Water Mitigation

We understand the devastating effects that storm damage or flooding can have on your home. Our team of experts is here to assist you in the water damage mitigation process.

The Importance of Water Mitigation

When faced with water damage, it is crucial to take immediate action to mitigate any further harm and prevent long-term consequences. Water damage can cause extensive structural damage, compromise the integrity of your home, and lead to the growth of mold and mildew. Prompt mitigation can significantly reduce these risks and prevent further deterioration. By addressing the water damage swiftly and efficiently, you can save time, money, and ensure the safety of your family and loved ones.

Mold Remediation License

We hold a mold remediation license, ensuring that we comply with all necessary regulations and guidelines for services performed during water and flood mitigation. Our licensed professionals possess the upmost seasoned knowledge and proficient skillset to effectively handle any small or large mold remediation and water damage mitigation job, giving you peace of mind that it will be done correctly and safely.

IICRC Certifications

We are proud to hold two certifications (WRT & ASD) from the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) – the leading authority in the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries

Water damage restoration technician. — The WRT certification indicates that our team members have undergone specialized training and possess the necessary skills to handle any water damage restoration projects. With this certification, we are equipped to assess the extent of the damage, extract water, dry and dehumidify the affected areas, treat any mold or contaminations, and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.

Applied structural drying technician. — The ASD certification demonstrates our expertise in drying and restoring structures affected by water damage with the upmost safety protocols in place. We follow industry-best practices to ensure thorough drying, prevent further damage, mitigate the risk of mold growth, all while protecting the health and safety of workers and occupants. Our team utilizes advanced equipment and techniques to achieve optimal results in the shortest possible time.

The Water Mitigation Process

Assessment

First and foremost before entering, we always prioritize personal safety by assessing the area for any potential hazards, such as electrical or structural damage. We use specialized equipment like pumps, wet vacuums, and dehumidifiers to remove standing water from the affected area. The goal is to extract as much water as possible to minimize further damage. Then we conduct a thorough evaluation of the affected area to identify the extent of moisture penetration. This may involve using moisture meters, thermal imaging cameras, or other tools to detect hidden moisture behind walls, under floors, or in ceilings.

Thermal camera measuring water damage in wall.

Thermal camera measuring water damage in ceiling.

Moisture meter measuring water damage in ceiling.

Moisture meter measuring water damage in wall.

The Clean Out/Mud Out

This process typically takes a 4 person crew 1-4 days depending on the content to be removed and the square footage of the floor(s) that were damaged. You may know this by “clean out” or “mud out”. We will determine which items are salvageable and which need to be discarded, and move unaffected items to a safe location and implement measures to protect them from further damage. We remove and discard all irreparable materials such as saturated carpets, drywall, insulation, and furniture that cannot be salvaged.

Drywall removal during water mitigation.

Bagged up saturated insulation for disposal.

The Treating & Drying Process

After removal of all contaminated contents and thorough cleaning, we apply a commercial grade biocide to the remaining parts of the home. This will kill any potentially remaining mold spores and be an inhibitor for future mold growth. Commercial style air movers are strategically placed around the home to evaporate the water from your framing and saturate the moisture into the air. Commercial grade dehumidifiers are then used in the home to remove the water from the air. This water is typically pumped into a sink, toilet, or outside the home. In other words, the air movers promote evaporation, while the dehumidifiers extract the evaporated moisture from the air, while maintaining a controlled environment for effective drying. The specific combination and placement of air movers and dehumidifiers depend on the size of the affected area, the extent of water damage, and the conditions of the environment. This process helps prevent secondary damage such as mold growth and structural instability.

Commercial-grade air movers and industrial dehumidifier.

Stud cleaning after water damage mitigation.

Testing Moisture Levels

The drying process continues for typically 1-5 days until moisture levels in the wood framing and existing drywall meet the strict local and state guidelines. You cannot guess or feel for moisture levels. We continuously monitor the moisture levels in the affected area during and after the mitigation process to ensure that the area is adequately dried, and to prevent any potential mold or microbial growth. The existing materials in the home are tested to determine the moisture levels using sensitive testing equipment. Only after the moisture readings are below the threshold in all rooms will the fans and dehumidifiers be removed.

Commercial grade dehumidifier displaying humidity levels.

Home Restoration

Now that the water mitigation and mold preventative measures have taken place, it’s time for Gulf Coast Contractors to return your home to its pre-damaged condition. This may involve new flooring, insulation, drywall, paint, appliances, cabinets, trim work and any other necessary repairs. However big or small, we do it all.

Roof Replacement

It’s important to know that no interior repairs or restoration should begin until a damaged roof has been permanently fixed or replaced. In situations involving natural disasters, insurance companies and contractors start receiving massive amounts of work almost immediately. Therefore, it is vital to act quickly. We recommend getting your roof replaced as soon as possible as this will allow you to be first on interior repairs and get you back in to your home as soon as possible. If you want to beat the crowd, avoid shingle shortages, and get a new roof installed quickly, discuss your options with us today.