Water Damage Mitigation & Restoration, Storm & Flood Water Extraction in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY.
RescueDry provides professional water damage remediation and restoration services to residential and commercial properties across Long Island, Queens, and Brooklyn NY. Our team is dedicated to restoring your property to its pre-damage condition, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for you and your family.
Step 1: Assessment
1. Initial Inspection and Safety Check:
The restoration team begins by inspecting the affected area to identify the source of the water—whether from a burst pipe, flood or appliance failure. Safety is the top priority, so they assess potential hazards like electrical risks or structural issues and secure the area if necessary.
2. Classifying Water Damage:
Next, the team categorizes the water involved:
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Category 1: Clean water from sanitary sources.
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Category 2: Gray water with some contaminants.
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Category 3: Black water, which is highly contaminated.
They also determine the class of damage, ranging from minimal water intrusion (Class 1)
to deeply saturated areas requiring specialized drying (Class 4).
3. Identifying Affected Areas:
Using tools like moisture meters and infrared cameras, the team locates all
impacted areas, including hidden moisture in structural components, to ensure
no part of the damage is overlooked.
4. Documenting the Damage:
The team documents the damage with photos, notes, and measurements. This detailed record is essential for guiding the restoration process and supporting insurance claims.
5. Developing a Restoration Plan:
Based on the assessment, a customized restoration plan is created, outlining the steps for water extraction, drying, repairs, and final restoration. The plan includes a timeline and is discussed with the property owner to set clear expectations.
6. Communicating with Stakeholders:
The assessment results and restoration plan are communicated to all relevant parties, including property owners, insurance companies, and tenants. Clear communication ensures everyone is informed and aligned on the next steps.
Step 2: Water Extraction
After the initial assessment of water damage, the next critical step in the restoration process is water extraction. This involves removing the bulk of the water from the affected areas to prevent further damage and begin the drying process. Various methods are employed depending on the severity and extent of the water intrusion, as well as the types of materials affected.
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1. Pump-Out Extraction:
For severe water damage where large volumes of standing water are present, such
as in basements or after floods, pump-out extraction is the first method used.
High-powered submersible pumps are deployed to quickly remove the water.
These pumps are capable of moving large amounts of water in a short time, making
them ideal for situations where time is of the essence to prevent further structural
damage.
2. Wet/Dry Vacuum Extraction:
Once the bulk of the water has been removed, or in cases where the water levels are less severe, wet/dry vacuums are used. These versatile machines are effective for extracting water from floors, carpets, and hard surfaces. They can handle smaller, more localized pools of water and are particularly useful for areas that are difficult to access with larger equipment.
3. Portable Water Extractors:
For targeted water removal in smaller or more confined spaces, portable water extractors are used. These are handheld devices that allow technicians to remove water from carpets, upholstery, and tight corners where larger equipment may not reach. Portable extractors are essential for detailed water removal, ensuring that even hidden moisture is addressed.
4. Weighted Extractors:
In situations where water has seeped deeply into carpets and padding, weighted extractors are employed. These machines use both suction and compression to remove water from deep within carpet fibers and underlays. The weight of the machine helps press the water out of the padding, allowing for more thorough extraction.
5. Specialized Floor Extraction Tools:
For hardwood floors and other specialized surfaces, specific tools are used to carefully extract water without causing additional damage. These tools often involve suction mats or floor-specific vacuums designed to remove water while minimizing the risk of warping or other issues common with wood and laminate flooring.
Step 3: Drying & Dehumidifying
After water extraction, drying and dehumidifying are critical to eliminate residual moisture and prevent mold growth and structural damage. This process involves several key steps and specialized equipment to ensure thorough drying.
1. Moisture Assessment:
Restoration professionals begin by using moisture meters and thermal imaging to identify areas with trapped moisture, including walls, floors, and cavities. This helps them target the drying process effectively.
2. Air Movers
High-velocity air movers are strategically placed to circulate air and increase evaporation from
wet surfaces. Positioned at angles, these fans help draw moisture out of materials and into the
air for removal by dehumidifiers.
3. Dehumidification:
Dehumidifiers are used to remove moisture from the air. There are two main types:
Refrigerant Dehumidifiers: Effective for quickly reducing humidity in most situations.
Desiccant Dehumidifiers: Ideal for low-temperature environments and drying dense materials like hardwood.
4. Monitoring and Adjusting:
The drying process is continuously monitored with moisture meters. Adjustments to equipment placement or additional units may be made to ensure efficient drying, particularly in areas drying more slowly.
5. Specialized Drying Techniques:
For certain situations, specialized techniques are employed:
Cavity Drying Systems: Dry moisture trapped behind walls or floors by forcing air into cavities.
Floor Mat Systems: Used for hardwood floors, these mats extract moisture from deep within the wood, preventing warping.
6. Final Inspection:
A final inspection ensures all areas have reached the proper dryness levels, preventing future issues like mold. Moisture readings are taken again to confirm the effectiveness of the drying process.
7. Ongoing Monitoring (If Necessary):
In severe cases, ongoing monitoring may be required. Equipment may be left in place for a few days, with periodic checks to ensure no residual moisture remains.
This concise and systematic drying and dehumidifying process ensures that properties are thoroughly dried, preventing long-term damage and restoring them to their pre-damage condition.
Quality Service
Our dedication to excellence has earned us recognition in the industry, ensuring that you receive award-winning service and unmatched expertise for your water, mold, and asbestos removal needs.
Why Choose RescueDry?
Safe & Effective
Members of our team are NYS insured and licensed in Mold Assessment and Remediation, in Asbestos Inspection and Removal. In addition, we're IICRC.org certified in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Specialty Drying (ASD) techniques.
Latest Technology
Members of our team are NYS licensed in Mold Assessment and Mold Remediation, in Asbestos Inspection and Asbestos Removal, as well as IICRC.org certified in Water Damage Restoration (WRT) and Applied Specialty Drying (ASD) techniques.
Step 4: Cleaning & Sanitizing
Once drying and dehumidifying are complete, cleaning and sanitizing ensure the property is safe and hygienic. Here’s a streamlined overview of the process:
1. Assessment and Preparation:
Conduct a thorough assessment to identify contaminants and residues. Prepare the area by removing any remaining debris.
​2. Surface Cleaning:
Clean affected surfaces using appropriate methods:
Hard Surfaces: Use detergents or disinfectants.
Soft Surfaces: Clean with steam cleaners or carpet extractors to remove dirt and residues.
3. Sanitizing:
Apply antimicrobial solutions to eliminate bacteria, viruses, and mold spores:
Disinfectants: For hard surfaces.
Antimicrobial Solutions: For soft surfaces and materials.
Fogging: For comprehensive sanitizing, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Deodorizing and Eliminate odors using:
Odor Absorbers: Activated charcoal or baking soda.
Odor Neutralizers: Chemical agents.
Ozone Generators: For persistent odors, used with caution.
5. Cleaning HVAC Systems:
Inspect and clean HVAC systems to remove contaminants:
Ducts and Vents: Clean and remove debris.
Filters: Check and replace as needed.
6. Content and Personal Belongings Cleaning:
Dry Cleaning: For delicate items.
Specialized Cleaning: For electronics or artwork.
7. Final Inspection:
Conduct a final inspection to ensure all areas are clean and no contaminants remain. Address any remaining issues.
