Water Damage
When water damage strikes in the Gwinnett and surrounding area, you can be assured that GCM Restoration can handle any size loss. With over 20 years of experience, our team is quick to respond when you need restoration or construction services. With all water damage situations, it is critical to make sure that the water is extracted and removed from your property as quickly as possible. Any standing water or flood water left on the property can cause secondary damages and lead to mold growth. Once our team removes the water, we will place specialized drying equipment throughout the facility and monitor the drying process until your property is dry and ready for any repairs.
We understand how inconvenient water damage can be. The danger to you and your family when the water affecting your home is contaminated could be exponential. Our team of professionals will immediately assess the situation and protect you and your home from any further damage.
Our team members are trained in the latest Mitigation and Remediation techniques and will determine the best plan of action for your property. There are three categories of water based on the level of contamination that may be present:
● Category 1, is water that escapes from a clean and/or sanitary source such as faucets, toilet tanks, supply lines etc. Carpeting, personal belongings, and other soft goods can usually be professionally dried and restored, however, category one can quickly degrade into category two if not dealt with right away.
● Category 2, or grey water, water is contaminated with chemical, physical, or biological elements or water that travels through another material such as insulation, drywall, etc. that may cause illness. Sources include dishwasher or washing machine overflows. This type of water damage requires additional cleaning and decontamination steps to be taken to prevent illness.
● Category 3, water contains significant pathogens and is grossly unsanitary. It could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Also called “black water”, Category 3 water includes sewer backups, flooding from rivers or streams, toilet overflows, or stagnant liquid that has begun to support bacterial growth.
WHAT CAUSES WATER DAMAGE?
Water damage happens for a variety of reasons, including:
● Plumbing leaks
● Broken water heaters
● Severe weather
● Appliance leaks
● Burst or broken pipes and hoses
● A clogged toilet
● Moisture behind walls
● A leaking roof
● Clogged gutters
● HVAC condensation
● Blocked drains
● A leaking water heater
● Washing machine supply line leak
● Sump pump problems
● Structural damage
● Foundation cracks
WHAT TO DO FIRST
If your property has experienced water damage, there are several things you can do before our restoration experts arrive. Time is of the essence in these situations and a quick response can make a major difference in the extent of repairs and restoration. Here are some recommendations to keep in mind during a water damage or flooding event in your home:
Some things you should do:
● Immediately call for professional help. Water and bacteria-growth damages can begin within hours.
● Remove as much water as possible by mopping and blotting.
● Remove wet area rugs or other floor coverings not permanently attached.
● Do not attempt to start removing wall-to-wall carpet without a professional.
● Move photos, paintings, and art objects to a safe, dry location.
WHAT NOT TO DO
There are also certain things you should not do in the case of a water emergency. Adhere to the following advice to avoid injury or further damage to your property:
● Never enter a room with standing water until electricity has been turned off!
● Never use a regular household vacuum to remove water.
● Never lift tacked-down carpet without professional help.
● Never use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or flooring.
● Do not disturb visible mold.
Water damage is a common occurrence for homeowners. It can cause issues running from paint damage to affecting the structural integrity of your home. There are many reasons for water damage. However, the most likely areas in your home that will see damage include ceilings, kitchens, walls, and your basement. This is due to the fact that leaky pipes and floods are likely in those areas. Consult a professional immediately when dealing with water damage or flooding in these common areas.
These are the steps during the water damage restoration process:
● First, we assess the damage through an inspection.
● Next, is water mitigation and preventing further damage to your property and belongings. Water mitigation is the process of reducing or preventing the amount of water damage that happens after a flood or due to a leaking roof.
● Finally, we help you recover from the water damage, with a focus on returning your property to pre-loss conditions.