WATER DAMAGE PROCEDURE OVERVIEW 24 Hr. Emergency Services- 7 Days / Week Restoration--- The act of restoring items {structure & contents} back to the state it was before the water damage occurred. The removal of water and moisture from the affected areas and items, including carpet, walls, floors, and ceilings. It also includes killing of, or removing mold, mildew, bacteria, rust stains, odor, and wood treatment. Time-Line--- In many occurrences it takes twice the time to dry an area than it took to get damaged. Example: If items were wet for two (2) days, it would take approximately four (4) days to dry. Common Procedure-- It is very common for the carpet to be floated in order to get air movement/drying underneath it, and to be able to disinfect underneath the carpeting. It is very common for the pad to be pulled and thrown away. Carpet pad acts like a sponge holding much water. It would take much more drying time to dry out and disinfect, vs. the cost of new carpet pad. Please do not open the windows unless instructed by our technician, as this may retard the drying process. Please minimize entering the affected rooms. Do not allow children to play in or around drying equipment. The dwelling should have an initial temperature setting between 68-72 degrees F (20-22 C) for maximum drying, and to prevent or inhibit bacteria and fungus growth. Equipment--- Affordable Cleaning has invested in the best training and equipment technology has produced. It is very important for the use of this equipment in order to restore your home back to its original state in the quickest and safest means possible. Problems Caused by Flooding--- If water is not removed quickly, other problems begin. MOLD, MILDEW, and BACTERIA are the most complex problems encountered in restoration. Mold and Mildew are closely related. We deal mostly with three (3) types of MOLD: 1: STACHYBOTRYS ATRA, which is a black mold caused by water damage. Chronic exposure to airborne Stachybotrys atra poses a risk of debilitating health effects caused by irritative and allergic reactions, and possibly death. Symptoms may include respiratory illness, rashes and chronic fatigue; and 2: ASPERGILLALES, which is a blue/green mold, fuzzy in appearance, that grows on spoiled food. 3: MUCORALES, which is a black mold that grows on decaying matter. Unless Carpeting, which has these molds growing on them, is treated quickly, it will be lost. MILDEW lies dormant until about 75 degrees, and moisture is present. It thrives between 75 and 85 degrees. Above 85 degrees, it is dormant again, and over 115 degrees, it finally dies. There is a direct correlation between hot, humid summers, heated homes in the winter, and the growth of mildew. Like all living things, MILDEW and BACTERIA require food. They depend on non-living organic matter as a food source. When you have a soiled, wet carpet with backing, you have the perfect home for MILDEW, FUNGUS, BACTERIA, and MOLD. Where you find MOLD and MILDEW, you are certain to find BACTERIA. Bacteria is tougher than mold and mildew. Some bacteria thrive in freezing temperatures, while others thrive in temperatures up to 158 degrees. All three (3) have PATHOGENIC varieties that cause many diseases, and even death. The most pathogenic mold is Aspergillus Fumigatus which causes Aspergillales. Once it takes hold, it can envelop the Bronchi, Lungs, Mucous Membranes, and Viscera. It affects the Liver, Kidneys, and other organs. Aspergillus Niger is another pathogenic mold that affects the hearing. Still other molds produce allergic reactions in some people, and can result in Asthma or other respiratory problems. Health Hazards--- If any household members are either very young or very old, immediate precautions should be taken for their health. If any household member has a record of heart or lung disease, allergies, or had been recently ill, they should not remain in the house while the restoration operations are being carried out. Structural Damage--- Structure is the home itself without including the contents (furnishings, movable items, etc.) Items which generally come with the home upon purchase is considered part of the structure Warped hardwood floors cannot be unwarped, but the same mold, mildew, and bacteria problems can exist, and must be treated accordingly. Other--- Furniture is problematic, because of the various materials that a single piece may contain. One piece may contain wood, metal, leather, and an infinite variety of natural and synthetic fibers. All of it should be treated for mold, bacteria, and sometimes odor. Clothing is frequently made with cotton, wool, linen, and other natural fibers. Increased air-flow through and around clothing, and ultra-violet light usually are all that is necessary for treating mold and mildew for clothing. However, depending on weather conditions and humidity, a mildicide treatment is required. *Time-Line ----------------- Continuing Effects WITHIN MINUTES Water Contamination spreads to unaffected areas. Coloring released from furniture stains the carpet permanently. Paper goods are ruined due to moisture absorption and swelling. WITHIN HOURS Furniture in direct contact with water delaminates and swells. Wooden legs begin to split; Sheetrock can swell, sag, or buckle. Bacterial odor (souring) becomes apparent. WITHIN DAYS Mildew appears along with the characteristic Musty odor. Moisture-sensitive internal components in pianos and organs begin to swell in the presence of condensed moisture. Metal surfaces begin to rust. Door and window castings swell and distort or delaminate. Wood floors and/or structural wood may be damaged beyond restoration and may need replacement. This includes swelling, warping, bowing, etc.. WITHIN WEEKS Mildew associated with prolonged dampness sinks roots (Hayphae) into organic materials. Jute Backings, paper coverings on sheetrock, paneling, wood, etc.. are all affected. Call 1-800-975-9382 or just simply email us for a Free Estimate or Schedule your next Affordable Cleaning Service!