When water damage occurs, you must waste no time acting, as the longer water stays in a property, trust us, the more damage it can cause.
Water damage can negatively affect the property’s structure, compromising its integrity, with the increased chances of the property also developing mould and bacteria growth. (Read more on how to prevent mould and bacteria from developing after flood damage HERE).
Water damage services such as the clean-up and restoration of properties are complex processes but vital in preventing permanent damage. Carrying out water extraction and water mitigation processes immediately is the first stage in the process of returning your property to a good state.
However, there are some key differences between water extraction and mitigation, and in this post, we look at both below.
Difference between water mitigation and water extraction
Water extraction ultimately removes all water that is seen. Helping to speed up the drying process and reduce the risk of secondary water damage.
Reports show that mould can grow as quickly as 48 hours after a property has been submerged in water, making prompt water extraction vital. Even the smallest levels of water can be destructive.
Using industrial-strength vacuums and powerful pumps, water extraction tools can tackle flood water removal from hardwood floors, carpets, and any other relevant surfaces within the property.
Often the process will involve using a cleaning solution to help with smells and bacteria and then vacuuming up the moisture as much as possible.
If you’re suffering from commercial flood damage, specialist pumps can remove gallons of water at any one time, pumping the water out quickly and effectively into drainage systems outside the building.
Other professional equipment as part of the extraction process includes moisture detectors to measure moisture saturation and infrared cameras that help find the “hidden” water within the property.
Any water or moisture trapped in cracks or grooves can be removed with ease with water extraction.
Once the team has completed the water extraction process, water mitigation begins.
Water mitigation varies from water extraction as this is the part of the process that cleans, sanitises, and dries out the property to minimise water damage. Ultimately, water mitigation prevents further damage from occurring by taking swift action, removing unsalvageable contents, cleaning all affected areas thoroughly, applying appropriate and safe disinfectants to remove nasty smells, and thoroughly drying the property’s structure.
Water mitigation removes debris, damaged furniture, and building materials, stabilizes the property keeping its integrity intact, cleaning and disinfecting all salvageable contents and household materials, and dries the entire property with commercial-grade equipment.
It is only when the property is fully dry that repairs can be carried out. The drying out process is however, dependent on the level of flood damage and can take anything from days to weeks.
It’s important to mention at this stage water remediation and the difference between remediation and mitigation.
Remediation is where you can work to eliminate the threat of water damage. In contrast, mitigation is the process of minimising the extent of the damage, i.e., it prevents further damage; however, it does not repair it.
Once water mitigation is complete, water restoration will take place, eliminating all moisture from structural materials and the air.
Water damage restoration focuses on rebuilding and reconstructing the property, fixing any issues resulting from water damage. This could include replacing damaged flooring, carrying out roof repairs, removing mould, humidity and moisture testing, and more.
Using diagnostic tools, moisture and damp levels can be measured to determine any other drying methods that may be required, i.e., humidifiers, air scrubbers, etc. This will help prevent rotting, swelling, and warping from occurring and help keep the property mould free.
Carrying out all three process steps in the event of water damage is essential as the property must return to a safe and healthy condition before you can assume it is safe and secure.
Professional water damage restoration companies will provide all three services, extraction, mitigation, and restoration, to ensure you achieve the best possible results.
Efficient extraction and mitigation lead to a greater chance of successful restoration.
The experienced professionals at Clear Choice have the specialist equipment and expertise to restore your property quickly and effectively.
If you’re ever in a situation where you require water damage services or water damage repairs, make sure to contact the most trusted professionals around, Clear Choice.
Call 01132 711 432
