You want to repair, clean up, and return to order soon. A thorough water damage survey performed by trained experts is required.
As water damage experts working with thousands of Queensland residents, we have put together this guide. It will help you know what a water damage inspection entails, why it’s vital, and how to get one.
Why Do We Get A Water Damage Check?
A water damage review is the first step toward fully fixing your home or business.
Reztor Restoration is an acclaimed repair expert. The repair process follows a set of methods that defines what caused the damage and how severe it is.
Their inspection views vital factors that affect your property’s safety and physical condition.
All damages are recorded and listed, giving you a clear picture of your losses. You also need the data to file a water damage insurance claim.
With your approval, property repair begins right after the inspection is completed.
What Does A Water Damage Expert Do?
It could result from fire damage after first responders have put out the flames. Water damage is commonly caused by severe weather, burst pipes, and backed-up sewer lines.
Whatever the source, an expert restoration firm develops its report using the four-step damage inspection process outlined below.
1. Identify The Source Of The Water
Water damage repair experts quickly locate and address the source of the problem.
If you have burst pipes under your sink, an emergency crew will promptly repair them. They locate and repair plumbing leaks hidden behind walls or ceilings.
Because water damage spreads quickly, nearby areas are also fully assessed. As an example:
- Directly above water attic space
- Cracked ceilings
- Crawl spaces and basements beneath flooded kitchens
- Areas with large appliances or HVAC equipment
- Water in lower floor rooms
- Damaged restrooms
- Walls, floors, and other structures near affected areas A flood in the basement following a weather event has a clear source. A professional inspection can still be extremely beneficial.
It detects hairline cracks and exterior drainage issues contributing to basement flood damage.
2. Water Type Verification
Knowing the type of damage caused by water is critical. If restoration experts discover any level of contamination, they blend it into their property cleanup plan. It protects your health and ensures the most secure restoration process possible. If your property is threatened by highly toxic water, you should evacuate.
If the bacteria levels are low, you should avoid the affected areas until they have been cleaned and sanitised. Standards and guidelines define these three types of water pollution.
- Category 1: This is known as white water. It is usually clean and free of contamination. White water is often caused by leaking faucets, burst pipes, or broken water heaters. It’s vital to note that if Category 1 water isn’t cleaned up immediately, it can quickly become contaminated.
- Category 2: Grey water contains some pollutants but is not considered highly toxic. For example, detergents, fabric softeners, and bath soaps are frequently found in grey water. Broken washing machines, dishwashers, and kitchen and bath drain pipes are all sources of grey water.
- Category 3: Also known as black water, it is highly contaminated and dangerous. Restoration teams take extra care to ensure personal and property safety during the cleanup process. The most common sources of black water are natural floods, toilet backflows, and sewage pipe problems.
3. Assessing The Damage
Water soaks the subfloor, wicks the drywall, and spreads moisture into the studs and framing.
A trained technician team uses pin and EM moisture metres to measure surface moisture density and locate hidden water damage. Thermal imaging is used to pinpoint damaged areas.
They also classify property damage by type to make claims accordingly.
- Previous Damages: This category includes damages that existed before the occurrence of water damage.
- Direct Damage: These are the direct effects of water on your property.
- Damage Resulting From Water: In the aftermath of a water event, secondary damages such as sagging drywall, warped flooring, and unhealthy mould growth are common.
4. Plan Detailed Actions
This final inspection provides a detailed overview of the damages outlined in an action plan.
It describes the proposed repair plan, which includes everything from cleanup and water extraction to structural drying and mould remediation.
It is easier to keep up with your schedule at home or work as the work goes on. In most cases, you’ll want to approve as soon as possible. Even minor water damage can quickly escalate into major, long-term issues.
When you give the repair company the green light, their teams begin the recovery process.
They can also start teaming with your insurance firm to speed up the filing of your water-damage claim.
Inspection Charges For Water Damage?
A water damage survey can be costly. A thorough on-site survey and detailed review are required for the job. The cost of an inspection is set by the property’s size and the damage’s extent.
There may be charges for urgent services. The team may need to repair a pipe right away, for example. A damaged home or commercial building may require board-up services after a storm.
A trusted restoration firm will always explain your options and provide a written estimate for water damage repair.
Claiming A Homeowner’s Insurance?
Most property insurance policies typically cover water damage repairs, cleanup, and restoration.
Filing a claim can be difficult, but thorough documentation expedites the process. It is one of the reasons why a skilled restoration contractor’s water damage inspection is crucial.
Consider handling the duty of dealing with your insurance firm throughout the restoration process.
Many homeowners and businesses prefer this option because it reduces paperwork from the initial inspection to the completion of the job.
Insurance companies routinely work with agents certified as quality restoration vendors. Companies with a proven track record and industry credentials qualify for this designation.
Reztor Restoration, for example, has an excellent standing with local and national insurance companies. Our IICRC certification contributes to our standing.
When you work with our restoration specialists, you partner with a well-established company that is well-versed in dealing with insurance paperwork. Our expert staff takes care of all the details, allowing you to get the most out of your home policy claim.
Do You Require A Water Damage Inspection?
When you require a water damage inspection, you want it handled by top experts. We bring more than a decade of combined field experience to the inspection process as Queensland’s leading water damage specialists.
Reztor Restoration Restoration will provide you with a thorough assessment, an honest estimate, and genuine customer service. We can assist you with your homeowner’s and business owner’s property insurance.
Our crews are on call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. You can reach our knowledgeable staff at 1800 739 867.