Tag Archives: flood mitigation

Thermography & Water Damage Restoration

Flood Damage Imaging
Thermal imaging technology has become a staple in the field of water damage restoration. Using infrared technology to evaluate the breadth and degree of saturation in a water damaged structure, gives the water damage restoration professional the ability to rapidly assess water migration over an expansive area. This non-invasive technology delivers a dependable overview of the work area, which can be used to enlighten a property owner or justify job scope to an insurance adjuster.

Frozen Pipes & Water Damage

Frozen pipe water damage
During prolonged periods of subfreezing weather, insufficiently protected water lines can form damaging ice blockages that can result in Water Damage. Water contracts when cooled until reaching approximately 39 degrees Fahrenheit. Expansion commences with further cooling, increasing in volume by approximately 9% when frozen solid.  This transformation from liquid to significantly expanded solid has no outlet in a closed plumbing system and can result in a ruptured water line.

Water Damage Duration & Coverage

Water Damage Restoration
Water damage insurance claims are among the most frequently reported losses. Coverage depends on policy specifics, including the source of water damage and the duration of exposure. It is incumbent upon property owners to ascertain a thorough understanding of possible liabilities, and available policy options to make informed coverage decisions. Current coverages can be replaced entirely or bolstered by adding addendums that would indemnify against eventualities not currently addressed.

Vapor Pressure & Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration
Manipulating the environment within a drying chamber is essential to successful water damage restoration. Equipment is deployed to evaporate surface water and create a vapor pressure differential between saturated building materials and dry air. This vapor pressure differential causes trapped water to vaporize and move from the substrate to the air. Achieving an optimal environment for evaporation requires attention to the vapor pressure differential. The bigger the spread of vapor pressure the greater the pull of moisture from the air.

Water Damage vs. Flood Damage

flood damage
Several times a year, monumental rains flood basements causing significant water damage. Unwitting consumers often assume coverage after such an event, only to discover that they are saddled with the financial burden of flood damage restoration. Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover water damage caused by system failures within the home, but virtually every homeowner’s insurance policy has stated exclusions concerning surface water runoff, also known as ground water.

Four Principles of Water Mitigation

Water Mitigation
Humidity, Temperature & Airflow influence the movement of moisture within a material as well as the evaporation rate from the surface of the material and can greatly impact the overall drying time for a water damage restoration project. Quickly reducing moisture in the air and introducing sufficient airflow will reduce water activity, ultimately lowering the potential for microbial activity.

Ice Dams & Water Damage Restoration

Water Damage Restoration
Icicles along a roofline are largely perceived as a beautiful winter staple, yet often indicate ice dams and a potential for water damage to the structure. Ice damming blocks roofing drainage systems, diverting the flow of water under roof coverings and into the building envelope. Once within, gravity carries this permeation through insulation, ceilings, walls, and floors causing widespread water damage. At this point, immediate water damage restoration is essential to prevent the possibility of mold contamination.

South Philadelphia Flood Restoration

Philadelphia Water Mitigation
Property Recovery 911 was summoned to a significant water loss event in a South Philadelphia row home, caused by a failed water line serving the second-floor bathroom. Substantial volumes of water poured throughout the interior of the home and came to rest as a 1-1/2' deep pool in the basement. Much of the structure and contents from the second floor through to the basement were saturated, including personal belongings, kitchen cabinetry and household appliances.