Torrential rains will cause most flat commercial roofs to leak or cave in under the weight of the water. Nearby rivers can break their banks and rise into commercial properties. Commercial flood cleanup is required, but is it water mitigation or water restoration? What’s the difference?
What Is Water Mitigation?
Commercial property owners need to understand that water damages more than just the building.
Standing water breeds mold and bacteria, whose pathogens are the author of respiratory and other potentially severe health problems. Water must be removed immediately and the premises thoroughly cleaned.
To mitigate something means to make it less serious. In the case of water damage, the removal of furnishings and merchandise is vital to preventing further damage.
This includes drywall, flooring, shelving, desks, chairs, computers, papers, and merchandise.
The hard items will be cleaned and disinfected. Next will be the removal of the water and the examination of the structural integrity of the building.
Water mitigation isn’t about repairing the structure or its contents. Preventing water damage from occurring again is the main goal of water mitigation services.
What Is Water Restoration?
Water restoration experts return your property to its condition before commercial flood cleanup was necessary. Every scrap of moisture must be removed from the property.
Drywall and framing are examined for structural integrity damage and replaced. The flooring is replaced.
The roof will be examined and replaced if necessary. Mold remediation will be conducted. When the structure and interior are deemed worthy, then humidity testing and moisture testing will be conducted to make sure the property is ready to resume business.
Repairs can’t be made until the standing water is removed from the building. The damage has to be assessed in the water mitigation phase of the process before restoration can begin.
What’s The Difference Between Water Mitigation And Water Restoration?
If you were in an auto accident, your car would have to be removed from the site and taken somewhere to be repaired. It’s the same with water damage to commercial properties.
Water mitigation removes all removable parts of the property so they don’t sustain more damage from the water.
Restoration returns the commercial property to its pre-water-damaged state. If this means reconstructing the building due to weakened structural parts, then your building will be rebuilt.
Restoration experts can and do use each service separately, but most of them use both services together.
DIY Tips For Water Removal And Restoration
If water isn’t standing three feet deep and the floor is just wet, then business owners can clean it themselves (but clean it fast):
- Thoroughly dry the area. Open doors and windows in the area to help the moisture evaporate and to dry the area. Use dehumidifiers.
- Thoroughly clean the area. Wash any dirt or accumulated grunge away with hot water and soap. Then go back over the area with one gallon of warm water and one-half bottle of bleach. Wipe everything down and let it sit for about an hour before mopping it.
- Remove damaged materials. This will include baseboards, flooring, carpet, and subflooring. Call in the experts to replace it.
The Difference Between Water Mitigation And Water Restoration FAQ
Can I Still Conduct Business While The Cleanup Is Going On?
The water mitigation process removed all the merchandise, shelving, and cash registers. Plus, the possible mold and bacteria will make your customers and staff sick. It’s better to sit this one out.
How Long Will The Cleanup Take?
Water damage experts know that business owners have to be back in business as quickly as humanly possible. Even if some of the floors are pulled up and replaced or the walls need to be reframed where the water damage was, the whole process only takes about two weeks.
Are Water Remediation and Water Mitigation the Same Thing?
Yes. The root of the word “remediation” is “remedy.” Water remediation specialists do the same things to commercial properties as water mitigation and restoration experts do.
Will Commercial Property Insurance Cover Water Damages?
Unfortunately, most commercial insurance won’t cover water damage. Separate flood insurance policies do, though, so it’s a good idea to have both types of policies.
Conclusion
There’s no need to panic if a business is facing a commercial flood cleanup. Professionals will come in to remove the water, assess the damage, and immediately return the premises to their pre-damaged status. Please contact us when you need water mitigation and water restoration services.
