In the aftermath of a floor or storm, many homeowners aren’t sure if they need water damage restoration or mitigation. With a lot of conflicting information out there, the experts at All Nation Restoration, Springdale Rd created this guide to clarify the differences between these services to help homeowners restore their homes quickly when they need it most.
Water Damage Restoration Vs Mitigation
Water damage mitigation involves taking precautions to prevent and contain water damage to reduce the extent of damage caused by standing water. Strategies for water damage mitigation include but are not limited to:
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Removing standing water from rooms
- Boarding up leaks and broken seals in windows/doors
- Preventing mold growth on damp surfaces
On the other hand, water damage restoration involves repairing water damage. Strategies and techniques for water damage restoration include but are not limited to:
- Removing damaged materials
- Repairing floors and walls
- Conducting moisture tests
- Replacing roofing elements
- Removing mold and algae growth
Do You Need Water Damage Mitigation or Restoration?
Generally speaking, homeowners should prioritize water damage mitigation before moving on to damage restoration. The more mitigation work you do on the outset, the fewer repairs you will ideally have to make in the future.
If homeowners fail to schedule mitigation services quickly, they may have to deal with more restoration costs. For example, failing to remove standing water can exacerbate mold growth and wood rot in a home’s ceiling and walls.
4 Misconceptions About Water Damage Mitigation and Restoration
1. You Don’t Need a Pro for Water Damage Mitigation
In some very rare cases, it may be cheaper and more cost-effective to handle water damage mitigation alone. However, in most cases, the best idea is to hire an expert. Professional water damage mitigation technicians have the training and equipment to remove all water thoroughly.
2. Replacement is Better than Restoration
Despite what many think, it is often more cost-effective to restore damaged fixtures than outright replace them. For example, restoration professionals can often restore wooden fixtures if they do not have extensive water damage. An expert water damage restoration company can determine what needs restoration and what needs replacement.
3. Mold Takes a Long Time to Grow
Many people think that mold takes a long time to grow, but mold can start to grow in as little as 24 hours. Initial mold growth might not be immediately visible, so you may not even realize you have mold problems until later. The trained technicians at All Nation Restoration, Springdale Rd can detect invisible mold and remove it before it spreads.
4. Carpets Will Dry on Their Own
The surface of carpets and rugs usually dry on their own, but the real problem is the moisture that hides underneath the surface. Hidden moisture exacerbates mold growth, posting a health hazard to the home’s occupants. A water damage restoration tech can test moisture levels to assess mold growth risks.
About All Nation Restoration
All Nation Restoration, Springdale Rd is a Texas-based water damage restoration company offering commercial and residential water damage restoration services for homes, offices, retail locations, and more. All Nation’s service technicians have years of experience working with home improvement projects and can offer the best in customer service and care.
To learn more about water damage restoration and mitigation services, contact All Nation Restoration, located on Springdale Rd online or call their Austin location today at (512) 934-8180!
