Hi, I’m Chris Parks with North Star Services, LLC, and I’m going to answer a question we receive quite often from local real estate agents and homeowners alike. ‘Do I need a water damage restoration expert to handle my issues in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area?
When it comes down to it, each issue needs to be separately addressed. While some water damage may seem small, these tiny issues could very well be part of something much more involved. Until you get a professional water damage company that has the tools and technology to review the entire issue at hand, you can never be too careful. Not saying that a simple faucet drip or clogged gutter can’t be swiftly corrected, however many times water damage occurs when the simple isn’t that simple.
Water Damage is a Multi-step Process
Typically, water damage restoration is a multi-step process that should be handled by an experienced, certified and licensed water restoration contractor. A small plumbing issue could actually span several rooms behind drywall setting the stage for costly water damage and potential mold growth.
Commercial and Residential Water Damage Services
At North Star Services, we handle both residential and commercial customers. We have today’s technology such as thermal imaging cameras, penetrating and non-penetrating moisture meters to exactly pinpoint if and where water damage is occurring. Then we can monitor those environments, using dehumidification and other equipment taking damaged areas from wet to dry ensuring no secondary damage.
Plus, with my previous experience working with insurance claims and adjustments, we’ll help you navigate the waters by properly documenting the issue(s) so you have the best possibility of your insurance company paying for the loss. With our experience, we’ll quickly and efficiently speed recovery to pre-loss condition.
Precautions Dealing With Water Damage
There are some precautions and steps you can follow to help if you experience water damage in your home or office.
When Dealing with Water Damage
Contact a licensed, certified water damage restoration company such as North Star Services as soon as possible. Damage from water, mold and bacteria growth can begin within 24-48 hours
Do not enter an affected building
If water damage is due to natural disaster, check for any fallen power lines
Do not enter into rooms with standing water if the power is still on
If possible, disconnect the power if you must enter damaged property
Remove as much as water as possible by blotting and mopping
Do not use an ordinary household vacuum to remove water
Electric appliances should not be used on wet floors and wet carpet
Wet fabrics should be removed and dried as soon as possible
Hang Leather goods and furs to dry separately at room temperature
Move paintings, photos, guns and art objects to a dry, safe location
Keep open luggage, closet doors, and furniture drawers to enhance drying
Health Tips When Dealing With Water Damage
Turn off any air handling systems or HVAC if safely accessible
Avoid contact with sewage or sewage-contaminated items
Do not consume any food that has been left out in contaminated environments
Do not turn on fans to dry out the room
Do not stay in the building if you have respiratory problems like asthma, allergies, etc
Timing Is Everything
Remember, no home or business owner can predict when water damage will strike. But, when a leak, flood, or storm does result in water damage, timing is everything.