Thursday, November 26, 2009

San Francisco Water Damage Restoration: A Reality For Bay Area Residents

By Joshua Manpink

El Nino and La Nina are coming. One of the two always is. Storms, high winds, floods and water damage are nothing new in the Bay Area. Everyone should be aware of how to handle such an event, if or when it occurs. Regardless of where you might live, there is always a need for San Francisco water damage restoration. There are aspects you should be aware if you ever face water damage in your home or workplace.

The sooner you get professional help, the better. Time is critical when addressing water damage and you need to choose a professional that will respond immediately. Some restoration professionals will respond in a shorter period of time than others, and knowledge of response time is important when making your decision about who to call.

Response times can vary. Some restoration companies guarantee a response within 30 minutes, while others guarantee a response within 3 hours or even longer. You need the quickest response possible in order to sustain the damage and begin the restoration process.

You need to take as much action as possible before the crew arrives. If it is possible electricity should be turned off, but only if the area surrounding the circuit box is not affected by the water damage. Some small items can be moved to areas of the property that are not affected. Wear gloves and wash carefully and completely after dealing with any item that has been affected. If appliances that contain fans are running, they should be turned off. Raise any draperies or furniture skirts to keep them out of the water.

The first issue the restoration crew will address is standing water. You have a role to play in this step as well. Do a thorough inspection of the property after water has been removed, as it is easy to miss water or moisture in areas such as corners.

One of the most dangerous aspects of water damage is mold growth. When researching water damage restoration companies, pay attention to how they will address mold. Mold can form anywhere after water damage occurs, even from small amounts of moisture. The restoration crew should be licensed and experienced with mold issues, and should responsibly remove all mold from the property.

Proper drying is important. If water is left unaddressed for an extended period of time, it can cause damage not only to possessions, but also to the structural integrity of the property. If water is removed promptly, it is more likely that drywall and other elements can be saved.

Each year properties are severely damaged by water disasters. Just as there is a need to know who to call in other emergencies, a San Francisco water damage restoration company should also be on your contact list.

About the Author:

No comments: