5 Factors That Affect the Duration of Fixing Water Damage

Being a homeowner is highly beneficial because you have a place where you can relax and spend time with your family. For this reason, it is your responsibility as a homeowner to ensure it is well-protected from external factors that can damage it. While most of these damages are typically small, some can be extensive to the point that you will require time to fix them, such as water damage.

As the name suggests, water damage is caused by water that has entered the house. It can be stressful and time-consuming because expelling water requires special equipment, which can be costly. Conversely, the time it takes to complete the job is often long, with the potential for further damage if not done correctly.

With this in mind, several factors can affect how long a water damage repair job can take. Some of these include:

#1 – The Volume of Water

The water entering the property will be one of the main factors determining how long the job will take. The more water that has entered the house, the longer it will take to expel it. This is because the water must be extracted, dried, and the area must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.

For example, a minor spill or leak may take a few hours to fix, while major flooding could take days. Naturally, the water must be removed from the property, and the area must be thoroughly dried, which can take some time.

#2 – How Long It Took to Mitigate the Leak

All water damage issues start from a leak, regardless of size. The time it takes to mitigate the leak depends on various factors, including the leak’s size and location, the damage’s severity, and the type of materials affected.

If the leak is small and located in an area that is easily accessible, the mitigation process can be relatively quick. In this case, the water damage restoration team can usually contain and repair the leak in a few hours as long as the materials are not severely damaged.

The mitigation process can take longer if the leak is larger and harder to access. The team may need to remove sections of walls, ceilings, or floors to access the leak’s source, which can take several hours. In addition, the team may need to use specialized equipment to locate the source of the leak and stop it.

#3 – How Long the Water Has Been in Your Home

The amount of time that water has been in your home is vital in determining the extent of the water damage and the restoration process. The longer water has been present, the more damage it can cause.

If the water has been in your home for a short period, the damage may be minimal and can often be fixed with minimal restoration. However, if the water has been present for a longer period, the damage can be more extensive and may require more extensive repair. In some cases, the affected materials may need to be replaced entirely.

#4 – If the Water Has Impacted Building Materials

If the water has impacted building materials, the extent of the damage must be assessed to determine the best course of action for restoration. Depending on the severity of the damage, they may need to be removed and replaced or dried and treated.

If the water has caused minor damage, the affected materials may be able to be dried and treated. This process involves using a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air and the affected materials and then treating the materials with a fungicide or other appropriate solution to prevent mold growth. If the damage is extensive, components may need to be replaced.

#5 – Is the Water Contaminated?

Contaminated water can play a role in water damage, and you must know if the water is contaminated before proceeding with any restoration efforts. Contamination can come from various sources, including sewage, runoff, and chemical spills.

The bacteria and viruses in contaminated water can pose a severe health risk, even if you clean them. For this reason, you must test the water for contaminants before attempting a restoration. A professional water damage restoration company can do testing for contaminants.

Conclusion

Fixing the damage caused by water will be challenging, but it can be done. Water damage restoration is straightforward, so you must hire a professional company to handle the job. This way, you can ensure the repair is done correctly and your home is safe from further water damage.

Pacific NW Restoration provides top-quality services for water damage repair. Our restoration professionals will work to ensure your home looks as good as new after it gets damaged by water for fair prices. Call us today at 503-241-8951 to schedule an appointment!