What Is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage is the result of water getting where it’s not supposed to. While this may happen during heavy rains, sewer backups, and floods, the most common cause of water damage is your property’s plumbing.

There are three categories of water damage:

1. Clean water (Category 1) poses no substantial risk to your health. It is the result of:
   • Water supply lines
   • Rain
   • Overflowing sinks or tubs
2. Gray water (Category 2) is contaminated water that can cause harm or illness if touched or consumed. It is the result of:
   • Toilet overflows
   • Appliance backups – like washing machines or dishwashers
   • Overflowing toilets – minus solid waste
   • Sump pump backups
3. Black water (Category 3) is highly contaminated due to its toxic, bacteria-filled makeup and can cause serious health issues. It is the result of:
   • Sewage backups
   • Flooding
   • Category 1 or 2 water that interacts with contaminated surfaces or does not get addressed quickly enough

How Water Damage Restoration Works

Water damage restoration is the process of removing the water, drying and cleaning the affected areas, and repairing structural damage to prevent any future issues. This process includes the following steps:

1.      Inspecting the Damage

There are many safety risks when assessing an area with water damage – contaminated water, loose electrical wires, etc. – so it’s best to bring in a specialist. They’ll determine where the water originated from, how much damage has been done to your property – surface level or compromised structural integrity – and how safe the water is to work in.

This identifies the scope of the restoration – allowing us to create a customized plan of action – and keeps everyone involved in the process protected. It’ll also make the insurance process easier, as every detail is documented.  

2.      Extracting the Water

Getting the water removed is the most crucial step in the restoration process.

The Dryco team uses specialized equipment like high-powered wet vacuums, portable extraction units and pumps to ensure that the water is removed as effectively and as quickly as possible. Speed reduces the risk of further damage.

3.      Drying the Affected Areas and Materials

No matter how good of a job the water extraction team does, there’s always going to be some moisture that stays behind. That’s where a combination of dehumidification, air circulation, and heat comes in.

We use commercial-grade drying equipment to eliminate any residual moisture in the walls, floors, and other building materials. It may take a few days, but this process is crucial for preventing mold growth and any further damage to your home or business.

The Dryco team extends our drying services to any salvageable personal belongings as well. They are treated with care for later cleaning and reinstallation.

4.      Cleaning and Disinfection

Once everything is dry, it’s time to prepare the area for restoration. This involves:

• Selective demolition and clearing debris: The unfortunate reality of water damage is that not everything can be saved – especially building materials. Weakened drywall and ceilings need to be removed and properly disposed of to prevent mold – a task the Dryco team will handle for you.
• Treating mold: While unsalvageable materials are addressed throughout the restoration process, time isn’t always on our side. For long-standing issues that don’t get discovered right away, it’s possible that mold growth will already be present. We’ll treat your property and belongings with antimicrobial agents to disinfect and sanitize the area, ensuring a safe and healthy environment.

5.      Replacements and Structural Repairs

If the water damage extends to the structural elements of your home or business, it is important to ensure that they’re replaced or rebuilt and properly treated against future decay.

With the structure taken care of, it’s time to replace any drywall, flooring, subflooring or ceilings that were removed during the cleaning stage. All repairs and replacements will ensure that your space directly reflects its pre-water damage state — or an upgraded version if you’d prefer to go that route.

With Dryco, water damage restoration is more than just returning your space to you — it’s about making sure you feel safe and secure. Our team is ready to assist with your water damage restoration needs, wherever and whenever you need us. Contact us today!