Water Damage Restoration Timeline and Work Process So, how long does it take to dry out water damage? The answer depends on a couple of variables like the amount of standing water, the area of the surface, the wind flow, and the humidity in the air. Additionally, the process of home water restoration won’t be the same as the water damage restoration process for cars or workplaces. As a result, the answer to the questions ‘how long does it take to fix a flooded apartment’ and ‘how long does it take to fix water damage in a flooded car’ won’t be the same. However, the overall water damage restoration process follows the same pattern and we can make an educated guess. Let’s explore the typical work process inside the water damage restoration timeline:
Step 1: Inspection Professional home water restoration starts with an inspection of how much damage has been done, and how much standing water there is. Professional water damage restorers will assess the situation. It’s their job to figure out how long does it take for water to dry up in your specific condition. They typically answer questions like How much water got leaked or came into contact with your properties? When did you notice it? Have you identified the source? Did you take any steps to mitigate or stop the source? Was the water contaminated? If so, with what? What type of materials came into contact with the water? Professionals will make a primary assessment based on how you answer the questions listed above. If you agree with their assessment, a team of professionals will visit the affected area and start the heavy work. This usually takes less than 24 hours.
Step 2: Removing all The Standing Water If you haven’t located the source, water damage remediators will find and eliminate the water source first. Once that has been done, professional cleaners will have specialized equipment to dry the surface out quickly. This might take a couple of hours or even days, depending on how much water is stuck. The average timeframe is 72 hours.
Step 3: Cleaning Now that all the water has dried up, it’s time to check thoroughly for extended damage. This stage includes procedures like mold inspection and, mold removal. If the property is old (constructed before 1985), the professionals will also do a special test named ‘asbestos testing’ before they open the wall up to dry. If your property contains asbestos, an abatement company has to get involved. After all the remaining moisture has been dealt with, professional cleaners will clean and disinfect the area to prevent mold growth. They’ll also assess for potential structural damage.
Step 4: Repairing This is the most time-consuming part of the water damage restoration process. Water can do extensive damage to your home or property, and the longer it takes you to take necessary action, the worse your situation will become. The repair alone can take weeks or even months. However, at the end of the water damage restoration timeline, your home, car, workplace, or property will return to its former glory.