Water Damage Resource Guide

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WATER DAMAGE RESOURCE GUIDE

No matter how much you prepare, water damage can happen. Whether it’s from a busted pipe or a storm, taking action in the hours after the event has occurred is crucial. The quicker you act, the less damage your property could potentially suffer.

If you’re in search of a restoration company in the Treasure Valley, call us at (208) 794-9073. Otherwise, if you’re doing research on how to prepare and handle water damage, we’ve provided this comprehensive resource guide filled with all the questions and information to empower you as a home or business owner.


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It’s possible for water damage to originate from a variety of sources, some of which are in your control to help prevent possible damage. These are the most common sources of water damage home and property owners should be aware of:

Discovering water damage in your property can be overwhelming, but taking immediate action is crucial to minimize further damage and mitigate potential risks. Here's what you should do between the time of discovering water damage and the arrival of Complete Restoration Services (CRS):

  1. Call CRS: As soon as you discover water damage, it is essential to contact CRS right away. Our dedicated team of professionals is available 24/7 to respond promptly to your emergency. We proudly serve Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Eagle, and the entire Treasure Valley. By reaching out to CRS, you can trust that help is coming.

  2. Ensure Safety: Prioritize your safety and the safety of others on the property. If the water damage poses any immediate hazards, such as electrical risks or structural instability, evacuate the affected area and keep others away from the danger zone until professionals arrive.

  3. Document the Damage: Take photographs or videos of the affected areas if it is safe. These visual records can be valuable for insurance claims and documentation purposes, providing evidence of the extent of the water damage.

  4. Mitigate Further Damage: If possible, and without putting yourself at risk, you can take some initial steps to mitigate further damage. For instance, if a broken pipe or leak is evident, turn off the main water supply to prevent additional water flow. However, avoid attempting complex repairs or restoration efforts, as this should be left to the expertise of CRS professionals.

  5. Remove Valuables: If items such as electronics, furniture, or important documents are at risk of being damaged by the water, move them to a safe and dry area if they can be done safely. However, prioritize personal safety and not risk injury or exposure to hazardous conditions.

Depending on the type and volume of water causing damage, the total time it takes to dry a structure can vary. Once Complete Restoration Services arrives on the scene, we get to work creating and implementing a plan of action that is going to remedy the situation quickly and safely.

Calling CRS's disaster response team as soon as you notice water damage is important. If left untreated, the water can encourage the growth of mold, fungus and bacteria, some of which are very harmful to humans, and require special attention. In as little as 48 hours, these nasty contaminants can begin to flourish.

Our team will come to the scene with equipment such as extractors, air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture meters to start stabilizing and perform moisture mapping. We will work diligently to minimize the drying time and restore your property to its pre-damaged condition as quickly as possible while ensuring thorough drying and mitigating potential risks associated with prolonged moisture exposure.

Remember, time is of the essence when it comes to water damage. The sooner you engage CRS for professional assistance, the quicker we can begin the restoration process, preventing further damage and helping to safeguard the health and integrity of your property.

As mentioned above, it's vital to call a disaster cleanup and restoration team like Complete Restoration Services immediately after discovering water damage. Leaving water damage untreated can only worsen the damage and cause the environment to become hazardous. If water damage is not addressed quickly, these are the possible consequences:

  • Decay and mold growth
  • Breakdown of carpet
  • Warping and buckling of wood floors
  • Brittle and swollen drywall
  • Corrosion to piping
  • Discoloration and bubbling of paint
  • Damage to electrical systems and wiring
  • Warping of cabinets
  • Weakening of subfloor

Water damage is categorized according to the level of contamination, considering its source and the quality it acquires after coming into contact with materials at the job site. The IICRC S500 water classification system provides guidelines for these categories:

Category 1 Water Damage

This category refers to water originating from a sanitary source and poses minimal risks of dermal, ingestion, or inhalation exposure. Examples include:

  • Rainwater
  • Melting Snow/Ice
  • Refrigerator Line Water Break
  • Toilet Tank

Category 2 Water Damage

Category 2 water damage involves water that contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Examples include:

  • Dishwasher Water
  • Washing Machine Water
  • Toilet Bowl Overflow with Urine

Category 3 Water Damage

Category 3 water damage is the most severe and involves grossly contaminated water that can contain pathogenic, toxigenic, or other harmful agents. Contact or consumption of this water can lead to significant adverse reactions. Examples include:

  • Backflows of Sewer Systems
  • Water from Streams and Rivers
  • Toilet Bowl Overflow with Feces
  • Sewage

It's important to note that Category 1 water damage can deteriorate into Category 2 or even Category 3 if it remains stagnant for an extended period, affects specific areas, or promotes mold growth. Prompt action and professional water damage restoration are essential to prevent the escalation of water contamination and associated risks.

Determining when water damage is severe and requires professional intervention is crucial for protecting your property. Here are some indicators that water damage may be considered bad and in need of professional assistance:

  • Impact on multiple areas and hard to dry materials
  • Hidden moisture and potential mold growth
  • Delayed cleanup and organic matter

You should always have a home inspected before you make any purchases, but it is possible to buy and sell a property after it's undergone water damage. Ultimately it will depend on how much damage the water caused, and how well it was mitigated after the event. Complete Restoration Services is ready to assist in the restoration process, ensuring that any water damage is addressed promptly and effectively, bringing the property back to its optimal condition.

There are also laws and regulations in place to protect buyers from shady business practices. Buyers and realtors should review the Seller's Property Disclosure Form while assessing the property's condition. Sellers can face serious legal consequences for falsifying or withholding any information about flooding and other types of damage.

“When a seller decides to list a home that has previously remediated fire and water damage, it will not show up on the property title. It will, however, show up in the title if one or more of the contractors has filed a lien against the property for an unpaid balance due. This is called a mechanic's lien.

A mechanic's lien is a legal claim on a property that helps ensure the owner's guarantee of payment. This lien is typically filed against the property by contractors and builders for material and labor. The lien can apply to real and personal property and will be removed from the title once payment is satisfied.

Before listing the property publicly or brokerage exclusively, the client's Realtor will send or fill out the client a RE-25 (Seller's Property Condition Disclosure Form). This form must be filled out to the absolute best knowledge of the seller. This form covers appliances, the electrical system, heating and cooling systems, fuel tank, moisture and drainage conditions, water and sewer systems, sewer system type, water source and type, roof, siding, hazardous conditions, and other disclosures.

If any conditions have been filled out falsely, with the seller's knowledge of an existing or past issue, the seller can be liable for legal recourse. It is important that buyer and their Realtor carefully read through the Seller's Property Disclosure Form before making an offer on a home to understand the condition of the given property. This would be considered part of the process of Due Diligence.”

– Timothy Martz, Altius Group, Keller Williams Realty Boise

Mold growth can occur rapidly after a water leak or water damage incident. According to FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), mold colonies can develop on damp surfaces within 24 to 48 hours. Mold reproduces through spores, lightweight "seeds" that can travel through the air. Once mold grows, it digests organic materials, causing damage and spreading to adjacent areas.

In addition to the structural harm it can cause, mold can pose health risks, ranging from mild to severe. The FEMA Mold Brochure highlights the urgency of addressing water leaks promptly to prevent mold growth and mitigate potential damage.

It is important to note that mold growth is not inevitable after a water leak. Still, the conditions for mold development are favorable when there is a source of moisture and organic matter. Taking preventive measures can help minimize the risk of mold growth. Controlling humidity levels, maintaining cleanliness, and using disinfectants can help create an environment less conducive to mold growth.

However, when water damage occurs, it is crucial to eliminate the source of moisture and effectively address the mold problem to prevent its proliferation and potential health hazards. By taking prompt action and engaging professional restoration services like CRS, homeowners can mitigate the risks associated with mold growth and ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

Determining whether drywall must be replaced after a water leak is crucial in water damage restoration. Our team of IICRC-certified technicians at Complete Restoration Services (CRS) is skilled in assessing the condition of drywall and making informed decisions regarding its repair or replacement.

Drywall comprises gypsum, a sulfate mineral, sandwiched between two paperboards. When impacted by water, drywall can exhibit visible signs such as staining, swelling, and softening. These indicators suggest that the structural integrity of the drywall has been compromised.

If water has infiltrated the exterior walls, the insulation and drywall can become damaged. Insulation cannot be effectively dried and will require removal. Additionally, the studs and sill plates of the framing may also be impacted by water saturation.

However, the need for drywall replacement depends on various factors, such as the category of water damage, the extent of saturation, and the incident duration. In some situations, specialized wall drying equipment can facilitate drying and salvage the existing drywall, minimizing the need for removal.

Our experienced technicians will thoroughly evaluate the extent of water damage and determine the most appropriate course of action for the affected drywall. Our goal is to restore the property to its pre-loss condition efficiently and effectively while ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the building.

Following the completion of the water remediation process, Complete Restoration Services (CRS) offers comprehensive reconstruction services to restore your home to its previous state. A team of skilled reconstruction professionals handles the reconstruction phase from start to finish.

The CRS Mitigation and Reconstruction departments work collaboratively to ensure a smooth and efficient turnaround time for restoring your home. Our experienced professionals assess the damage, devise a detailed plan, and precisely execute the necessary repairs and renovations.

From structural repairs to cosmetic enhancements, every aspect of the reconstruction process is carefully managed by our team. Our focus is to minimize disruptions to your daily life by swiftly and effectively completing the necessary reconstruction tasks. We understand the significance of returning your home to a safe and comfortable living environment, and our team is dedicated to achieving that objective.

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