The Importance of Emergency Extraction in Water Damage Restoration

2/24/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: After a flood or other water exposure in a home or business, eliminating standing water from the premises is vital. The experts at SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin explain why and how water extraction factors into the water restoration process.

Water can do a devastating amount of damage to a home, and it can do it fast. According to the Insurance Information Institute, the average water damage claim runs upwards of $10,000. However, property loss could quickly exceed that if the water damage restoration process is delayed. 

The water restoration specialists at SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin stress the importance of fast-action water extraction and encourage homeowners not to delay beginning the restoration process for any reason.

What Is Fast-Action Water Extraction?

Fast-action or emergency water extraction is the process of eliminating standing water from a building. Extraction is the first step to bringing a water-damaged property back to its original condition. By expeditiously removing water from the home or business’s flooring, damage and the chance of mold growth are minimized. 

It takes a lot of work and specialized equipment to rid a property of water completely. Given this, it’s best to leave the water extraction process to a professional. 

Water Extraction vs. Water Mitigation

Extraction and mitigation are both parts of the water damage restoration process, but they aren't the same. Emergency extraction uses industrial vacuums and pumps to remove standing water. Mitigation is the process of preventing further damages by:

• Removing irreparable flooring, drywall, furniture, etc.
• Sanitizing and disinfecting affected surfaces
• Using dehumidifiers and industrial blowers to dry the property
• Deodorizing the property

Why Extraction Is Critical for Water Damage Restoration

Reduce the Risk of Mold

The biggest risk of allowing excess moisture to remain in a structure is mold. Mold thrives in moist conditions, including many common building materials. It can settle in walls, wood, and other porous surfaces and quickly spread in 24 to 48 hours. 

Inhaling mold spores can cause health effects. To prevent health effects, quick water extraction and efforts to dry the property out completely are a must. 

However, some water damage restoration companies do offer mold removal services in the event mold begins to grow before the emergency extraction is complete. 

Prevent Unnecessary Damage to Wood Surfaces

Wood is a porous surface. Hardwood flooring, framing materials, and wood furniture will continue to absorb moisture over time and are at risk for more than just mold or mildew damage. Water saturation can lead to discoloration, swelling, and even rot if left unaddressed long enough.  

By beginning the water extraction process quickly, dehumidifiers and other technology can be used to lower humidity levels in the space, helping to prevent unnecessary damage to wood surfaces. 

Protect Wiring and Electronics

The high humidity levels in a space with standing water can affect wiring and electronics rather quickly. At humidity levels at or above 80%, wiring damage is possible within 15 minutes. For reference, the average building without standing water has a humidity level between 40-50%, with over 65% considered unsafe.

Having houseplants alone can raise indoor humidity by 5% on average, while a fish tank can increase humidity by anywhere from 8 to 45% depending on the size of the space and tank. While there are no statistics on the effects of standing water in a room, the more moisture in a space, the higher the humidity and the chance of damage to wiring and electronics. 

Why SERVPRO

As a leading water and fire restoration company in Austin, Texas, SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin offers superior water damage restoration services. Their highly trained team provides 24-hour emergency water restoration, including fast-action water extraction. 

No matter the size of the water-related disaster, home and business owners can be confident that SERVPRO will have the right extraction and drying equipment for the job.

Learn more about SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin’s services by calling (512) 318-2202 or following them on Facebook today.

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of Lake Travis / NW Austin

6500 River Place Boulevard

Building 7 - Suite 250

Austin, Tx, 78730

https://www.SERVPROlaketravisnwaustin.com/