Top Down Water Damage Clean Up

8/29/2017 (Permalink)

Top Down Water Damage Clean up

The Easy Method for Simple Flood Damage Restoration

Top down or “in-place” water damage clean up is a method of drying your carpet in a quick and effective manner that will save you time and money. When the flood damage or water intrusion is not severe, we can dry your carpet without the use of the highly advanced techniques that are utilized for more work-intensive projects. In order to use our top down drying method, a few project criteria must be met.

• The water damage must be caused by “clean” category 1 water. If the damage is caused by grey (non-potable) or black (toxic raw sewage) water, the top down method cannot be used.

• The flood damage must be addressed within 24 hours of intrusion.

There are several other variables that must be factored into the final decision to use this in-place clean up method such as the subfloor, the type of carpeting, and the condition of the carpet pad. Here at SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Spencer, our technicians will be able to analyze the project conditions to determine if we can perform top down drying.

Top down or “in-place” water damage clean up can only be performed on flooring contaminated by category 1 “clean” water within 24 hours of intrusion.

The Benefits of Top Down Drying

To many homeowners, the most important advantage of in-place water damage clean up is cost reduction. Because we don’t have to use complicated techniques or advanced equipment, this project will be less expensive. In addition to the lowered cost, this process takes less time, and we can get your home back to working order quickly. Finally, since the water damage was identified in under 24 hours and we can complete the project in a shorter amount of time, there is a greater chance that the carpet and padding won’t have to be replaced.

The Process of In-Place Water Damage Clean up

• Locate and eliminate the source of water intrusion

• Extract at least 97% of the water in the carpet and padding with the use of drying equipment

• Use anti-microbials and disinfectants when appropriate

• Inspect where water possibly travelled beyond the affected area and dry where necessary

• Properly install evaporation equipment and begin the monitoring process

• Use a dehumidifier to lower the increased humidity caused by evaporation equipment

• Clean all carpeting and return the home to its preloss state