| Water damage is caused by a number of things | | | | There are primarily two good techniques used to |
| including flooding, burst or leaky pipes, fire hoses, | | | | restore water damaged materials (documents, |
| and regular humidity. Water damage is typically | | | | photos, books, etc). |
| very severe because it impacts every aspect of | | | | Desiccant Dehumidification |
| your home. It can rots the wood in your floors, | | | | This restoration process removes moisture from |
| furniture and walls. It can rust the steel and other | | | | the air quickly and safely, effectively salvaging |
| metal items. It can de-laminate plywood. It can | | | | important documents and helping prevent mold |
| completely ruin important documents, family | | | | growth. The process involves dehumidifying the |
| photos and memorabilia. | | | | air surrounding the damaged documents or |
| To protect your home from water damage you | | | | personal effect, allowing the water molecules |
| must first understand the various types of water | | | | trapped in the damaged items to escape into the |
| and the damage it can cause. The three | | | | air. Desiccant dehumidification is a great |
| classifications of water that causes damages are | | | | restoration option available through some |
| Clean, Grey and Black. | | | | document reprocessing services. It is especially |
| Clean Water | | | | beneficial for businesses and government agencies |
| This type of water damage does not pose a | | | | because the process allows for documents to be |
| health risk to humans and is really just incredibly | | | | accessible for use throughout the process should |
| annoying. An overflowing sink or tub or leaky | | | | the need arise. |
| appliance are examples of Clean Water damages. | | | | Freeze-Drying |
| Grey Water | | | | This process is best for books, binders, and any |
| This type refers to water that contains degrees | | | | bound printed matter. Freeze-drying restoration |
| of chemical, biological or physical contaminants. | | | | works on a similar premise as dehumidification but |
| This can lead to sickness in humans and animals if | | | | in a contained chamber and at much lower |
| consumed or exposed. Toilet bowls, dishwashers | | | | temperature. If you can, find a service that |
| and washing machine leaks are the most common | | | | offers vacuum freeze-drying as this process will |
| kinds of Grey Water. | | | | not warp the way regular freeze-drying can. |
| Black Water | | | | Time is of the essence when it comes to water |
| This classification contains highly unsanitary agents | | | | damage. Starting the process of restoring your |
| such as bacteria and fungus which can lead to | | | | assets as soon as possible will increase the |
| severe illness. This classification is most rare and | | | | likelihood that your items can be restored to a |
| comes mainly from sewage, seawater, and | | | | usable state again. Additionally, mold can quickly |
| contaminated river or stream water. | | | | become a secondary effect of water damage if |
| Water Damage Restoration | | | | time is allowed to pass. To help move quickly |
| Water damage restoration techniques vary | | | | after a flood or other water damage, have an |
| greatly depending on the water classification. It is | | | | emergency plan in place ahead of time. |
| important to know what classification of water | | | | Water damage has the potential to ruin an entire |
| you are dealing with before you attempt any | | | | business or home. Pre-planning and education |
| restoration projects. If you suspect the water to | | | | coupled with a fast-acting, properly equipped |
| be of either Grey or Black classification, contact | | | | damage recovery team can make all the |
| your state environmental protection agency or | | | | difference in your life returning back to normal. |
| the water bureau to have your home evaluated. | | | | |