The Right Tools for a Water Loss.
6/16/2021 (Permalink)
The world of water damage restoration is one of intricacy and precision. For restoration strategies to be a success, they need to be backed up by the right equipment and skills. This can mean something as sturdy as a pair of safety boots or an industry specific tool like a moisture meter.
The assortment of tools put together for every job reflects the uniqueness of water damage restoration. As every task is different, so too is the toolkit. While not all water damage requires technicians to rely on heavy duty equipment, there are some occasions when demolition tools are needed to remove compromised materials as fast and as safely as possible.
Protective Clothing
Whether the level of risk posed by contaminants is high or negligible, technicians are required to wear protective clothing. This gear includes rubber gloves, rubber boots, safety goggles, and a breathing device to filter potentially harmful gases and particulates. Hazmat suits are required under extreme clean up conditions such as crime scenes, severe sewage back-ups, asbestos, and lead remediations. In areas where moisture has been present, mold, mildew, and bacteria must be taken into account.
Moisture Reading Devices
The moisture meter (or moisture detector) is one of the most important tools for a water damage restoration specialist. This device is utilized to measure the moisture percentage of materials so that technicians know which areas are the most badly affected and need attention most urgently. It is not possible to make these kinds of assessments by sight alone, so a moisture reader is an essential part of the restoration toolkit. Hygrometers detect the relative humidity (RH) in an open environment to ascertain the level of humidity in the ambient air.
Clean Up Tools
If it is clear that the affected part of the property is partially or entirely lost to water damage, a range of demolition tools may be used to remove the most badly destroyed materials. A sledgehammer and an axe, though not hi-tech tools, can be useful to knock down internal components, and a pressure washer brought in to channel out the water.
Drying and Displacement Tools
Once most of the standing water has been extracted from the property employing industrial grade water pumps (truck-mounted and portable), wet vacuums and sump pumps, more precise drying techniques can begin. There are some various tools which can be used to help with this. Industrial sized high-velocity fans, air movers, dehumidifiers (refrigerant and desiccant for large jobs), and heaters are often employed after standing water has been dealt with, and only small amounts of liquids and moisture remain.
SERVPRO technicians can put the finishing touches on the water damage in a property by using special fogging machines that disperse antifungal and antimicrobial products to sanitize and remove lingering odors. The well-equipped vehicles of SERVPRO also carry air scrubbers, ozone machines, and yes, even mops, squeegees, and buckets. Call on us to restore your property to its pre-water damaged condition "Like it never even happened."
We Use Advanced Drying Equipment and Techniques
Our advanced equipment helps to detect hidden moisture, extract the standing water quickly, and thoroughly clean and dry your home. SERVPRO of Rolla will finish the job with professional deodorization and sanitizing agents for your comfort and safety. Call us 24/7 for an immediate emergency response. (573) 368-5555