Groundwater Damage from Flooding Can Be Mitigated by SERVPRO, Much to the Amazement of Our Augusta Customers

1/28/2020 (Permalink)

Augusta Homeowner Is Shocked to See a Like-New Hardwood Floor in Her Augusta Living Room after a Flooding--Thank You SERVPRO

Stormwater Removal Needed in an Augusta Living Room

There is very little worse than damage to an Augusta home resulting in the need for storm or floodwater removal. This type of loss requires fast action to stop the problems it creates from compounding into more significant issues, resulting in higher costs to the homeowner in Columbia County.

SERVPRO technicians arrive quickly to Augusta homes for storm and floodwater removal. The home may need temporary repairs in the case of storm damage, and the techs inspect the property to limit loss. Standard actions include boarding up broken windows and tarping over damaged roofing if needed.

Water Extraction Challenges
Flooring often fares the worst when exposed to groundwater. SERVPRO technicians use advanced moisture detection equipment to scope the property and determine migration paths of the water as well as if the subfloor received water damage. The key to limiting loss is the removal of as much moisture as possible. This preliminary action expedites the drying process.

Special Drying Methods
SERVPRO techs use drying equipment to restore hardwood flooring whenever possible. For floorboards moisture extraction, we often rely on a drying application referred to as "tenting," where a section of the still damp flooring is covered with a plastic sheet and taped to the surface. Air movers and desiccant dehumidifiers can force in warm air and extract the water vapor to the exterior. Another method employs the placement of drying mats, moving them frequently during the drying phase to ensure the boards do not incur permanent damage from splintering from overdrying. When the moisture content is back to normal from 8-20%, depending on the circumstances, any slight cupping or crowning can be lightly sanded, and the surface refinished.

Final Steps
Once the techs complete the cleanup from the water loss in the home. All surfaces and areas affected by water get cleaned and disinfected. The techs create a detailed report for the property owner of the needed repairs from the storm damage to restore the home to its pre-water damage condition.

SERVPRO of Columbia County at (706) 868-5441 uses state-of-the-art equipment to mitigate and restore the property, "Like it never even happened."