Contents

When a water intrusion occurs, often it’s not just the structure that is impacted, but the contents as well.

An appropriate response is often the difference between successful restoration or repair, or costly replacement. When water intrusion occurs, many items that have become affected by moisture are not damaged initially. Affected content should be evaluated and, if restorable, appropriate mitigation procedures be taken to preserve them from further damage, including secondary damage.

The contents in the home should be blocked during the documentation process (first thing). This is to help stop or prevent further wicking. All the contents in the affected area will need to be moved to complete the mitigation process. In some cases, it’s likely the contents will need to be packed out of the home and into a pod.

The contents team will prepare a detailed inventory prior to the pack out. The inventory will consist of a brief description; quantity; condition; location within the dwelling; and an inventory number for each item, box, or group of items.

EXTRACTION

At some point in the beginning of the mitigation process you may see and hear a Tech using a water extractor.

This is done to remove as much water as possible. In some cases extraction isn’t needed. The more water you can remove the better.

Removing as much water (moisture) as possible is very important when dealing with a drying situation. Less moisture left behind after extracting is less the equipment will have to evaporate. When extraction is needed, water extraction is done more then once with multiple passes.

Water can be efficiently removed from the structure, systems, and contents using extraction units with sufficient vacuum capability (lift and airflow). These units can also be use for removing deep standing water when pumps are not available. Extraction can be performed with units designed specifically for this purpose or with units designed for carpet cleaning with water extraction capability. The extracted water is either captured in a holding tank or pumped into a sanitary sewer system. Local, state, provincial, and federal regulations determine the proper disposal of extracted water. There are two basic types of extraction units : truck mount and portable.

EQUIPMENT

The necessary equipment to dry a structure is installed during a water mitigation project.

It’s very important a business or home owner never turn the equipment off. The equipment can be noisy at times and warm. The drying process must stay operational 24/7 until we have reached our drying goal.

What you will see on most water damaged jobs is an air mover. There are several different types of air movers. The purpose of the air moving equipment is to direct airflow at or across wet materials; to accelerate evaporation, to provide ventilation, or to create an air pressure differential between two areas. Another is the dehumidifier. Dehumidification equipment is installed to help remove moisture from the air. Dehumidifiers of sufficient performance and capacity are necessary to create an effective drying system.

Core24 Services at times is required to install a Heat-drying systems to dry wet materials by circulating heated air throughout the affected area or by focusing thermal energy directly on the wet materials. The resulting moisture laden air is either dried by mechanical dehumidification or exhausted to the outdoor environment.

Removal

Removal can be done to gain access to an affected area like under the tub.

A lot of times the wall in the closet on the other side of the tub is the best location to address the affected area. When the insulation in the wall becomes saturated the insulation is sabotaged therefore the building material covering the insulation will need to be removed. Any home built prier to 1981 is tested for lead and/or asbestos by a third party IEP.

Restorers should consider several criteria when determining that materials or parts of an assembly are restorable. Additionally, restorers should understand the effects of moisture on building materials and assemblies. Answers to the following questions in the affirmative can indicate restoring parts or assemblies is recommended. Questions to consider can include but not limited to:

• Is it Category 1 water?
• Can drying goals likely be achieved and confirmed?
• Can the assembly be adequately dried without partial removal?
• Will the assembly return to its original structural integrity?
• Can affected components be dried more cost-effectively than replacement?

CLEANING & TREATING

Mitigation methods and procedures rely on thorough cleaning and debris removal first

Then, if appropriate, the application of antimicrobials (biocide). Thus, it is important for restorers to evaluate whether antimicrobial (biocide) application is appropriate. When there is a Category 1 water intrusion that has not changed in category, the use of antimicrobials (biocides) is generally not warranted.

When building materials are removed, the debris left behind are clean and HEPA vacuumed to prevent and dust accumulation in the air. The cleaning process is very important when dealing with the drying process. The dirtier the affected area the more potential for secondary damage or cross-contamination.

We threat the affected areas with an antimicrobial to help kill or inhibit growth of microorganisms. Antimicrobials are substances used to destroy (biocides) or suppress growth (growth inhibitors/static agents) of microorganisms (i.e., bacteria, viruses, or fungi) on inanimate objects, surfaces, and materials.