How to Help the Helpers — Maximizing the Water Damage Clean Up Team

When you suffer water damage cleanup in Akron, you need to act quickly and wisely to lessen the damage to your Akron home. However, don’t rush into the home and make things worse. Call a trusted water damage cleanup team like Certified Professional Restoration (CPR) and while you wait for help:

Don’t use your vacuum to remove water.

Don’t use your ceiling fans if the ceilings are wet.

Don’t go in rooms with sagging ceilings.

Shut Off and Unplug

Do not use any wet electronic devices, or those in rooms with standing water. If it is safe to enter, unplug all appliances and remove all electronics that you can safely carry. Don’t try to turn off any type of gas or electricity unless you know what you are doing, let professionals like electricians and gas workers take care of turning off lines. 

Take Photos and Video

If it is safe to walk around, document the damage with your phone or video camera. Show the situation that led to the damage; focus on creating a record for the insurance adjustor. You might need to prove the cause and effect in the future.

Digital versions of photographs help because they are easy to store, copy and transfer. Be sure to document with photos and videos before you start the repair process or you could minimize your coverage.

Control the Indoor Climate

Keep doors and windows shut. Opening a door or window may let in more moisture than it lets out. Wait for a technician to arrive, and then they can advise you about opening doors and windows.

If you have a dehumidifier, turn it on as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth. However, a heater is not a replacement for a dehumidifier. Turning on your heater can actually increase moisture. Depending on your situation and today’s weather, if may help or hurt to use the air conditioner. When you speak with the water restoration dispatcher, get advice from the experts. 

Seal Off the Damaged Area

Watch your step. Seal off the areas that have been exposed to mold or sewage from the rest of your home and try not to enter those areas. If you must enter, to prevent tracking contaminates around your home, wrap your shoes in a plastic bag and remove the bag before leaving the contaminated area.

Separate the Clean and Dry From the Wet

Protect carpet in the affected area. Get a layer of aluminum foil or plastic under the legs as a barrier between any metal on the furniture. Rust can form within a few hours. Lift curtains up off the carpet.

Preserve ‘Clean’ but Saturated Items

Move saturated items like clothing, bedding or easily movable rugs. Move them onto drying racks, into the bathtub or out to the garage. They will be out of the way and dry out faster.

Save contaminated items for the team. If an item has been exposed to mold or sewage it’s best to discard it for health reasons. Talk to the knowledgeable technicians to learn which items can be sterilized.

Prepare the Pets

Baby your babies; they have already had a stressful day. When the team arrives, the technicians might need to carry equipment in and out of the front, side or garage doors. The fans, humidifiers and air scrubbers might be loud for sensitive ears. Find a safe and quiet space for the four-footed family members to wait this out.

Highest Quality Water Damage Cleanup in Akron

The IICRC serves as an independent, certification body that sets and promotes high standards and ethics, and advances communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC also ensures that when consumers hire a Certified Firm or technician, they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry’s “standard of care.”

Certified Professional Restoration is a restoration company attentive to both the physical and the emotional pressure of home water damage. CPR offers 24-7 immediate response and is dedicated to customer satisfaction, serving Akron, water damage cleanup in Canton and surrounding areas.

Water Leaks in Commercial Buildings

As you develop and grow your business over the years, you put a lot of thought into your facilities. Considerable time and expense goes into choosing and maintaining your buildings for the workspace, the clients and the inventory. When unwanted water, in the form of rain or from pipes, breaches your defenses you need professional help. CPR will help your facility recover from water damage cleanup in Akron and get your business back on track.

Recent industry reports identified water leaks as the most common defect in buildings. Leaking water in reinforced concrete creates a perfect opportunity for rust and decay; leaking water and air borne salts speed up concrete corrosion. Water leakages in buildings result mainly due to 1) inadequate construction design, 2) inferior materials, 3) poor workmanship and 4) deterioration of building materials. Here’s what you should look for:

Risks to You and Your Staff

Water leaks are devastating to the health of commercial buildings and its occupants. Moisture can enter the building envelope in many ways: leaking roofs, basements, water features, wet areas and water installations. Since concrete is a porous and permeable material, water will spread easily from the source into the structure.

Water leakages in the buildings due to poor maintenance and building defects can also lead to growth of mold that could cause serious health and safety issues for the occupants. Evidence supports the relationship between water leaks in buildings and respiratory symptoms in occupants.

Bathrooms Are Double the Trouble

Problem in bathrooms are two fold: the damage in the bathroom plus the resulting ceiling leaks on the level below. Regular inspections by the maintenance team are required for all your wet spaces. However, you should also develop a protocol that encourages your workers to immediately report any leaks or problems. A few days really can make a huge difference.

Leakages in wet areas of high-rise buildings recorded high number of defects, in a recent study. With growing maintenance costs of existing buildings and facilities, researchers worldwide emphasize the importance of awareness of the root cause of the failures. The annual maintenance cost for wet areas is about forty percent of the total maintenance cost of a building.

Roof Leaks

Akron’s extreme weather can deteriorate and cause water damage in your building. Rain, snow and direct sun combine to degrade metal, asphalt, concrete, and all roofing materials. Roof leaks can cause serious damage to the physical structure; symptoms such as water streaks, damp patches, paint peeling-off, or rust stains on the ceiling are clear indications that the roof waterproofing system has failed. Often the ceiling is cosmetically repaired without addressing the source of leaks. Professional technicians are trained to investigate and determine the cause of the damage, then present a safe remedy.

Wet Basements

Leakages in basements can have many causes: poor selection of the waterproofing system, inadequate detailing, faulty design, weak concrete quality, substandard workmanship, post construction damage to waterproofing membrane.

Water seepage could also originate from the non-basement features of above ground landscaping, water features, or water ponding. Insufficient slope or clogged drainage could result in moist areas that lead to mold growth in the basement. The challenges of soil mechanics and groundwater conditions should have been considered during the design stage; after-the-fact, our professional team can make recommendations to improve site specific drainage and waterproofing systems.

Water Damage Cleanup in Akron

When your business is on the line, you need the best team at your office to clean up water damage within the hour. Certified Professional Restoration (CPR) is a restoration company positioned to bring the best technicians to your office, store, or warehouse and immediately repair your water damage cleanup in Canton. Our expert team offers 24-7 immediate response and is dedicated to customer satisfaction, serving Akron and surrounding areas.

Why Professionals Should Handle Water Damage Cleanup

Water damage cleanup is not something that should be handled on your own. There are many different risks associated with water damage cleanup in Akron, and without the proper training, equipment, and experience, you can increase the amount of damage to your Akron property and even put yourself in harm’s way. We at CPR hope the following information will help inform you why professional restoration companies should handle water damage cleanup.

Handling the Different Water Types

Water can carry bacteria and other harmful contaminants. When water damage occurs, whether from a pipe, the sewer, or Mother Nature, the first thing that needs to be determined is the category of water you are dealing with. Category 1 Water (clear water) originates from a sanitary source. This type of water poses no substantial health risks, but should still be handled by trained professionals. Category 2 Water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause sickness if contacted or consumed. This water is termed ‘gray water’ because of the potentially unsafe levels of microorganisms that could be in the water. Special equipment and cleaning is required to cleanup gray water. The last category of water is Category 3 water, or black water. Black water is grossly contaminated and may contain pathogenic, toxic, or other harmful agents. Black water is extremely dangerous if ingested. Only trained professionals should handle this type of water cleanup. It requires deep and extensive cleaning and remediation, with the use of commercial-grade equipment.

State-Of-The-Art Tools and Training

Another reason water damage cleanup should only be handled by professionals is time. Response time is critical in mitigating damage caused by water. To stop mold from growing and to prevent structural damage to the home, water must be extracted and dried completely as quickly as possible. Professional cleaning and restoration crews have the tools and training required to handle any minor or major water damage. By using state-of-the-art moisture detection equipment, professional crews can locate and eliminate hidden moisture in walls and floors. Industrial grade dehumidifiers and high-speed air movers make drying easier and quicker. Without the use of this equipment, thorough and adequate drying will not be achieved. Without the proper training, experience, and equipment, you leave your home at risk for structural damage and mold growth when cleaning up from water damage.

Call the Professionals

During any water damage cleanup in Canton, you want to know that you have qualified and experienced professionals that can quickly step in and get the situation under control. You want your home, and life, to be back to normal following water damage as quickly as possible, and the team at Certified Professional Restoration (CPR) can do just that. We offer 24/7 emergency response services so we can begin the water extraction and drying process as soon as possible. We are IICRC certified in water damage restoration and structural drying, and will get to work immediately to mitigate the damage. Our team employs the latest and most up-to-date methods of restoration with advanced industry equipment. We are committed to serving Akron and the surrounding communities and providing friendly service with respect and honesty.

Do not try to handle water damage cleanup on your own. Save yourself and your property from any further harm or damage, and let the team at CPR take care of all your water damage cleanup needs.

How to Handle Water Damage in Your Akron Home?

Water Damage is Bad News.

There’s nothing worse than an expensive, smelly, dangerous water damage cleanup in Akron home that you can’t predict in advance. Because we can’t predict flooding very well, many people get caught unprepared and not sure how to handle the emergency. The first step to fixing water damage from flooding is to call help immediately. Time is of the essence, especially when each minute that your home is exposed to water increases restoration costs and risk of long-term damage. The professionals at Certified Professional Restoration (C.P.R.) in Akron can help with water damage cleanup quickly and expertly. A prompt call will ensure that they are on their way and that you waste no time.

In the meantime, here are a few things you can do:

Remember: Safety First. Don’t enter areas if you have reservations about how structurally sound they may be. If the ceilings are sagging, do not enter the building. In addition, remember to turn off water and electricity to the affected areas before examining. Be sure not to come into contact with contaminated water; which can be anything from a sewage or laundry pipe having burst in your home, to ground water from a flood caused by rain. In addition, if the water has been in your home for more than 24 hours, wear a mask to avoid breathing in mold spores and other potentially harmful bacteria. Things will likely be more slippery than you are used to; use caution to prevent tripping or slipping.

Keep your wits about you. Taking simple steps early on can vastly change your flood experience from a catastrophe to an unfortunate inconvenience. Many people forget to take such steps in the urgency and stress of the overall situation. Think about any valuables or family keepsakes you may have in the affected areas, and remove them to stow them away in a safe, dry place. Try to assess where the water is coming from, and do what you can to stop flow or catch it before it seeps into your walls or carpet.

Do what you can to remove standing water. When you call in to a professional company, ask what they would recommend you do to start removing water. Depending on how much water is in your home, how far away help is, and safety factors, they may advise you to use a wet-dry vacuum, use some buckets, or towel dry certain areas. If the flooding is severe, you may be encouraged to wait for help to arrive.

Protect your furniture where possible. Remove areas rugs and items from the floor as these can stain the carpet or floor underneath. In addition, it is helpful to put a dry layer between the legs of furniture and the wet floor. This will protect both the furniture and the carpet. Even furniture with metal legs can leave rust stains on the carpet. A piece of plywood or some foil works great. 

Flooding is never convenient, but these simple steps, along with help from C.P.R, will help you to handle it perfectly!

Water damage cleanup canton

If you are seeking services for water damage cleanup in canton, then visits Certified Professional Restoration. Our team is committed to providing fast, complete, and friendly service.

BEST PRACTICES FOR WATER DAMAGE CLEANUP

Unwanted water in your home comes from two sources – the water system inside your home, or sources of nature, such as rain or a local stream. Before you grab the guest hand towels from the downstairs bathroom, take a minute to understand what type of problem you have to clean up. Either the source can be ‘pretty’ clean, or REALLY dirty and require professional remediation.

The Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) has set a standard to classify water damage situations in order to follow industry practices for safe, effective cleanup.  For example, in a

category 1 situation, the source is usually a toilet tank, a drinking fountain or a water faucet. While always sanitary and clean, if it isn’t cleaned up quickly it can become contaminated and lead to a Category 2 water loss.

Category 2 water (or grey water) loss involves water that has biological, chemical or physical contaminants that would cause illness if ingested. Examples are washing machine overflow, dishwasher overflow, sump pump failures, flush from sink drains and toilet overflow with urine only.

Category 3 is the worst classification and is extremely unsanitary and hazardous to your health if ingested. Once referred to as ‘black water’, it may contain heavy metals, organic matters, silt, pesticides or toxic organic substances. Additionally, flood waters can be contaminated with soil bacteria, decaying insects, animal droppings, oils and fluids from roadways, and fertilizers to pesticides from fields or gardens.

General Safety Tips

Use caution when entering buildings. Make sure electrical power has been turned off and the structure is sound before entering and inspecting a flooded building. Small animals or reptiles may also seek shelter inside a structure, so be cautious when repositioning contents or removing materials.

Protect yourself with an organic vapor respirator, rubber gloves, eye protection, and protective clothing. Ventilate affected areas by opening windows or using fans. 

Don’t keep germy items; know what items to throw away. Have a professional inspect and advise you salvaging or disposing of drywall, carpet and pad, mattresses, pillows, box springs, and particle board.

Clean aggressively in hidden areas like wall cavities. Floors, exposed studs, and joists should be cleaned with detergent solutions.  After thoroughly cleaning and flushing salvageable materials, apply a disinfectant solution liberally. Be sure that the entire area is completely dry to avoid a future mold problem.

When You Have A Water Emergency:

Turn off the water source, or contact a certified professional to do it for you.

Don’t Panic! Contact CPR for immediate assistance.

Remember to put your safety first. Do not unplug any electrical devices, or remove any contents without shutting off the breaker or cutting-off electricity. 

If it is safe to do so, remove furniture and contents from wet areas. If you have questions about personal property that could be saved, CPR can help. Many items that look destroyed might actually be salvageable. Don’t throw out anything before you’re sure.

Advice From The Experts

Dry out before you rebuild. To prevent dry rot and future structural damage, don’t cover up wood materials until its moisture content falls below 16 percent. Moisture meters are available for home but hire a water restoration professional with professional equipment and expertise to confirm proper drying before reconstruction.

Beware of scam artists targeting storm victims. When approached by any company for water restoration services, ask to see the technician’s certification, proper licensing and liability insurance.

Wait for help-

Don’t use your vacuum to remove water.

Don’t use any electronics or appliances that are plugged into the walls.

Don’t use your ceiling fans if the ceilings are wet.

Don’t go to rooms with sagging ceilings.

Water Damage Cleanup In Akron

The IICRC serves as an independent, certification body, that sets and promotes high standards and ethics, and advances communication and technical proficiency within the inspection, cleaning and restoration industries. The IICRC also ensures that when consumers hire a certified firm or technician, they have hired experts who will provide reasonable assurance that work will be completed in accordance with the industry’s “standard of care.”

Certified Professional Restoration (CPR) is a restoration company attentive to both the physical and emotional pressure of home water damage. CPR offers 24-7 immediate response and is dedicated to customer satisfaction, serving Akron, Canton and surrounding areas at 234-231-9850 or cpr4yourhome.com

Water Damage Cleanup Akron

Contact Certified Professional Restoration at 234-231-9850 for water damage cleanup in Akron! We are prepared to assist you 24/7 in any commercial or residential property water damage emergency.