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Water Damage
According to the IICRC, flood water present in a flooded property falls into three main categories:
Category 1 Water– That which is clean at the releasing source and does not pose a hazard if consumed by humans. Category 1 water may become progressively contaminated as it mixes with soils on or within floor coverings or building assemblies (walls, decking, sub flooring). Time and temperature, which promote the growth and amplification of microorganisms in water can cause Category 1 water to degrade. Examples: burst water pipes, failed supply lines on appliances, vertically falling rainwater.
Category 2 Water – That which begins with some degree of contamination and could cause sickness or discomfort if consumed by humans. As with Category 1 water, time and temperature can cause Category 2 water to become progressively more contaminated.
Category 3 Water – That which is highly contaminated and could cause death or serious illness if consumed by humans. Examples: sewage, rising flood water from rivers and streams, ground surface water flowing horizontally into homes. There are two ways in which water enters a building as a result of wind storm damage:
The first involves falling or windblown rain floors water that enters as a result of damage to roof components or wall assemblies. The second involves horizontally traveling ground surface water (Category 3) containing silt and soil contaminants that infiltrate into structures, generally through doors or around foundation walls. This ground surface water (storm surge) may accumulate to a depth of several inches or several feet. When structures are partially submerged or remain substantially flooded for weeks, far more elaborate procedures usually are required.
 After calling Superior Steam Cleaners, there are a few things you can do before we arrive. If you believe the area is safe, and the water is not contaminated, you can help by doing the following:
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Remove all loose items from wet carpets and
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Remove expensive artworks from wet areas into safer dry rooms
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Roll up and remove rugs which may bleed color onto the carpeting under them
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Remove as much excess water as possible by sponging and mopping
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Switch on air conditioning to introduce dry air into rooms to speed drying
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Remove all items from wet wooden tables and then wipe dry
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Wipe water off wooden chairs and other furniture
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Place waterproof material such as plastic or foil between wet carpet and the legs of furniture
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Remove cushions and other upholstery and set at a high angle to facilitate draining and drying
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Open any wet luggage and place in sunlight to dry
When SSC arrives we will use strict procedures set forth in the IICRC S500*, including:
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Extracting water from carpeting and off flooring using high capacity water extraction equipment and high powered drying devices
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Application of specially formulated antimicrobial solutions to contaminated areas
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Installation of air movers and dehumidifiers for three to four days
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Make on the spot checks of the condition of your flooring and other contaminated areas every few days
The most effective way to prevent mold growth on water damage losses is to begin the drying process quickly. Restoration companies who are aware of possible mold growth problems usually know how to dry structural materials with heat, air movement and by lowering the indoor relative humidity. This is an effective way to dry a building because material removal is minimized and mold growth is retarded
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