Common Misconceptions About Water Damage Restoration
Water damage problems in homes are among the most common types of property damage in the Phoenix metro area. Damage caused by a homeowner's broken pipe, appliance failure, roof leak, or damage caused by flash floods during monsoon season can happen anywhere, anytime; as a result, moisture incursions occur very frequently.
Despite how common it is, many homeowners do not understand the range of what should happen as part of a proper restoration process. If you believe the myths listed below and act upon those beliefs, you may find yourself delaying repairs to your home, not properly drying your home, promoting mold growth in your home, and paying increased costs to repair your home.
Hiring professional Water Damage Restoration Phoenix services will provide relief from the stress you may be feeling due to water damage in your home, since the range of what those services include will usually be much greater than you might realize.
Therefore, if you are searching for qualified
Water Damage Restoration Near Me, understanding the myths below will allow you to help protect your property by making educated decisions.
MYTH #1: It's Only A Little Bit Of Water - It Certainly Will Dry Out On Its Own.
One of the biggest mistakes that many homeowners make is believing there is a natural resolution for a small amount of water that occurs due to a leak.
Phoenix has a dry climate, so there may be a temptation to assume that moisture will naturally evaporate quickly. However, by the time there are visible signs of damage from a leak, moisture has already been absorbed into your walls, insulation, sub-flooring, and structural framing.
Experienced technicians will use electronic moisture detection devices to find all of the hidden damp areas that are creating an environment conducive to long-term structural damage.
MYTH #2: Phoenix Is Very Dry; Therefore, There Is No Risk Of Mold Growth.
Although Phoenix is a desert or dry (arid) region, mold will grow inside homes. Mold tends to grow quickly when moisture is left behind from air conditioning systems, plumbing leaks, and floods. It can typically begin forming within 24–48 hours if the conditions are right.
Water Damage Restoration Phoenix makes sure that both the water is removed and that the air quality remains safe, helping prevent mold from developing.
MYTH #3: If There is No Water, You Have No Damage.
Visible water is only part of the problem; even when you cannot see moisture, there may still be water inside your walls or under your floors. Professionals utilize thermal imaging and moisture mapping tools to locate the location(s) of water behind walls and below flooring.
MYTH #4: Household Fans and Dehumidifiers Will Take Care of Everything!
Household fans do not usually provide adequate structural drying. Moisture that is embedded in framing, drywall, and/or insulation requires industrial-strength controlled air movers and dehumidifiers. Using commercially rated equipment helps to rapidly remove moisture from deep within the affected areas.
When you are searching for Water Damage Restoration Near Me, make sure the company has access to all of the proper equipment and the expertise to use it correctly.
MYTH #5: Water Damage Restoration is Only Cleaning Up the Water.
Water damage restoration is much more involved than just removing any water that is visible or accessible. Water damage restoration includes inspections, moisture detection, structural drying processes, cleaning, disinfection & deodorization, and even reconstruction of the affected area(s) as necessary.
Water Damage Restoration Phoenix will make sure your house is clean and safe after water damage has occurred.
MYTH #6: Insurance Will Cover All Water Damage.
Whether insurance covers water damage depends on the type of water damage that has occurred. Those usually covered by homeowner's insurance are sudden ruptures or failures of a plumbing fixture or appliance. Those not usually covered by insurance are slow leaks or flooding due to neglect by the homeowner.
Experts will help you with any insurance claims needed after restoration has occurred, so you can get the money you are entitled to through your insurance policy.
MYTH #7: I Am Okay If There Is No Structural Damage.
There is not always an immediate indication of structural integrity loss. Continuous exposure to moisture will weaken the integrity of the wooden framing and sub-floors over time. Minor water seepage can potentially compromise load-bearing members of the structure.
As part of the water restoration process, professional Water Damage Restoration Companies in Phoenix will look for and evaluate issues with the structural integrity.
MYTH #8: Water Damage Only Affects The Spot Where The Leak Occurred.
Water spreads unpredictably. Water can travel through beams, insulation, and across layers of flooring. For example, a small leak in the upstairs area might cause damage to the ceilings of those below. Water Damage Phoenix services deal with the entirety of a Phoenix home's moisture migration, not just the area seen.
MYTH #9: It Is Safe to Remain At The Property During the Restoration Process.
It may be safe for some residents to remain in their properties. If there is a large amount of water damage, the resident may be displaced for an extended period. Contaminated water, mold growth, and structural risk may exist that will be harmful to you. Proper Water Damage Restoration Phoenix will ensure you are safe as an occupant during this process.
MYTH #10: Restoration Costs Are Too Expensive.
Delaying restoration will only increase the costs. The longer moisture is left untreated, the greater the risk of developing mold, having to rehabilitate the structure, and incurring higher deductibles. Therefore, a fast response by a professional will save you money and time in the long run.
Why Choose Professional Restoration in Phoenix?
Phoenix has experienced severe storms, flash floods, and a high demand on its plumbing systems due to extreme temperature shifts. Even desert dwellers are left vulnerable to sudden and unanticipated water-related events. Arizona Restoration Contractors believes that when creating a recovery plan for water damage restoration in Phoenix, you should take local conditions into account as well.
The complete process of water damage restoration is as follows:
Inspection and Assessment:
Our water damage restoration technicians will inspect to determine the extent of visible damage and assess whether there is hidden moisture using specialized equipment like moisture detection devices and thermal imaging devices. This provides a more thorough way to evaluate overall water damage mitigation in Phoenix.
Water Extraction: Our professionals remove standing water quickly and efficiently with industrial-grade pumps and vacuums. The faster they are able to eliminate any standing body of liquid water from the affected structure, the better chance you have of preventing additional water absorption into structures and the development of bacteria and mold.
Structural Drying and Monitoring:
After all standing water has been extracted from the affected area, we will strategically place air movers and high-capacity dehumidifiers in the areas affected by the loss to monitor the moisture of all affected materials until they have reached safe moisture levels.
Cleaning and Sanitization:
Your technician will perform a thorough cleaning and sanitization of the area impacted by the water damage loss so that there are no contaminants left behind and to help ensure there is no bacteria or mold growth.
The fastest way to minimize your risk of water damage is to contact a professional as soon as possible. The sooner you contact a professional for assistance after experiencing water damage in your home, the more damage and disruption you will be able to prevent.
Conclusion: Don't Let Common Misconceptions Cost You Dollars
Water damage restoration is much more complex than just drying out a room or area. Common misconceptions regarding moisture, mold, insurance, and any potential risk to your property's structure can create serious problems that could cost you for a long time to come.
If you suspect there to be any hidden moisture or continuing leaks in your home, a quick internet search for Water Damage Restoration Near Me will give you a first step towards protecting your health and your home.
Arizona Restoration Contractors offers professional Water Damage Phoenix services for commercial and residential properties. With rapid response times, leading-edge drying equipment, and certified technicians, we provide a wide range of emergency water mitigation services through renovation and complete rebuilding.
Contact us today
to recover from unanticipated water damage as quickly and confidently as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Damage Restoration
How quickly can I expect to receive Water Damage Restoration Phoenix services?
You should expect to receive water damage restoration services immediately, as any time beyond 24 hours will result in further deterioration of your property as a result of the loss.
Can small leaks lead to serious problems?
Yes, even small (but continuous) leaks can lead to the weakening of structural components over a period of time.
Is there always going to be mold when there has been water damage?
Not necessarily, but moisture creates the perfect conditions for mold to thrive.
Does Phoenix's dry climate prevent water damage?
No, indoor moisture accumulates regardless of the outdoor conditions.
How long will it take to restore my property?
Many factors will contribute to the length of time it will take to properly restore your property; therefore, the time can vary greatly from just a few days to several weeks, depending on the amount of work involved in returning your property to its pre-loss condition.
