be done before removing items or making repairs.
• Remove personal belongings and, if possible, place them in a temperature-controlled area.
• Contact your insurance company to get the claims process rolling.
• Call a professional water damage restoration company like RenewPro. We have the specialized equipment and knowledge to address hidden water, stop mold growth, and mitigate structural issues.

Why You Should Work with a Water Restoration Expert

Water damage requires swift and strategic action to prevent long-term issues like structural damage and mold growth. While the DIY approach might seem cost-effective, it often leads to hidden problems that cost you more money in the long run. Here’s why trusting experts like RenewPro is your best bet:

• We have the right tools: Consumer-grade tools just don’t cut it. Our water damage restoration experts have access to commercial-grade blowers and dehumidifiers, which prevent secondary damage, such as mold growth and structural damage.
• We detect hidden damage: Our restoration pros also know how to spot hidden water in hard-to-reach areas. This is critical, as standing water can quickly turn into more significant damage.
• We stop mold in its tracks: Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Our water restoration experts will completely stop mold from taking root in your home.
• We streamline the insurance process: You’ll have to kickstart the insurance claims process, but once you do, we step in and work directly with the insurance company. This significantly reduces the stress and workload for our customers.

Don’t Let Water Damage Leave You High and Dry!

When water disasters strike, we strike back. With over 20 years of disaster restoration experience, our team of experts has the knowledge and personalized approach you need to recover quickly from water damage incidents. We are on-call 24/7 and ready to handle virtually any job. Contact us today!