One of the most important functions of any home is to keep residents dry. Sometimes, water can find its way inside the home. The two main methods for controlling and repairing damage caused by a water incident such as major floods, are water mitigation and damage restoration. The two methods are complementary. It’s best to call a professional if you have a leak that is more serious than minor.
Water Mitigation vs. Water Damage Restoration
Although water mitigation and restoration of water damage may seem similar, these are two different processes which occur at different times. Both mitigation and restoration are done in sequence; they rarely happen one without the other.
Before water damage restoration, the home must be stabilized. Water mitigation stabilises the house and prevents further damage. After water mitigation, water damage restoration is used to restore homes to their pre-damaged condition.
| Water Mitigation | Water Damage Repair |
|---|---|
| Protects residents and property from further damage | Water damage can be repaired to bring the property back to its original state |
| During or shortly after an event, it is important to perform these tasks | After the event, you can do this: |
| It does not replace the property | Damaged items and property are repaired |
| Property is typically removed, repaired or discarded | The home is stocked with new items, such as construction materials |
| Stop-gap temporary solution | Permanent Solution |
What are the different types of water mitigation and damage restoration?
Water that is found on the exterior comes from a variety of sources, including leaking gutters and groundwater. Water can also come from inside – water leaks, overflowing showers, tubs, or a broken water heater. The three types of water determine the price and level of mitigation services.
- Clear Water : Clear water that is usually potable and comes from burst pipes
- Gray Water : Water that is murky, usually used from washing machines, dishwashers or sump pumps.
- Black Water : Water contaminated by toilets and sewage pipes
What is Water Mitigation?
The process of water mitigation involves stopping water flow immediately, assessing what type of mitigation effort is needed, extracting water from the area and drying it out.
- Stability of the building structure
- Remove water damaged furniture and carpets
- Water damage assessment: Clear, gray, or black?
- Cleaning the remaining material
- Pumps and wet/dry commercial vacuums for extracting water
- Large fans are effective in drying out properties
- Tarps can prevent further damage from water
- If necessary, board up the windows and secure your property.
What is Water Damage Restoration (WDR)?
The process of water damage restoration involves repairing and restoring water damaged homes in order to restore them back to their original state before the event. After water mitigation, the restoration of water damage is done.
- Remove water-damaged wallboard and structural elements
- Remove and dispose of the floor covering
- Subfloor replacement or restoration
- Mold remediation: Removing and capping mold (mold removal)
- Replace or repair windows with new ones
- Repairing roof damage
- Test for moisture in the home and other elements to make sure they are dry
Cost of Water Mitigation
Water mitigation costs can range from 1,300 to 5,200 , depending on how large the house is and the amount of water. The cost to mitigate clear water damages, like a burst water pipe or dishwasher leak, is about half of what it costs for homes that have been damaged by blackwater (about 8 per square feet).
Water Damage Repair Costs
Water damage restoration costs are determined by the amount of damage, type of event that caused the damage and size of your home. Water damage restoration costs can range between 1,500 and $6,000 .
Water damage restoration costs can range from 200 to 300, for small services like cosmetic touch ups in a bathroom or small areas of the house to 50k to 100k if you need to replace structural components on an entire floor.
What to do if you need help with water damage restoration or mitigation?
You may be able, if you are able to use a submersible or large fan and a wet/dry large vacuum on a smaller area. It’s a good start to remove some of the water before you hire a professional. Water mitigation companies are usually hired for anything bigger than a minor leak.
Water damage can be repaired by a homeowner with experience in home remodeling. Home remodeling tasks like installing new flooring or drywall are important but time-consuming. Water damage can be extensive enough to require professional assistance. Before closing up the structure, it’s important to make sure that every structural element is completely dry.