After experiencing the damage from an unexpected flood or pipe burst, your next step will be to clean up the mess. You talk to a friend who recommends a water damage restoration company, but when you go to Google, the term “water damage mitigation” comes up. Are these terms interchangeable? And if not, what’s the difference between them? More importantly, which one do you need?
Differences Between Water Mitigation and Restoration
Water mitigation is the process of preventing further damage from occurring. This could include:
- Removing water from the home and drying the affected area so mold doesn’t develop
- Cleaning and disinfecting home furnishings
- Removing water-damaged furniture and/or drywall or floorboards from the home after a flood
- Putting a tarp over an affected area of the roof or boarding up windows
In all cases, water mitigation aims to reduce the amount of loss you could suffer rather than making repairs to get your home back in good shape.
Water damage restoration, on the other hand, focuses on making those repairs. These actions include:
- Removing mold from the home
- Fixing damaged floorboards or walls
- Conducting a moisture test to make sure the water damage has been properly treated
- Repairing damage to your roof
When it comes to deciding whether you need a water damage mitigation or restoration service, the truth is that you need both since they work in conjunction with one another. Truthfully, restoration services can’t begin until the mitigation process does.
Common Myths About Repairing Your Home After Water Damage
Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths online that could cause even more damage to your home after it’s experienced water damage.
First, it’s important to remember that your walls and carpet won’t technically dry on their own. While they could feel dry to the touch, the moisture on the inside of the walls and carpet can linger and turn into mold if left untreated. Mold can develop as little as 24 hours after water damage. A water damage restoration company will test the moisture level in your home to determine how much is present in these areas so they can effectively treat it.
Furthermore, a water damage restoration company can save you money in the long run. One of the biggest myths is that it’s cheaper to replace damaged furnishings than it is to have them professionally cleaned, but that’s not always true. In many cases, you may be able to hold on to more items than you suspect. An experienced restoration company can let you know which pieces can be salvaged. Even better, many water damage restoration companies offer cleaning services.
Contact Green Genie Environmental About Your Home’s Water Damage Today
If your home recently experienced water damage, you need a water damage restoration company that can help you get it back to its former condition. At Green Genie Environmental, we use eco-friendly methods of safely removing water from your home. Contact us today at (716) 466-6653 to get started.