Inspection & Evaluation
A thorough examination using specialized moisture-detection meters, probes and sensors to determine the extent of the water damage, enables us to form the most effective plan for returning your property to normal, as quickly as possible. Our inspection may include identifying possible sources or parts that may have been the cause, tagging these for the insurance company and providing documentation.
Depending on your specific water damage, we may inspect and evaluate the following:
Carpeting is one of the most common, and expensive items that should be addressed in any water restoration project where its been affected, but solutions will vary depending on the type of water damage (white, grey, or black) incurred. The cleaner and faster the water is dealt with, the more likely we will be able to simply extract the water, and leave the existing carpet and pad to dry. We may disengage the carpet from the tack strip, remove threshold coverings and open seams as needed to prevent further damage to your carpet and surroundings.
In cases with more severe or dirtier water, we will often remove the pad and carpet to avoid additional damage and prevent microbial growth to create a better environment for drying.
While tile, vinyl, and laminate floors may not exhibit the same types of damage that carpeting incurs, we can determine whether these floors can be dried in place or if it will be more cost effective to remove them and replace them. Non porous floors can trap moisture that can damage the sub flooring, so the inspection process is critical.
The same situation can hold true for wood floors, but we do employ specialized drying systems and dehumidifiers that enable us to create an environment where wood floors can dry more efficiently and resume their original form. However, due to the density of hardwood flooring and urethane finishes, drying may take up to three weeks.
During the inspection process, we may remove baseboards and drywall to better determine the level of damage and or remove materials that are affected by water. Depending on the type of baseboard and loss, removal may be necessary to help dry the structure and address issues with moisture being trapped between the baseboard and the wall. For drywall, we can often drill holes in walls and the ceilings to allow the moisture to escape and dry, minimizing further damage to sheet rock and framing and preventing potential microbial growth.
Ultimately, we will evaluate the source of water, the duration or the water exposure and the visible damage to determine whether walls, ceilings and cabinets are salvageable or if it's more cost effective to replace them.
- Evaluate Insulation - Determine whether it is more cost effective to dry it in place or remove and restore it.
- Inspect Attic - Inspect area for wet insulation, framing and stored contents that may need to be treated or protected.
- Inspect Basement - Basements and crawlspaces often need to be inspected to plan for proper drying procedures for possible water seepage.
- Inspect Ductwork - Ductwork may be inspected for water intrusion throughout affected areas, including floor vents.
The extent of damage and the construction of furniture will determine if your furniture can be restored. Your furniture must be dried before damage can be adequately assessed. Non-salvageable furniture should be documented, and if any items need to be discarded, a customer release form will need to be signed. Start documenting your damaged items, especially if you are turning in a claim.
