Intro To Water Damage Restoration

Intro To Water Damage Restoration

Intro To Water Damage Restoration

Water intrusions, flood and excess moisture each have the power to cause minor damage or wreak havoc on an indoor environment such as your home or office. As the planet is over 70% water and composed of microbial elements, the conditions needed to trigger and support mold growth are always present.  All that that is needed to destroy this delicate balance is the introduction of excess moisture.  Whenever moisture content and humidity levels become abnormally high, microorganisms such as mold will naturally begin to multiply exponentially.  This rapid increase of mold growth can lead to structural deterioration, odors and has the real potential to create serious health issues for building occupants.  

When a water damage occurs, the single most critical factor of estimating the potential damage is the amount of time the structure has been wet and how long the structure remains abnormally wet.  This fundamental principle is the reason why the most critical course of action of a water damage restoration professional is to respond quickly and begin the water removal process as soon as possible.  All other actions taken during a water mitigation project pivot around this very important principle.

Water Damage Mitigation and Restorative Drying

The restorative the drying process consists of 4 basic tenants:

  • Assessment

  • Documentation

  • Water Removal

  • Controlled Drying

Each water damage project consists of “standards” and “variables” which make the mitigation project unique.  Though the standards are numbered and remain constant, the variables of water damage remain without number. Due to the fluctuating nature of water damage mitigation, the professional must, like water, remain flexible in their approach. 

Water damage restoration professional must rely on the science of phychrometrics and the atmospheric reading of their tools throughout the drying process.  Anyone engaging in the business of water damage mitigation should follow the standards of care established by the restoration industry known as the IICRC S500 standard and reference guide for professional water damage restoration.  Our goal as mitigation/restoration professionals is to reverse the damage caused to an indoor structure by water intrusion into an environment of equal or greater condition and cleanliness than before the water damage occurred.  Additionally, the ethics of water damage dictates that we provide such rescue in the most economical and efficient means possible.

Water Damage Assessment

A water damage restoration professional begins this process by identifying all affected areas and materials.  Water must be tracked from its source and followed in every direction to establish an accurate parameter of the flood damage.  What results from this documentation is known as a moisture map.  Additional information included with the moisture map includes material types affected and their location relative to the map.  Materials noted will include items such as: type of flooring, baseboards, walls, furniture and even structures such as a fireplace or HVAC unit. 

Affected materials are evaluated against three criteria to determine if they should be restored or replaced. The three criteria are:

  • degree of contamination

  • replacement cost

  • restoration costs 

Identifying which “contents and materials” are salvageable and which should be replaced, is at the root of all structural drying strategy.  When dealing with high value structure materials such as cabinets and wood floors, the attempt to salvage and restore is always made before these items are removed.  This is a technical process and is primarily done to document that an attempt was made so that adjustor is able to justify the “payout” related to your water damage claim.  Contents of high sentimental value such as wedding dresses, collectibles, career memorabilia and should also never be discarded without the homeowners’ permission.

Water Damage Demolition And Dry Out

Water Damaged materials which have been determined to be “unsalvageable” according to IICRC S500 standards and are of relatively low value should be removed or manipulated to the to facilitate drying restoration.  The method of restoration used to remove water damaged materials is known as “disruptive drying” and may include the removal of finish materials such as drywall, baseboards, carpet, pad, and other cellulose based materials.

All materials that have been determined to be “restorable” are relocated on or off-site for treatment.  The amount of moisture absorbed by a material is measured and documented as the moisture content level of a mitigation report.  Moisture content levels are crucial to the drying process for two reasons:

  1. This information influences the amount of equipment used.

  2. Provides observable measurements used to determine if the drying process is working. 

The drying process of a water damage mitigation project is monitored with equipment and or regular on-site visits.  A water damage restoration professional can compare moisture readings from the previous day to measure progress.  If materials are found to have made sufficient progress in the initial 24 hours then drying continues, and no major changes are made to the strategy.  If materials are not drying, then it becomes clear that the current approach is not working.  In this case, the water damage restoration professional must the change his or her approach and may employ additional measures to balance the concern of mold growth and contamination. 

Benefits to Creating An Account With Metrix 

1. Creating an account is like purchasing a valuable home maintenance policy for your property with a Follow on social media.  Grow the value of your account by liking, commenting and sharing.

2. Zero Dollar Insurance Deductible

3. Save up to 30% on annual maintenance services

4. Cash Referral Rewards

5. Protect your home from damages insurance may not cover

Water Damage Drying Cycle

The cycle of evaluation and reevaluation must continue throughout the restoration process the.  Also, it is critical that the drying process to allowed to continue without interruption.  If the drying process is not working the water damage professional must modify the drying environment by adding or subtracting equipment or possibly removing wet non salvageable materials.  Water mitigation professional should strive to provide the most economical and effective methods for mitigating water damage and project cost.

Throughout the water mitigation drying process, a professional must constantly ask “is this drying properly”?  This means to restorer must also know their “dry goal”.  A dry goal is determined by measuring non affected materials to get an environmental standard.  Armed with this knowledge a water damage mitigation professional knows how to calculate to create the necessary changes to realize a “dry” indoor environment.

Water Mitigation Dry Standard

The water damage mitigation drying standard was designed to ensure that each water damage restoration project can be done properly, according to scientific method.  It is important that all water damage restoration industry processes and procedures are carefully followed. Our tactically approaches should also be specific and flexible just like the water damage itself.  Being able to employ both tactic and strategy ensures not only the successful completion of a mitigation, but also translates to significant time, stress and financial savings.

If you or anyone you know needs water damage mitigation, restoration or mold remediation services, “Choose Metrix over the Matter, because the Power to Change the matter is in the Metrix”.

Homeowners Guide To Basement Water Damage 2023

Homeowners Guide To Basement Water Damage 2023

Homeowners Guide To Basement Flood Damage

The homeowners guide to basement flood damage restoration produced by Flood Metrix is our attempt to educate the public about water damage restoration.  We believe that education is a main factor in accomplishing our mission, which is to move a customer from stress to satisfaction.  Having a plan of action in case of a flooded basement really helps a customer to rest at ease during a time that is naturally stressful.

Many homeowners don’t know what their insurance company will or will not cover.  This article is going to include some standard procedures for basement flooding so that homeowners can better understand what to expect.

We should begin with what is considered basement flooding

First, let’s break the subject down into three parts:

Basement Leaks

Basement Water Damage

Basement Floods

Basement Leaks

Basement leaks can originate from a crack in the foundation, failed plumbing or plumbing related appliances.  Leaks originating outside the home are not typically covered by standard homeowners’ insurance, an additional policy for a flood protection is usually needed.  I recommend reading your policy and contacting your agent to discuss any question before they arise.

Basement Floods Water Proofing

It is always a good idea to have a water proofing expert make suggestions about the best water proofing options for your basement.  An expert will be able to let your know if installing some a simple water barrier is enough for your project or if you need greater support.  It all depends on the location of your home, and the condition of the basement, and your goals as the homeowner as to what maybe considered the best course of action for preventing a basement flood in your home.

When To Call A Water Damage Professional

Homeowners should call a professional whenever there is more than 10 gallons and or sewer water involved.  Basement flooding typically involves multiple areas of a basement or over 60% of a basement.  Anytime you experience a basement flood, the first step is to contact an IICRC certified water damage professional.  It is better to call an experienced water damage professional, because most plumbers do not understand the insurance process of basement flood claims. 

If you are unable to stop the water flow, then definitely call the plumber first.  But if you can, call the water damage restoration professional first they can explain to you your options with filing a claim.  Homeowner really need to understand that the inspection report is the document they need to support their damage claim.

Step 1 Basement Flood Mitigation

The very first step to a basement flood damage mitigation is to choose a qualified and reputable water damage restoration professional.  If you are able to stop the leak yourself, you do not need to call the plumber first, you need to call a water damage restoration professional, even before you call your insurance company to make your claim.

Flooded Basement Service Agreement

Most companies require that you sign a service agreement.  Signing a water damage service agreement is important because not only does it protect the water damage restoration company, but it also protects the homeowner.  Both parties become protected from no fault damages.

Initial Water Damage Report

Most homeowner are not experts at making damage reports for official basement flood coverage.  One advantage of hiring a water mitigation company first is the additional help you have with properly filing your basement flood insurance claim.  After you’ve chosen a qualified water damage mitigation professional, the next order of business is to inspect for primary, as well as secondary damages.  We want to document both what is and what is not affected at the time of arrival.  Videos, photos, written notes, diagrams, measurements, along with psychometric analysis are all use to create basement flood damage reports to be shared with the homeowner and insurance adjustor.

Your basement flood damage project manager should be able to answer questions related to and provide help with filing your water damage mitigation claim.  Information such as: how to report a water damage mitigation claim and your rights and responsibilities when filing a water mitigation claim.   The initial report usually takes an hour to create and with today’s technology can be completed onsite.

 

Step2: Basement Flood Water Removal

After the paperwork is taken care of, the water extraction can begin.  The water removal method depends on how much water is in the basement.  If there is less than more than six inches of standing water in the basement pumps will be used to quickly remove standing water from the basement.  If there is less 6 inches of water, portable extraction equipment will be used to remove standing water from the basement.

What to do if basement flood water becomes frozen?

If you come across a case where the basement has flooded, and the water has frozen.  The only way to proceed would be to restore power, either through the electrical system or by generators to warm up the house.  Then the water can melt and then be pumped out of the house so that the mitigation process can proceed.

A Pack Out Is Standard Basement Flood Mitigation Procedure

A flood damage pack out is considered a specialty skill and even has its own IICRC certification.  Pack outs are typically necessary when dealing with basement floods because contents must be removed from the affected area during water damage mitigation.  Pack outs are the process of moving a customers’ items for storage and must be done in an organized fashion.  Homeowners’ contents are labeled and can be always tract during the mitigation and reconstruction portion of a basement flood damage restoration project.   Compare this to content manipulation, which is relocating affected items on site.  Often a pack outs are the preferred course of action for all parties involved, including insurance companies.

 

Homeowners are hesitant when they don’t know if insurance is going to pay for certain costs, however, a pack out is standard basement flood damage mitigation procedure.  It is recognized by insurance carriers, and they even have a special billing for this service which includes storage.

water damage restoration

Step 3: Water Damage Demolition

Homeowners tend to worry about the cost of water damage restoration, but the truth is that it may not even cost you anything out of pocket.  If your insurance deductible is $1000 then that is your total out of pocket expense for a new basement.  In most cases, especially when you’re dealing with a good water damage restoration contractor and a flooded basement you should be able to defer your deductible to avoid any out-of-pocket emergency expenses.

The commitment of an insurance carrier is to bring you back to a pre lost condition.  When dealing with water damage restoration projects and flooded basements oftentimes there are many damaged materials that need to be removed.  This is the 3rd step to water damage mitigation.  During the demolition portion of your project all unsalvable materials throughout the flooded basement will be removed for disposal.  area after the demolition is complete and all wet and affected materials have been removed will then move on to step 4.

Step 4: Decontamination

During the decontamination phase, any exposed structural frame of the home be cleaned and decontaminated along with the walls and floors.  This process includes HEPA extraction and the application of antimicrobial.  In some case this also includes the HVAC.

Step 5: Water Damage Structural Drying

Once the demo phase is complete your water damage project moves into the dry out phase. OK The dry out phase includes of a lot of air movers to manipulate the air flow and dehumidifiers to pull excess water from structural materials and other contents in the area.  This help to prevent further secondary damages including microbial growth.  When the dry out phase is complete your water damage mitigation project is complete.

At the end of a water damage mitigation a customer will be given a final walkthrough.  They will be allowed to inspect and will be asked to sign a certificate of completion.  The insurance company will be sent an invoice which is normally paid 30 days.  The average time frame for a water mitigation to be complete is about three to five days.  However, water damage reconstruction can take a lot longer due its nature.  It’s a good idea for a water damage restoration contractor to closely network with a basement remodeling company to better assist their customers in these situations.

4 Hidden Causes of Flooded Basements:

  • Location

The natural position of your home or office relative to its natural environment is a major factor when considering the possibility of future water damage or basement flooding.  Understanding where your house is built in relation to land elevation & sloop is important when planning to prevent basement flooding.  Low quality materials and poor craftmanship is a dangerous mix and is more susceptible to water damage causing basement flooding.

  • Water Drainage System

Improper installation of underground drainage system by your home builder can cause many complications and are not likely to be discovered until a basement flood damage occurs.  However, you can do your part to prevent a basement flood.  Proper maintenance of your sump pump includes having a back up power source.  Even this precaution will fail if the builder makes a mistake.

French drain installation can be a great defense against basement flooding.  If you live in the Northern VA or Southern MD area and plan to use your basement as living space, then French Drain Installation is highly recommended as a defense against water damage.

Gutter maintenance and water diversion is important to the overall water damage protection of your home.  Clogged gutters can cause ceiling to wall water damage.  When gutter water is not diverted away from the home, water pressure increases around basement perimeters.  This makes basement water damage and basement flooding more likely.

  • Foundation Cracks & Leaks

Foundation cracks can be tiny but turn into a major water damage cleanup.  High humidity levels are the result of leaky pipes, water intrusion, foundation cracks and many other water damage issues.  Mold growth is a secondary damage caused by water, in gas or liquid form.  Foundation cracks become weaker by poor drainage.  As the ground becomes over saturated, the pressure per square inch increases as does the chance for basement flooding and basement water damage.

  • Home Additions

Making additions to your home must be carefully planned.  Increased water pressure around a basement perimeter is almost a certainty when additions do not align with precision.  The risk of basement flooding is higher when water pressure around a basement foundation is multiplied.

Five Keys To Understanding The Water Mitigation Process

Five Keys To Understanding The Water Mitigation Process

 Here are the top 5 things you need to know as a property owner, to better understand the flood and water damage restoration process.

Timing is crucial to preventing secondary damages such as warped walls and doors, damage to furniture, and mold growth even in places the flood did not touch.

Therefore, a Flood Metrix service professional will respond with urgency to prevent further damages. Customers expect to get an estimate before hiring a contractor and, in most cases, this is advisable; however, there are some cases where comparing estimates is not practical. Most property owners’ insurance covers emergency services such as flood damage restoration and emergency water removal; therefore, the emergency service billing process is a little different from the non-emergency service billing.

Most reputable insurance providers do not require a written estimate before approving emergency water mitigation services to begin.

However, they will require confirmation of the water damage source, i.e., sump pump failure, busted pipe, or appliance leak for example.

Often property owners will call Flood Metrix to request an estimate for flood damage or emergency water removal services. There are two major reasons a property owner calls to request an estimate for flood damage or emergency water removal service. First is because they do not know if their insurance is going to cover the cost of repairs. Second, because they need to find out if the cost of repair is worth using insurance coverage, which in most cases it is. Customers who choose Metrix over the Matter in an emergency and are self-pay customers receive special residential self-pay pricing.

Customer Referral Program

Documentation for an emergency water removal services is critical, especially when insurance is paying the bill. 

Do not be surprised if your water damage inspector takes pictures before they even enter your property. The inspector is required to follow industry guidelines for submitting project details for insurance claims. For example, we need to document relevant environmental conditions outside, note any damages, and of course collect a picture of the damaged property.

In addition to the photos taken outside, the inspector will also take pictures from the moment they enter the property, all the way through to the affected area. This is for both liability purposes and to create a proper damage scope. For example, what pictures may need to be taken down off walls so to prevent damage while a crew is bringing in equipment, what type of floor protection is required, and how many items may need to be moved. At Flood Metrix we use doc-u-sketch cameras to not only take photos but also to create a 3D virtual tour of the flood damage. Providing this quality of service allows us to share claim details with any adjuster, in real time, at the touch of a button.

In most cases we will collect a deductible up front with the average deductible being $500 or $1,000; sometimes the deductible can be up to $2,500. 

However, this does not have to be a problem because Flood Metrix can defer your deductible to be applied towards the Reconstruction portion of your water damage project. This benefit creates little to no out-of-pocket expense for a customer. This is just another reason to choose Metrix over the Matter because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.

Most flood & water damage projects have 2 and sometimes 3 phases; each phase has different stages.

Phase 1 is the Water mitigation phase, which includes the cleanup and structural drying process. Phase 2 is Reconstruction & phase 3 would include Content Restoration. Each phase is paid as a separate invoice by an insurance provider, even if the same contractor handles 3 phases. 

Insurance Accepted.  Financing Available.

Choose Metrix over the Matter, Because the Power to Change the Mater is in the Metrix.

Water Damage Restoration and Property Management

Water Damage Restoration and Property Management

Why Property Management Companies Choose Metrix over the Matter for Water & Flood damage restoration projects?

Flood Metrix is a small business that offers big business benefits. We compare the relationship with a Property Management company to the relationship of a Partner.  As a water damage restoration company, we actively seek networking opportunities, which naturally lead to future financial gains.  Below is list of Key Competitive Benefits Property Management Companies receive when they “Choose Metrix Over The Matter.”

Flood Mitigation Maintenance Emergencies

Flood Metrix offers property management companies the ability to successfully handle maintenance emergencies such as floods & water damage on call.  It is estimated that  1 in 500 homes will experience a water damage claim each year and that the average cost per claim is 3k-8k, not including reconstruction costs.

In other words, the average homeowner will experience a flood or water damage related problem once every 8-12 years.  This is likely due to drain clogs and line water failures being listed among the most common causes of water damage.  

Keep your clients fully informed

Flood Metrix uses Doc-U-Sketch cameras to create virtual walk-throughs of flood damage restoration projects.  These reports are in 3D & can be shared instantly upon creation.  We use this level of technology to quickly document water damage while simultaneously gathering detailed room measurements.

Insurance adjustors can process claims faster because they have access to all the information they need as soon as it becomes available.  Property owners and managers alike are provided with an extra sense of “control” over the chaos caused by water damage.

Secure more real estate investors

Property Management companies find themselves in a position to manage both units in “rentable” & “unrentable” conditions.  Properties with flood and mold damage have the potential for high resale value once the property has been restored.  However, these projects also tend to be more expensive investments, because the of additional water damage and mold remediation costs involved in such projects.

“This practice helps us to optimize savings for our partners”

Metrix partners with property management companies and investors seeking to renovate water damaged and mold infested properties.  In many cases we can begin restoration with a minimum down payment along with a security agreement. Flood Metrix adds value to our partnerships with property management companies by allowing referred investors to defer the cost of water/flood damage restoration until after the sell.   This creates a win-win situation for everyone involved.

Another way Flood Metrix adds value to our property management partners is through our Referral Program.  Top Tier referral partners can earn up to a 25% commission on water damage, mold remediation projects.

Multiple Property Deals

Unlike residential customers with one or two houses, property management companies manage 10s, 100s and even 1000s of living/business units.  Every contractor has over 50% of their customers promise additional work on their “other property sometime in the future” in exchange for a discount.  Seasoned contractors always take that promise with a grain of salt residential customers, but this is not the case when it comes to commercial flood damage customers/property management companies. 

Water Damage companies know that property management companies are a good return on investment.  Flood Metrix helps to secure these valuable property management alliances with Preferred Vendor Pricing.

Preferred Vendor Pricing

The industry leader in damage restoration software is Xactimate, in fact, Xactimate is the program over 85% of insurance adjusters will use to determine “fair compensation” for water damage claims.  It is standard industry practice for these invoices to be itemized, but Xactimate also has a “Time & Materials” conversion. We use this setting offer Preferred Vendor Pricing based on Xactimate line-item values.   “This practice helps us to optimize savings for our partners”, said Khonsol Badu, owner of Metrix Restoration.

Marketing Affiliations

Free quality marketing and public relations are valuable assets to any business.  Whenever a property management company decides to business with Water Damage, Flood & Mold Metrix we celebrate a significant victory towards accomplishing our company mission.  We immediately begin to add as much value to our partners’ business as possible. 

One way we do this is by linking to our partners’ websites to support and facilitate website domain authority and organic search engine visibility.  Another way we do this is creating and sharing valuable content relevant to both industries.  We also like, share and comment on social media posts made by our partners, because we know how social signals can affect search engine rankings.  And of course, we refer our partners to customers whenever possible, because referrals are the backbone of service-based businesses.

Carpet Cleaning

Many property management companies handle single family, apartment buildings and business offices.  One critical aspect of managing each of these different types of properties is carpet cleaning.  Metrix Restoration also owns the Carpet Metrix Brand to specifically focus on carpet cleaning.  We understand carpet construction and know how to get Maximum Efficiency out of your carpets.

Residents of apartment units and condos can take advantage of “Group Discounts Rates” by scheduling carpet cleaning services during special “complex cleaning events”.

Additional Benefits of providing water damage restoration services for Property Management Companies

  • Sketch of effect unit: measurements, saves time

  • Routine billing

If you or your organization are interested in doing business with Metrix Restoration, please visit the Preferred Vendors Page of our website or send an email to [email protected].

“Choose Metrix over the Matter

Because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix”

Frozen Pipes and Winter Water Damage

Frozen Pipes and Winter Water Damage

Frozen Pipes & Winter Water Damage by Metrix Restoration

Winter weather brings an added element of difficulty & danger to water damage restoration claims.  We all can understand how each flood or water damage cleanup comes with both general & special needs.

In this article we will highlight how winter weather affects water damage restoration operations, the most common causes of winter water damage & what you can do to protect your home.

Making water pipe maintenance a priority this winter is a good idea, especially if the climate of your area sustains temperatures of freezing or below.  Cracked & Busted Pipes due to freezing temperature is cited by most insurance adjustors and water damage restoration professionals as the #1 cause of residential water damage during winter, according to R. Noel, GM of Flood Metrix in Stafford, VA.

“Of course, roof leaks and ceiling damage caused by ice dams are also very common throughout the water damage industry in areas with longer winter seasons and heavy snow fall, but busted pipes still rank #1 in Northern VA, District of Columbia & Southern MD.”

How Frozen Pipes Cause Water Damage

The physical materials of your home are under constant “attack” by its surrounding environment.  Most homeowners understand that weather in general can affect the structural integrity of their home, and still never consider how nature itself is a natural “stress factor” affecting their home on a day-to-day basis.

Temperature differentials in air currents, air pressure, convection are each invisible factors of winter water damage, unnoticeable to the naked eye.

During winter temperatures can remain at freezing or below for weeks and months at a time.  In such climates freezing rains, icy wind chills and snow become like “military special force units” making structures more susceptible to flooding and water damage.

The good news is that keeping your home in good condition with up-to-date maintenance is the best defense against winter water damage.  In fact, keeping your home reasonably heated is enough to prevent frozen pipes from busting & causing water damage/flooding.

Energy.gov recommends an average inside temperature of 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Unoccupied homes are much more susceptible to flooding due to frozen/busted pipes when compared to homes which are occupied with regular home maintenance.  One reason for this is that unoccupied homes are also more likely to have colder inside temperatures.

Additionally, unoccupied homes are more likely to behind on routine maintenance.  When you combine cold temperatures with points of direct exposure to water pipes, freezing becomes a scientific certainty.

Frozen water obstructs and water flow and multiplies pressure per square in throughout pipes until they crack or bust.  The chances of this happening begin to increase exponentially when temperatures reach 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below.

Water damage restoration companies must then use additional specialty drying equipment including directed heat, adding to the financial costs of flood damage.

 

 

Melting Snow & Water Damage

Everyone loves the beauty of freshly fallen snow, but nobody loves the water damage melting snow can cause. Drain backup and overflows are common due to melting snow.

The ground becomes heavily saturated while sewer systems are flooded with melting snow on top of its normal capacity.  For tips to help prevent water damage see our related article on water damage prevention.

Ice Dams and Roof Leaks

Busted pipes may be the most likely source of winter water damage, but there is a second most common source.  This source doesn’t begin with rain, snow or cold but with cluttered gutters.  When gutters are obstructed, water can’t drain off the roof of a house properly.  During winter months, water trapped in gutters along with debris freeze and combine with icicles to create “ice dams”.   Although ice dams are not typically responsible for flood damage, but slow leak water damage and mold are both closely related.  Regular gutter maintenance can reduce the likeliness of ice dams forming and prevent any resulting water damage.

Outdoor Water Outlets

Outdoor water outlets aka “water spigots” should be insulated and secured during winter months.  Corresponding hoses should be disconnected, drained & stored to prevent damage.  As these outlets are connected to water pipes, the main & lower level of these homes are at higher risk to flooding, water & mold damage. 

If you do experience water damage this winter, call the experts at Flood Metrix. Our professional water mitigation teams are here 24/7/365 to move you from Stress to Satisfaction after a flood or water damage.  Choose Metrix over the Matter Because the Power to Change the Matter is in the Metrix.

Check out the top causes of busted pipes and tips to prevent water damage.

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