Investigating Flood Damage In Bloomingdale Caused By A Ground Floor Pipe Leak

5/5/2017 (Permalink)

At SERVPRO, we spend time helping customers recognize and deal with the warning signs of flood damage before it occurs.

Flood Damage Caused By A Pipe Leak

At SERVPRO, we spend time helping customers recognize and deal with the warning signs of flood damage before it occurs. However, unexpected incidents happen all the time, and it is not always possible to prepare for a residential leak. If water intrusion becomes an urgent issue, the best step is to call in the experts.

The secret to repairing flood damage in Bloomingdale homes is a familiarity with how water behaves. It is what our team can offer you; the knowledge of how different materials respond to flooding. Before we even turn up at your location, we have a good idea of what to expect and where to start the structural drying process.

The Scenario
Imagine a relatively common scenario. Flooding has occurred in a home because a ground floor pipe has burst or cracked and emptied water into the property. It is cold, clear liquid (likely free of bacteria), but it is covering the whole of the bottom floor with two inches of water. The efficiency and quality of the drying process, in this situation, depends on how quickly we can pump out the standing water and get fans, air movers, and dehumidifiers set up.

Soft Materials And Fabrics
Often, carpets turn out to be some of the hardest items to dry. It is because they are too large to lift up and out of the wet area. So, the SERVPRO technicians have to find a way to remediate them directly. The success of this is, once again, dependent on the fiber type and construction/manufacturing features.

Generally, it is more cost effective and causes less damage to leave the carpet where it is. However, what we can do is lift it up a few inches off the floor. It is a really effective way to dry because fans get directed underneath. They blow out cold, wet air and ensure that the most vulnerable parts (concealed subflooring) start drying first (from the inside outwards).

Hard Floor Coverings
Normally, we do not try to salvage floor coverings with a fibreboard construction, like laminate. They are highly permeable. So much so that the material can end up behaving like cardboard. It expands at a rapid rate and any adhesive qualities degrade. For this reason, it is not usually a cost-effective option to try and dry the covering.

On the other hand, if the leak has affected hardwood surfaces (block or plank), the rate of absorption is not such an urgent problem. Nevertheless, the drying capabilities depend on the fixing features, the age of the materials, the condition of the floor, the quality of the subflooring, and duration of water exposure.

Time is a crucial factor when it comes to drying any structural material. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch with SERVPRO of Kingsport / Bristol if internal flooding hits your home. Call us 24/7 at (423) 245-5552 for fast, reliable water damage repairs.