How Disaster Restoration Pros Work


The devastation to homes and businesses following a disaster—such as a flood, fire, or severe weather event—can be overwhelming. Disaster restoration companies step in, providing the needed services to help individuals and communities recover and rebuild. These specialized firms are equipped to handle the complexities of a disaster’s aftermath, ensuring the quick restoration of affected properties.


But have you ever wondered how they operate besides what you see?


Rapid response and assessment


The first step in the operation of disaster restoration companies is a rapid response. Time is critical when dealing with disaster aftermath, as the extent of damage can quickly go from bad to worse. Restoration companies typically offer 24/7 emergency services, ensuring they can be onsite immediately after being contacted. Upon arrival, the experts conduct an initial assessment to evaluate the damage and formulate a plan of action.


Water and fire damage restoration


While most disaster restoration companies handle virtually any issue, such as mold remediation, they focus primarily on floods and water-related disasters. They extract water as quickly as possible using specialized equipment. Following water removal, the area is dried using dehumidifiers and air movers to prevent mold and mildew growth, which can pose serious health risks.


In the case of fire damage, restoration companies secure the structure, remove debris, and address soot and smoke residue. This process is delicate and complex, as different materials absorb smoke differently and might require specific cleaning agents and techniques to prevent further damage.


Reconstruction and final restoration


Once the property is cleaned and stabilized, the next phase is reconstruction. This step is important for restoring buildings' structural integrity and restoring them to their pre-loss condition.


Additionally, many companies provide content restoration services, restoring furniture, electronics, and personal items affected by the water or fire event. This service can help salvage valuable or sentimental items, reducing the overall impact of the disaster.


Continuous communication and support


Throughout the entire process, effective communication remains a priority. Restoration companies keep property owners informed, from initial assessments to final walkthroughs. This transparency helps alleviate the stress for those affected and ensures they know the progress.


Disaster restoration companies are crucial in helping individuals and communities recover from catastrophic events. When you need their help, they are there for you. After all, it pays to call a pro!

How Evaporation Works


The U.S. EPA says, “Evaporation is the process that changes liquid water to gaseous water (water vapor). Water moves from the Earth’s surface to the atmosphere via evaporation.”


Is there more to it? For your home, yes. While there is science to evaporation, and entire industries are dedicated to studying and implementing the science, when things get wet, such as from a failed sump pump, a broken pipe, or water intrusion issues, understanding evaporation and using that knowledge is essential.


If you get light water damage, such as something covering a few feet, you will probably attempt to dry it yourself. Whatever you do, make sure you get it completely dry. This is where the science comes in. Evaporation is increased with both air flow and dehumidification. You may have a small dehumidifier, but there is no doubt you have a few fans. By moving air across the wet surface and relying on a dehumidifier to remove the water from the air, you increase evaporation. However, removing water from a surface and not dehumidifying the air means it will take everything longer to dry.


When water damage occurs, it’s critical to work on removing the moisture and restoring property right away. This is tough to do without the right equipment, not even considering the time involved. Let the pros do it.


If your home has a basement, you probably have moisture. You need to manage that. Opening windows isn’t usually a good option. Installing effective dehumidifiers is one of the best ways to keep a basement dry all the time. You can increase their effectiveness with airflow to move the air around.


If your basement walls are constantly wet, it would be smart to have an inspection by an expert who specializes in dry basements. Shop around and look at the reviews. This could get expensive but could also be necessary.


Professional contractors use professional tools for almost all water damage or other moisture issues. They have specialized equipment, such as air movers and dehumidifiers, and they have methods to monitor the drying process. These professionals create optimal conditions for evaporation, including controlled temperature, airflow, and humidity levels during the job.


So call your favorite restoration company. You don’t want more damage to occur, and you don’t want mold to grow. After all, it pays to call a pro!

How Flash Floods Work


This is the time of the year when we need to think about the possibilities of heavy snowfall, rain, and especially spring flooding, such as flash floods, which could be right around the corner.


Flooding is a natural disaster that can devastate homes, causing extensive damage and chaos for your family. Understanding how to first prevent and, if the unthinkable does occur … recover from flooding is essential for homeowners. Let’s look at what flooding is and where and when it can occur so you can analyze your own situation and prepare—if needed.


Flooding occurs when an overflow of water inundates land that is typically dry. Various factors, including heavy rainfall, coastal waves, rapid snowmelt, or the failure of dams and levees, can trigger it. Floods can wreak havoc with as little as a few inches of water or submerge entire houses, lasting for days, weeks, or even longer. Floods are the most widespread of all weather-related natural disasters.


Flash floods are hazardous as they combine the destructive force of floods with incredible speed. These occur when heavy rainfall exceeds the ground's ability to absorb it. Flash floods can also result from water filling ordinarily dry creeks or streams or when streams overflow their banks, causing rapid water rises within a short timeframe. These events can unfold within minutes, leaving little time for public warning and protection. The only good news here is this doesn’t occur everywhere, but you should know if you are in a zone that could be affected. Do your research.


Areas at Risk


The first would be densely populated areas. Urban development, including buildings, highways, and parking lots, increases runoff by reducing ground absorption and elevating the risk of flash floods.


The failure of storm drains is also a concern. In cities and towns, underground routing of streams into storm drains can overflow during heavy rain, flooding nearby roads and buildings.


Even low spots can be a concern, such as underpasses, underground parking garages, basements, and low-water crossings.


Areas near rivers, mountainous regions, and when dams release water for safety reasons, are all concerns as well. If your home is in the pathway of possible water, prepare your home with smart landscaping and other means to keep water from entering.


What You Can Do


While the risk of flooding is always there, you can prepare. Having a professional restoration company on your side will help bring your damaged home back to pre-flood condition. Contact your favorite restoration company and get their help if something does happen. After all, it pays to call a pro!