10 Factors Affecting Water Damage Restoration Costs

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Water damage can happen to anyone, and it is a common issue in any home or commercial property. It can stem from a variety of sources, such as broken plumbing, air conditioning problems, roof leaks, clogged gutters, sewer backups and water heater failure, among others. Carpets, rugs, electrical wiring and building materials can be damaged by water, causing minor to major issues and costly repairs. In time, mold can even start growing and pose risks to the health of your family or employees.

Water damage comes in many classes and categories, each of which requires a specific procedure for mitigation, which makes do-it-yourself water cleanup inadvisable. Professionals, such as ServiceMaster Remediation Services of Pompano Beach, Florida, have the skill and know-how to handle a restoration job. However, it is important to know the factors that affect water damage restoration costs for a property owner. Read them below.

10 Top Factors that Affect the Cost of Water Damage Restoration

1. Size of the affected area - More time will be required to repair water damage that has affected a large area compared to a small one. Furthermore, it would also require more dehumidification and more materials will have to be repaired or replaced.

2. Amount of water - The larger the amount of water involved, the more likely it is to spread, thus increasing the scope of the damage. The volume of the leak can also contribute to the severity of the damage. There are also cases when time is a factor, such as when a tiny leak from an upstairs shower goes unnoticed for years and begins to develop mold and generate safety issues.

3. Type of water - Water comes in three categories based on the hazard level it represents, any of which can affect your property.

• Category 1 water comes from sanitary sources, such as from a toilet tank, water pipe, or faucet leak as well as melting snow. It is relatively clean water that doesn't inherently pose danger to humans and pets.
• Category 2 water includes dishwasher or washing machine overflow which does not contain sewage but is still contaminated. It can develop into Category 3 if left standing for a long time.
• Category 3 water contains bacteria, sewage, harmful chemicals and more. Items that come in contact with Category 3 water may not be salvageable.

4. The source of water - The origin of the damage is a factor that affects the kind of cleanup necessary and the treatments that have to be performed.

5. If water is still present - If water is still present at the affected area, experts will utilize special equipment to extract the water before performing cleanup. 

6. Time elapsed after water damage - Prolonged exposure to water causes more problems and may aggravate existing ones. In as little as 48 hours, mold can start developing. If left unattended, this mold can take root in organic building materials like wood and ruin it beyond the point of salvage. In addition, it can also pose health risks to people inside the property. Over time, it can also damage your building's foundation. 

7. Types of material affected - Materials react differently to water. Some may easily be affected and may have to be ripped off or replaced. For example, vinyl and linoleum floors are typically resistant to water. Laminate floors may have to be replaced in small patches. Hardwood floors are easily affected by water, depending on how protected they are. Carpeted floors must be dried thoroughly to prevent mold growth within the carpet and may require specialized methods and techniques. Lastly, ceramic or stone tile floors are extremely resistant to water and require minimal repairs as long as the water doesn't reach the subfloor. 

8. Mold growth - The longer water sits in your property, the greater is the risk of mold and bacterial growth.

9. Location of your home - The climate in your area can also affect water damage restoration costs. If your area is more humid, dehumidification will require more time and effort and will cost more. It would be beneficial to contact a local company since its professionals most likely live in the same area and are familiar with the climate. 

10. Reconstruction needed - Repair is preferable to replacement, but it isn't always an option. Some of the situations that would require reconstruction are mold taking root, contact with contaminated water, damage from a storm, and damage that has been left untreated for a long period of time.

Water Damage Restoration?

Contact ServiceMaster Remediation Services, Southeast Florida's Trusted Restoration Company Water damage restoration is a time-sensitive process, so it is crucial to contact a professional right away to get the job done immediately. ServiceMaster Remediation Services is a premier provider of water damage restoration, cleanup and repair in Pompano Beach, Florida and surrounding areas. We will carry out the necessary inspection and assessment of the affected area, formulate a comprehensive restoration plan, extract water, perform structural drying and dehumidification, clean and sanitize as necessary, and conduct repairs and reconstruction as required. Our technicians are licensed, insured and fully bonded and have the experience and skill to perform complete cleanup and restoration for residential and commercial properties in Southeast Florida.

Contact ServiceMaster Remediation Services at (954) 969-5906 or message us online to schedule an appointment. Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.