Areas of the country with temperate climates, like Seattle and the Pacific Northwest, are prone to water damage and mold growth. Humidity combined with older homes that may not have central air and inadequate ventilation can create ideal conditions for mold, and tree cover can lead to roof damage and leaks.
When you find a water leak in your home, whether the water is coming from the roof, walls, pipes, or appliances, it is very important that you have it taken care of immediately to prevent mold growth.
Water damage restoration companies are your best resource for cleaning up after indoor leaks. Mold gets tricky since certain types of mold can have a significant negative impact on the health of anyone who handles it, so look for experienced companies with mold remediation experts on staff.
Seattle Water Damage Restoration Services
The water damage restoration process
The water damage restoration process is not a DIY project; in fact, technicians must undergo extensive training to ensure that they know how to properly dry a structure and prevent mold growth.
Handled properly, the water damage restoration process will comprise the following general steps:
- Inspection to determine the cause of the water intrusion
- Removal of the water
- Removal of any affected drywall, insulation, or flooring
- Drying of the structure
- Reconstruction of the affected areas
Not all water damage is the same, and the treatment of your leak will be handled based on the cause. Clean water is treated differently than sewage, and leaks due to burst pipes are treated differently than leaks caused by a compromised or damaged roof. However, the general process is the same, though some additional work may be necessary in cases involving sewage or roof damage.
You will need to bring in roofing contractors for cases of roof damage, structural engineers if the frame of your home has been affected, and plumbers in cases of burst pipes or sewage leaks. A water damage and mold remediation company handles the water and mold, but not structural work or roof repair.
The mold remediation process
The mold removal process will be slightly different based on the location of the mold. In cases of basement or attic mold growth, after the initial remediation is conducted, companies often use a sealing process called encapsulation to contain any remaining mold and seal the area to prevent future mold. This sealant spray is used to cover walls and floors.
The process of mold remediation is usually follows these general steps:
- Inspection to locate the cause and extent of the mold
- Testing to determine the type of mold
- Removal of any water that is still affecting the area
- Isolation of the affected areas to prevent mold spores from spreading throughout the home
- Safe and contained removal of water and mold affected materials
- Cleaning of surfaces and all affected areas
- Dryout of the affected areas
- Reconstruction
Regardless of whether you're dealing with water, mold, or a combination of the two, it is very important that you locate a contractor with the correct training. Certifications from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) are the best sign of a great remediation company. The IICRC issues training and certification to ensure that the company and its technicians are trained specifically in the proper remediation and material removal techniques.
There are other organizations that offer mold remediation and water mitigation training. Make sure you ask any potential contractors about their training, certifications, and licensing. General contractors without proper training may be able to repair water damage on the surface, but they cannot properly repair the structural damage nor safely remove the mold.
The Best Picks for the Best Seattle Water Damage Companies
Locating a properly trained, experienced, and reputable water damage and mold remediation company isn't always easy. The survey team at Best Pick Reports reaches out to Seattle homeowners every year to find the best water damage and mold remediation companies near you.
Every Best Pick company is fully vetted annually to ensure that they provide high-quality work and excellent customer service. Our company qualification process means that the companies we recommend are the best of the best, and we're proud to present the results of our surveys in a format that is clear and easy to navigate.
When you work with a Best Pick water damage and mold remediation contractor in Seattle, you'll have a great experience—we guarantee it.