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Flooding is a potential threat in every part of the country. When floods strike, the havoc they can wreak on homes and businesses can lead to long-term issues if not addressed right away. Quick extraction and water damage restoration help to minimize damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.

Whether flooding is caused by a burst pipe, a natural disaster, or heavy rain or snow, water damage can escalate rapidly. When not addressed thoroughly, it can lead to mold, rot, material deterioration, and other issues that will impact the stability and safety of your property. This makes it all the more important to know where to turn for help when water damage occurs.

ATI Restoration is the nation’s oldest family-operated restoration and reconstruction company. With offices throughout the country and a 24-Hour Emergency Response, we can send a team of licensed water damage restoration professionals to your home or business without delay, enabling us to get to work on your flood damage clean-up before serious issues have a chance to occur. Contact ATI Restoration today to initiate our emergency response and let us help you return to normal in the shortest amount of time possible.

Understanding the Different Types of Water Damage

There are three main categories of water damage. Each requires a specific approach for clean-up and restoration. The water damage restoration professionals at ATI Restoration have undergone OSHA’s HAZWOPER training, providing them with the skills and knowledge needed to safely and effectively handle each type.

The three categories of water that may be present during flood damage clean-up include:

Category 1: Clean Water

Category 1 water, also known as clean water, originates from sources like broken pipes, overflowing skinks, and rainwater. Category 1 water is sanitary and doesn’t pose any immediate health risks. It can, however, cause significant damage to your property when it is not cleaned up quickly.

Category 2: Greywater

Category 2 water, also known as greywater, has been used in appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and even toilets. Greywater is not as hazardous as Category 3 water intrusion, but it can cause illness when not properly cleaned. It can also cause structural damage and, when left untreated, degrade into more dangerous categories that pose serious risks to health and safety.

Category 3: Blackwater

Category 3 water, also known as blackwater, is highly contaminated and may even be deadly. Originating from rivers, streams, and sewer backups, blackwater may contain any combination of sewage, chemicals, and pathogens. Posing serious health risks, blackwater requires specialized handling and equipment for proper cleaning and disposal.

No matter the type of water damage you are facing, the longer the water sits, the more severe the damage becomes. Swift action is essential for protecting your property and health. The flood damage clean-up professionals at ATI Restoration know how to identify different types of water intrusion. Each certified by the IICRC, our team members can assess the type of flooding, level of damage, and immediate and long-term restoration needs. We will craft a customized plan, based on the specific damage to your property, to return your home or business to its original state (or better) without delay.

Water Damage Clean-Up Checklist

When you are faced with water intrusion, certain steps can help to reduce damage and protect your safety:

  1. Stop the water source when possible
  2. Remove personal items from the affected area
  3. Document the damage
  4. Call ATI Restoration

It is important to avoid wading into or working around floodwaters, greywater, and blackwater. It is equally important to watch for electrical hazards or debris that may be obscured by murky or cloudy water. If you are not certain of your safety, do not begin the clean-up process before talking to a water damage restoration specialist.

What Can Happen If You Delay Clean-Up?

Delaying water damage clean-up can have disastrous consequences for both your property and your health. Dangers posed by:

1

Mold & Mildew

Mold spores can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after exposure to water. Once mold takes hold, it can spread rapidly, causing respiratory issues and other health problems, and leading to things like wood rot that can compromise your property.

2

Structural Damage

Water damage weakens the structural integrity of your property. It can warp wood, deteriorate drywall, and damage all types of flooring. Delays in addressing water extraction and water damage restoration can lead to costly repairs or even necessitate complete reconstruction.

3

Health Hazards

Stagnant water breeds bacteria, viruses, and other harmful microbes. These contaminants can cause illnesses, especially if the water is from a sewer backup or floodwaters.

4

Lingering Odors

The longer the water sits in your home, the more mold and microbes breed and the worse the smell can get. Bacteria can find their way into the fabric of your carpet, furniture, clothing, and other items.

5

Lost Contents & Possessions

Addressing water damage quickly can give you the best chance of saving your possessions. Swift water damage restoration will lessen the cost of replacement services. Drywall, ceiling tiles, and flooring affected by flooding will most likely need to be replaced if left untreated for over 24 hours.

Acting fast following water intrusion is essential for limiting damage and protecting your investments. ATI Restoration is available 24/7/365 to assess damage, craft a customized restoration plan, and help you get back on your feet in no time at all.

Our Water Damage Clean-Up and Restoration Services

At ATI Restoration, our water damage restoration process is designed to address every aspect of water intrusion and restore your property to its best-ever condition. The process starts with a thorough inspection. This enables us to determine the extent of damage and to build a plan specifically designed to address your property’s damage. Once this evaluation is complete, our experienced water damage restoration specialists can present you with a detailed plan to address your specific needs.

We utilize advanced technology, state-of-the-art equipment, and proven techniques to perform services including:

In addition to these water damage restoration services, we offer document drying, HVAC restoration, carpet cleaning and decontamination, and more. If you are facing water damage from flooding or any other issue, we are here—365 days a year—to help.

Is It Possible to Avoid Water Damage?

Broken pipes, floods, faulty appliances, and other issues that might result in water intrusion cannot always be avoided. However, there are some steps you can take to help prevent future intrusion or reduce damage. These include:

These steps may not fully prevent water damage, but they can help to reduce risks.

Water intrusion is a looming threat for all property owners. Steps taken to prevent intrusion risks can help to lessen damage and allow for a faster restoration process.

Your Professional Water Damage Restoration Solution

The flood damage restoration professionals at ATI Restoration have helped countless business and residential property owners recover after water intrusion. Trusted by our clients and insurance companies alike, we offer:

ATI Restoration has the tools, technology, and talent to offer you peace of mind during the restoration and reconstruction process. We employ licensed and certified professionals from every conceivable building trade—including carpentry, electrical, and finishing—to ensure the right people are dispatched for each job. This helps us guarantee that every project meets our exacting standards. Keeping things in-house allows us to respond rapidly with the most effective solutions, saving you time, money, and hassle.

Contact a Water Damage Restoration Expert Today

Flood and water damage can be overwhelming, but with ATI Restoration’s expert services, you don’t have to do it alone. But remember, time is of the essence. Acting immediately to address the issue helps to reduce contamination risks, minimize property damage, and preserve contents. Contact ATI Restoration to schedule a damage assessment and learn how our water damage restoration specialists can help you get up and running as swiftly as can be done.

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