Water damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners face. Whether it’s due to a natural disaster or a burst pipe, water can wreak havoc on a home. Water mitigation and water damage restoration are two methods used to control and fix water damage. In this article, we’ll discuss the difference between water mitigation and water damage restoration, the types of water damage, and the cost of both services.
Water Mitigation vs Water Damage Restoration: What’s the Difference?
Although water mitigation and water damage restoration sound similar, they are two different processes that occur at different times. Water mitigation is done before water damage restoration, and both processes work together. Water mitigation stabilizes the home and ensures that no further damage will happen. Water damage restoration happens after water mitigation and is intended to repair homes and help them recover from the water damage.
Types of Water Damage
There are three types of water damage, which define the level and cost of the mitigation and damage restoration services.
Clear Water: Clean water, usually potable, typically from burst water supply pipes.
Gray Water: Murky water, often previously used, such as from dishwashers, tubs, sump pumps, or washing machines.
Black Water: Contaminated water from toilets or sewage lines.
What Is Water Mitigation?
Water mitigation is the process of stopping the immediate flow of water, assessing the type of mitigation efforts needed, extracting the water, and drying out the property. Water mitigation includes checking the stability of the structure, removing water-damaged furniture and carpeting, disinfecting remaining materials, extracting water with pumps and commercial-grade wet/dry vacuums, and drying out the property with large fans. Water mitigation also involves preventing further water damage with tarps, boarding up windows, and locking down the property, if needed.
What Is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration is the process of fixing and restoring a water-damaged home, with the intention of restoring the home to its original condition before the water event. Water damage restoration Lakewood Colorado is always done after water mitigation. Water damage restoration includes removing water-damaged drywall and other affected structural elements, pulling out and disposing of floor covering, replacing or restoring subfloor, removing and encapsulating mold growth, repairing or replacing windows and doors, fixing damaged roof, and testing for moisture to ensure that the property and all elements are completely dry.
Cost of Water Mitigation and Water Damage Restoration
The cost of water mitigation can vary from $1,300 to $5,200, depending on the size of the home and the extent of the water. Mitigation of clear water damage, such as from a burst pipe or leaking dishwasher, will be about half ($4 per square foot) of the cost of mitigation services to homes damaged by black water (or about $8 per square foot).
The cost of water damage restoration depends on the size of the home, the type of water event, and the extent of the water damage. On average, expect to pay between $1,500 and $6,000 for water damage restoration services. The cost of water damage restoration can vary from as little as $200 to $300 for localized services such as cosmetic touch-ups to a small area such as a bathroom, up to $50,000 to $100,000 to remove and replace large structural elements to an entire floor.
When to Call a Professional for Water Mitigation or Water Damage Restoration
If a small area has been impacted and you have ample tools, such as a large wet/dry vacuum, large fans, and a submersible pump, you may be able to mitigate some or all of the water by yourself. However, the scale and the need to work quickly usually mean that a water mitigation company in Lakewood should help you with anything beyond a small leak. It’s usually best to hire a professional for anything more than a minor leak in a limited area.
Homeowners who are adept at home renovation can repair water damage in their own home. Some tasks, like replacing drywall or flooring, are fundamental but labor-intensive home remodeling projects. However, the water damage may be so extensive that professional help is needed. It’s also necessary to verify that all structural elements are completely dry before closing them up again.
Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Water Mitigation and Water Damage Restoration
Hiring a professional for water mitigation and water damage restoration services in Lakewood has several benefits. Professionals have the necessary experience, equipment, and expertise to handle water damage situations effectively. They can also perform the work more efficiently than an untrained person. Hiring a professional can reduce the risk of future damage and ensure that the job is done correctly.
Professionals can also help identify and repair any underlying problems that may have caused the water damage. This can prevent future water damage and save homeowners money in the long run.
Conclusion
Water mitigation and water damage restoration are two essential methods of controlling and fixing damage from a water event such as major leaks or flooding. Water mitigation stabilizes the home and ensures that no further damage will happen, while water damage restoration is intended to repair homes and help them recover from the water damage. The cost of water mitigation and water damage restoration can vary depending on the size of the home and the extent of the water. It’s usually best to hire a professional for anything more than a minor leak in a limited area.
Overall, it’s essential to act quickly in the event of water damage. The longer you wait, the more damage the water can cause, and the more expensive the repairs will be. By understanding the difference between water mitigation and water damage restoration, homeowners can take the necessary steps to protect their homes and restore them to their pre-damaged state.