Going through the trauma of water damage can be quite an upsetting, disruptive and inconvenient event destroying your home or business, personal property and irreplaceable family heirlooms.  But unfortunately pipes break, appliances leak, washers and toilets overflow, sump pumps fail, it rains heavily, the list goes on and on. But with this information you will be better equipped to handle it.  It will be well worth your time to take a few moments to check potential trouble spots.  We want to give you some tips that in the unfortunate event of a flood will help you through the process.  To be honest, we hope you never need to use this information.  But remember Referral is just a phone call away and we are here to help if you need us. 

There is a BIG difference between a ‘carpet cleaner’ and a water damage restoration specialist. 

There are a lot of guys out there with trucks or shop vacs who can ‘suck’ out the water.  Truthfully the carpet is just the tip of the ice berg.  The entire structure is our main concern.  If not mitigated quickly and thoroughly, water loses will continue to get worse, a condition know as secondary damage.  It may be hidden to the eye for weeks or months but can continue to destroy walls, floors and the structural integrity of a building.  It can also foster an unhealthy environment including microbial growth, mold, health hazards, bacteria, odors, ruined carpet and furniture the list goes on and on.  The severity of  damage, amount of time passed and the source of the water will make a difference in how the damage is handled.

Why Referral is the best choice to restore your wet house back to your clean, dry and healthy home.

Experience Since 1977 we have been helping Fort Wayne residents restore their homes and business’s.

Service

As a local, family owned business homeowners trust us with restoring their home and possessions to pre-loss condition.  We provide personalized service to each and every client. We will work with your insurance company and will help you walk through the whole process from water extraction, drying, necessary repairs or replacement and cleaning so your life can get back to normal as soon as possible. 

Don't take our word for it... Listen to these Fort Wayne Residents who used Referral for flood / water damage restoration.

We can’t thank you enough for the prompt and excellent service you gave us.  The carpet looks great!  After seeing 6 inches of muddy water in my house, I would never have believed the carpet could be saved.  Thanks again for your excellent service.  I would highly recommend Referral Cleaning and Restoration any time. – Ms. Corell - Fort Wayne, IN

We appreciate the special attention received during our flooding experience – Mr. and Mrs. Butler - Fort Wayne, IN

After having water damage we were very thankful for the late night prompt service and the reassurance.  Mr. Roach - Fort Wayne, IN

Referral was very helpful when our basement flooded.  They offered professional advice without a promise of a job.  This was beyond the call of duty and was very much appreciated. - Mr. & Mrs. Wilhelm - Fort Wayne, IN

Specialized Training We have attended several specialty drying schools where we were certified by the IICRC - Institute of Inspection, Cleaning & Restoration Certification in Water Damage Restoration and Applied Structural Drying.  We flooded our classroom and during the week dry learned how to dry the structure, walls and contents to pre loss condition.  We learned how to use and interpret results of our moisture meters.  The science of drying was a focus, it includes psychometrics, dew point, airflow, saturation, grains of moisture, temperature, humidity.  We understand how and why things dry.  We learned different drying techniques for different situations.  This allows us to save and restore your home and contents if they are salvageable instead of removing, demolishing and rebuilding affected areas.

Emergency Response We respond 24/7 to your emergency.  Quick response and containment of water damage is the most important step to minimizing damage, cost and the total time required to restore the damage.

Specialized Equipment & Tools

Proper tools are essential to water damage restoration.  We have a box truck dedicated to water damage restoration.  It is ready to roll 24/7 and contains everything we need for different situations. 

Inspection & Documentation

A thorough inspection of the property includes determining the exact cause of the loss and verifies that repairs have been made to eliminate the source of water. This inspection includes categorizing the water loss as: Clear, Grey or Black water, AND then after extraction, determining the classification of the water loss to choose the right drying procedures.This inspection includes photo documentation AND a Thermographic investigation to find hidden moisture sources. We then define the affected areas with the use of moisture detection equipment. Our technicians record initial moisture readings that will be monitored on subsequent visits. This helps track the progress of our drying efforts. Your job's drying progress is managed and monitored everyday. Inspection tools such as our thermal imaging camera, penetrating and non penetrating moisture detection meters allow us to detect every drop of water, determine the extent of the damage and monitor the drying environment to maintain a proper balance of temperature and humidity to dry things as quickly as possible and therefore prevent mold and microbial growth. We use all our moisture meter readings and the science of Psychrometry to determine the optimum set of air drying conditions, and equipment needed to dry the structure ASAP. Psychrometry is the science that takes into account the relationships of temperature, humidity, air movement, and time and their effect on various structural materials. Here are some of the inspection tools we use.

Water Extraction

Water damage can ONLY be removed in 3 ways: Extraction, Dehumidification, and Evaporation. It is 500 times easier to physically remove the water than to rely on fans and dehumidifiers alone. Therefore it is necessary to have extraction tools and machines that do the best job.

Water extraction is performed with our powerful direct drive truck-mounted extraction units.

The Miracle of Pad Down Drying or Extreme Water Extraction “Lets us remove large quantities of water without destroying or removing your carpet and pad!” “Using the Hydro-X Xtreme XTractor lets us get your job done faster, and because the water is gone in hours there’s no chance for mold or mildew getting started.” This extractor is recognized by insurance companies as the best tool on the market, endorsed by Shaw Industries and The Society for Cleaning Restoration Technicians to be the most effective and efficient extraction tool on the market today. It has received 'The Carpet and Rug Institute’s” highest rating a (GOLD) seal of approval for effectiveness and performance.

Our powerful truckmounted machine can remove excess water from the flooded area.

The water claw extracts the carpet and pad.

We will move your furniture and contents to a safe area. Then if necessary we place blocks and tabs under the furniture legs to raise it off the floor. This will prevent the stain on wood legs from bleeding and metal objects from rusting on the carpet.

The water damaged area is isolated to create a drying chamber. By isolating the affected area we can focus our efforts on a single controlled environment. This can be achieved by closing a door or using plastic sheeting to create a partition thereby increasing the efficiency of our equipment and reducing drying time.

Drieaz Refrigerant Dehumidier Phoenix Low Grain Refrigerant Dehumidifier Dehumidifiers remove moisture from the air. A simple explanation is the moist air enters the dehumidifier and then crosses refrigerant cooled coils, causing the moisture in the air to condense on coils within the machine. The moisture then collects in a drip pan or bucket for disposal while the air is slightly reheated before being discharged. The reheat process is done by capturing and using heat generated from the energy spent to cool the air. By being slightly warmed, the air exiting the dehumidifier is dry and warm - which means it will attract moisture like a magnet and maximize the dehumidifier's efficiency.

Airmovers are installed to accelerate evaporation.

Thermal fogging can help to remove odor from a room. The thermal fogging process uses heat to produce micron size particles. Particles of this size have several advantages: • They have extremely large surface area that adsorbs contaminants. • Particles are sufficiently small to enter the tiny crevices on every surface in the room where the odor exists. • Micron size particles remain suspended in the air so they have time to interact with airborne contaminants. • Thermal fog agglomerate small airborne particulates that are a source of malodors. For more information on Odor Removal visit the Pet Stain & Odor Removal Page.

Photos Of Water Damage Jobs Drying.
Sometimes it is necessary to remove the baseboard and direct air into the wall cavity. Referral has the specialized equipement to handle any job.	This basement was flooded and successfully restored. We were able to leave carpet and pad in place and dry them along with the structure by maintaining proper humidity, temperature and airflow.

Mold

If water damage is not handled properly mold can become an issue.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Mold education, prevention and tips for dealing with floods and disasters.

Osha's brief guide to mold in the workplace. Concern about indoor exposure to mold has increased along with public awareness that exposure to mold can cause a variety of health effects and symptoms, including allergic reactions. This safety and health information bulletin provides recommendations for the prevention of mold growth and describes measures designed to protect the health of building occupants and workers involved in mold cleanup and prevention.

Download your copy of "A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture, and Your Home" and learn more about mold on the Environmental Protection Agency's Website at www.epa.gov

Building Science.com contains publications and papers deal with issues and questions about dealing with and preventing mold problems.

getmoldfacts.com Learn how to proper construction practices can help prevent water damage and mold.

The Facts on mold and carpet from the Carpet & Rug Institute

This is a result of a leak that was undiscovered for weeks. Apparent mold growth is visible. The affected carpet and padding had to be thrown away.	The result of a flooded basement "drying" on it's own. Mold has grown on the drywall.

Potential areas mold can occur in your home

If Water Damage Occurs DO

• Notify Your Insurance Company!  But do not wait to hear from them to take action.  As the insured you have a responsibility - You are authorized and required by their insurance company to take prudent action to minimize loss. Failure to do so may absolve the insurance carrier from liability. 
• Tell your insurance you want Referral to dry and clean and restore your home.
• Take photos to document the damage
• Safety first! There are a variety of hazards including electrical fires, slip and fall injuries to the spread of contagious viruses and diseases. 
• Eliminate the source of the water or contact a plumber. If the source of water is not immediately evident, turn the water off at the meter.  The leak or source of water must be stopped before we arrive.
• Remove as much excess water as possible.
• Put plastic or foil under wood furniture legs to prevent staining
• Remove personal belongings and furniture from the affected area and relocate to a safe dry location.
• Your furniture can bleed, swell and delaminate if left on wet carpet. Water travels underneath carpet several feet further than evident on the top side.
• Remove Area and Oriental Rugs to the garage or driveway so the color does not bleed onto the carpet.
• Place aluminum foil, plastic or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Call Referral at 260-483-4383 immediately for professional help

If Water Damage Occurs DON’T

• Do not disturb visible mold
• Do not postpone professional help.  The longer you wait the more damage will occur.
• Do not turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Keep out of rooms where ceilings are sagging from retained water, they could fall.
• Do not leave books, magazines or other colored items on wet carpets and floors.
• Do not store wet items in plastic bags
• Don’t allow children or pets to enter affected areas.

How to Prevent Water Damage

Water damage can go undetected and lead to larger problems for your home. Learn the trouble spots to look for and what preventive maintenance steps to take each year. Take a few minutes to follow the suggestions below and you may prevent a future flood.

Click here to learn how to prevent water damage in your home from State Farm Insurance

Click here to download your FREE copy of the 'Homeowners Guide to Water Damage Prevention' Learn more at the Institute for Business & Home Safety website www.disastersafety.org

Click Here To Watch a Video and Learn How To Prevent Water Damage

• Water Valve Make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water valve is and how to turn it off in an emergency. If you go out of town turn your water off or arrange to have someone check on your house.
  Garden Hoses Disconnect garden hoses from all outside faucets in the fall BEFORE freezing temperatures. The first time you use your outside faucet in the spring be sure to check to make sure the pipes did not freeze in the winter.  After turning on your outside water faucet do a quick check of you water pipes, if you hear water immediately go to your water shut off value and turn it off.
  Storage Store your personal belongings on shelves or in plastic containers.  This will prevent water from damaging the contents like it does when stored in a cardboard box.
  Gutters
  Be sure your gutters are free of obstructions, leaves, etc. For gutter cleaning call Advanced Window Cleaning at 260-747-9234 or click here to visit their website to learn more.		If possible use extensions to  drain water away from the house.  Grade your yard to ensure that water drains away from the home. For professional gutter installation or repair call Trevor B. with Custom Exteriors at 260-437-6358 or email at justgutterit@gmail.com
  Alarms Leak Frog In areas where water damage could occur put a 'leak frog' to alert you so you can take immediate action. Leak Frog - Alerts you to water damage so you can take immediate action. What a GREAT Idea! Click Here To Buy A Leak Frog   Leak Defense System Once installed on your home's incoming water supply line, the Leak Defense System uses your pre-set parameters to monitor water flow 24/7/365. The Leak Defense System is so sensitive, it can measure flow of as little as one cup per hour so it can catch very small leaks even before they become problems or run up your water bill. If the flow exceeds those limits set by you for a pre-defined period of time, the Leak Defense System will sound an alarm. If no one is home, the Leak Defense System will shut off water to the home automatically, saving you potentially tens of thousands of dollars in damages, and untold misery. The Leak Defense System can be installed on any home and can even be connected to an outside monitoring service for added peace of mind. Don't wait until disaster strikes. Contact your plumber today and tell him you want the Leak Defense System installed in your home right away. Click here to learn more.
  Insurance Be sure to closely examine your insurance policy to be sure you know what you are or are not covered for.  Sump pump coverage and drain back up is often separate covererage from your homeowners which covers your plumbing.  Know your rights as the insured - Insured Bill of Rights You may take and be fully compensated for the cost of emergency steps to safeguard your property from further damage after a loss. If fact you have the obligation to do so under the terms of your policy. The insurance company may not be liable for additional expenses if you fail to provide such protection. If you have secured adequate coverage you are entitled to be paid for the fair cost of fully restoring your home to it's pre-damaged condtion. You are, however, not insured for the repair of unrelated problems such as code deficiencies and or prior damage. You are entitled to employ and should insist upon a fully licensed and insured repair firm of good reputation. If you choose not to employ such a firm, the consequences and liability for any injury, damage or other actions will rest with you. You are entitled to employ a firm with sufficient experience and stability in the community to stand behind its work and warranty responsibilities. The repair contract and its execution is strictly between you and the contractor. Your insurance company does not warrant or guarantee the performance of any firm you hire. You are entitiled to materials and wormanship fully equivalent to your existing installation in 'like kind and quality'. The insurance company has no obligation to improve your existing installation. You are not required to accept the lowest bidder. Nowhere in your policy do the words 'cheapest' 'low' or 'lowest price' occur. Repair rates should correspond to prevailing standards in your area for work of good quality. You are entitled to receive a detailed listing of the scope or repairs and quantites of materials to be provided, before work begins. Provision for hidden or latent problems relating to the damage should be spelled out in as much detail as possible. You are entitled to select a firm who can demonstrate skill and experience in insurance damage repair as a full time professional service. Ask for references, credentials, and association memberships that indicate professional training and status in insurance repair, as contrasted with ordinary home improvement work. If substantial disagreement arises between you and the insurance company over the amount of the loss, you are entitled to request arbitration (appraisal) as descrbied under the terms of the policy lines 123-140 of the standard homeowners form which spells out the procedures for settling differences without resorting to lawsuit. The insurance company is also entitled to this provision, which may be invoked at any time prior to settlement, regardless of whether or not you have received advanced payments. You are entitled to receive payment from the insurance company within the time specified by the policy and your state insurance regulations which are designed to prevent insurance companies from using delay and personal hardship to compel a lower settlement. The policy also has time requirements for the policyholder, within which you must prepare and submit your claim. Ask your adjuster about these requirements at the outset so that you can be in compliance
  Insulation Insulate pipes to prevent freezing.
  Drywall When hanging drywall allow approximately an inch gap between the floor and the drwall. This way the unless the water is at least an inch deep it will not touch the drywall and absorb into it as it has done in the above photo.
  Generator Purchase a generator or have prearranged plans to access one in case of a power outage. This way you can still power your sump pump.
  Plumbing Have your plumber inspect your plumbing and sump pump for leaks.
  Fix Structural and Foundation Leaks Visit www.radonseal.com to learn about Penetrating Concrete Sealers and Do-It-Yourself Basement Care & Repairs or use a professional such as Americrawl, Everdry or Basement Systems
  Dehumidifier If you're considering a basement dehumidifier or crawl space dehumidifier you might have a lot of questions. Such as what is relative humidity, how dehumidifiers work, what is CFM, why should I have a dehumidifer. Many dehumidifier models have subtle differences that make one particular dehumidifier just right for your needs. Explore the resource library to learn about humidity and the various features you should be looking for in a dehumidifier at www.dehumidifierexperts.com
  Do you need a backup sump pump? Do you worry about your sump pump during a heavy rain? How about the next hurricane? Or a big snow melt? While on a vacation, do you think about your sump pump? When leaving on a business trip, do you worry more about your sump pump than your family? If any of your answers is YES - you need a back-up sump pump! Why sump pumps fail Float switch broken or stuck Too much water overwhelming the pump Clogged sump pump intake screen Sump pump humming but not pumping (air-locked) Sump pump jammed by mud or a stone Power failure (usually happens during heavy storms) Tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse Sump pump burned out Broken pump impeller or drive shaft Clogged or frozen sump pump discharge 2 Back-up sump pump solutions Battery backup sump pump - If the power fails a battery will power the pump. However this is only true if the battery is charged, and then it will only last for hours. If your power is out for days you are still in trouble. Water-powered backup sump pump - What, in the world, is a water-powered pump? Like fighting fire with a fire, you can pump water with water. When municipal water blasts at full pressure through a Venturi nozzle ("ejector"), the pressure drop inside the nozzle draws in water from the sump like through a giant soda straw. It does not depend on electricity or batteries, and there are no moving parts. Provided the municipal water is on, it can run infinitely during a power outage. The operation is fully automatic – it works whether you are home or away. The backup pump has its own float switch, which activates the pump when water level in the sump pit rises too high – above the level normally allowed by the primary sump pump. This simultaneously activates an audible alarm to let you know that it is operating and that there is something wrong with the primary pump or the power supply. Call your plumber to further discuss your options.

  
  
  Click Here to Learn about the National Flood Insurance Program

Learn how much flooding could cost you, insurance coverage, flood preparation and recovery, flood risks and more.

IICRC Storm Damage Restoration Recommendations

The following information is submitted by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) as a public service to those who have suffered water-related losses due to storm damage (e.g., hurricane, tornado). Since there are many variables involved in deciding about appropriate restoration steps, users of this information assume any and all liability for implementing the procedures covered herein.

The following recommendations assume water-related storm damage to residential or light commercial structures. For recommendations regarding restoration of major commercial properties and building assemblies, it is important to consult with professionals who have specific training and experience in this area.

Whether insured or not, it is important for property owners to document damage with photographs or video, and immediately, to begin loss mitigation procedures themselves; or hire a qualified contractor to do this on their behalf. It is totally inappropriate to put off mitigation while waiting for an insurance claims representative to arrive on the scene to evaluate the loss. By that time, in all probability sufficient time will have passed to grow and amplify microorganisms, which may not be covered by insurance. Loss mitigation is defined by insurance policies as “reasonable and prudent measures designed to preserve, protect and secure property from further damage,” including microbial growth and amplification.

According to the IICRC Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration (IICRC S500), there are three categories of water that cause damage in buildings. They are summarized as follows:

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, subflooring). 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 rainwater 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.
Most household microorganisms (fungi, bacteria) typically require five conditions for germination, growth, amplification and dissemination. Generally, they include:

• organic food source, especially cellulose (e.g., paper, wood), which are found in abundance in construction materials
• moisture, even high humidity (67% RH plus)
• moderate temperature - 68-86°F/20-30°C
• stagnant air
• time – several hours to several days

Anything that can be done to control or minimize these optimum conditions will prolong the time required for microbial growth.

With the above background information in mind, loss mitigation procedures may include but are not necessarily limited to:

A. Foremost, consider safety:

1. Structural Integrity - Before entering a storm or flood-damaged structure, consider structural integrity, which may be impacted by the force of the wind on, or the force of the water entering the structure. When in doubt, obtain an evaluation by a licensed and qualified builder or structural engineer before entering.
2. Ventilation – Fresh moving air discourages the growth and amplification of microorganisms. Open windows and doors and air the structure out thoroughly. It is highly recommended that ventilation be maintained during and following the restoration effort, or until damp areas can be contained and subjected to mechanical dehumidification (HVAC or specialized equipment). This reduces, but does not eliminate, inhalation of microorganisms.
3. Shock Hazards - Ensure that electrical shock hazards have been eliminated by turning off the supply of electricity (circuit breakers) to damaged areas. Anticipate that electricity may be restored suddenly without notice.
4. Personal Protective Equipment - Wear protective clothing, boots with steel or fiberglass shanks, and a hard hat. Protect yourself from injury or exposure to microorganisms. Wear protective gloves before handling contaminated materials. Splash goggles are highly recommended to protect and prevent microorganism entry through the eyes. An organic vapor respirator (paint respirator) is highly recommended to prevent inhalation of most microorganisms or spores.

B. Remove quantities of debris (silt, vegetation, floating objects brought in by storm surge), if present, with shovels, rakes, etc.

Carefully clean all tools with appropriate detergents after use.

C. Identify the source of water and extent of wetting:

1. When wind-blown rain water enters a building, it is important to identify the route of entry and to trace its path, as possible, to identify all wet components (ceilings, walls, insulation, framing). Professional water restoration contractors, when available, have specialized water-detection equipment and may be available to assist in this determination.
2. In rising water situations, typically there will be a visible water line on drywall or paneling. However, water may migrate or wick upward within the wall material itself or within insulation behind the wall.

D. Remove unsalvable or wet materials:

1. When wetting is caused by storm damage and comes from overhead or around openings in the building envelope, and especially when power has been interrupted in hot climates, it is important to remove wet components, as possible, to expose pockets of saturation to air circulation before microbial growth can occur.
   • Begin at the point of water entry and trace the path of wetting, removing ceiling and wall components and insulation as you go.
   • Although it may be possible for professionals with specialized equipment to dry carpet, pad and subflooring materials, when damage is wholesale in an area, seldom will qualified contractors be available to respond for this work. Therefore, it is normally prudent to remove saturated carpet and pad.
   • It is highly recommended that solid or laminated wood flooring, or sheet vinyl be removed to expose pockets of saturation.
2. In rising water situations (storm surge with contaminated ground water):
   • Remove and dispose of drywall (Sheetrock®), paneling or other wall materials up to a point 15-24" inches above the water line visible on the wall. If possible, stay within four feet of the floor to salvage as much wall material as possible, since drywall is usually installed horizontally in 4’x8’ or 4’x12’ panels.
   • Remove and dispose of wet insulation materials exposed during wall removal. Look for evidence of moisture wicking up insulation materials. Leave only wall framing components that are durable and minimally porous, and which can be cleaned and decontaminated with relative ease.
   • Remove and dispose of floor coverings; carpet, cushion, pad, felt and sheet vinyl, laminate, or tile flooring materials. Porous materials may absorb considerable quantities of water and contaminant, and non-porous materials may trap moisture to prolong drying. The inevitable result will be rapid microorganism growth, along with associated odor and health hazards. Hardwood flooring should be removed since contaminants and moisture will collect underneath in the flutes or hollow areas between the hardwood and the subfloor.
     

E. With Category 1 (clean source) water (e.g., rainwater), drying is the next course of action required to prevent on-going damage due to microbial development.

The following procedures may require the assistance of a professional water damage restoration company, if available, which has trained technicians, specialized cleaners, biocides, extraction, drying and dehumidifying equipment, and moisture measuring and monitoring instruments. A certified professional can be located by calling the non-profit IICRC toll free at               800-835-4624        or by accessing www.certifiedcleaners.org. When approached by any company for water restoration services, ask to see the technician’s official IICRC wallet card that attests to his or her training and certification, or call the IICRC’s toll-free number for verification.

F. With ground surface water (Category 3), steps for cleaning soil residues brought in by heavy rainfall or storm surge may include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Since many biocides are inactivated by quantities of organic contaminants, cleaning always should precede biocide application.
2. When fresh water is restored within the structure, mix an appropriate general-purpose household cleaner according to label directions and liberally spray it onto salvable components.
3. Brush agitation may be required to evenly distribute cleaning solutions, followed by at least ten minutes of “dwell time” for soil suspension.
4. Where appropriate, flush contaminants from salvageable surfaces with a water hose or pressure washer. Work from top-to-bottom and from walls-to-flooring.
5. Wet vacuum or mop up excess rinse water from flooring materials immediately. Be sure to thoroughly flush all contamination from wall frame (sill plate) areas. Pressure washing, if available, is specifically recommended to flush contaminants from hard-to-access areas, followed by removal of contaminated water with industrial wet vacuuming equipment.
6. Repeat steps 6-9 as necessary, until all surfaces are clean and contamination is physically removed.

G. Disinfecting:

1. Applying disinfectants or biocides usually is unnecessary with Category 1 (clean source) water, since this may only serve to introduce additional moisture into the building, which may prolong drying.
2. With Category 2 or 3 water contamination, while maintaining ventilation and skin and respiratory protection, liberally spray cleaned salvageable materials (studs, decking, joists, etc.) with an appropriate biocide. A 6% solution of household chlorine bleach (e.g., Clorox®) mixed 1 part bleach to 11 parts water (½%) may be used on durable, colorfast surfaces. Never mix chlorine bleach with ammonia or strong acids! An appropriate alternative to chlorine bleach may be a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide.
3. In rising water situations, following application of properly diluted biocides, brush agitate all areas to encourage biocide distribution and penetration into cracks and crevices.

H. Dry structural components with plenty of air circulation, while maintaining constant ventilation (weather conditions permitting). If possible, take advantage of low outside humidity (check local weather reports). Use oscillating or box fans, repositioning them within the structure every few hours. Avoid temperature extremes that might slow drying, or promote microorganism growth (around 72-75oF/22-24oC is ideal). Rent high-volume professional drying equipment (airmovers and dehumidifiers) if available, especially in areas where ventilation is not possible (sealed buildings, security problems). It is highly recommended that electrical components that were wet be checked for operational safety by a qualified contractor.

I. Leave cleaned structural surfaces exposed to fresh air movement for several days or even weeks, or until you are sure that they have returned to within four percentage points of normal moisture content (MC) levels (generally the normal MC of structural wood is around 10%). Otherwise, subsequent structural damage and/or health effects may result after wall and flooring materials have been replaced or painted. Professional water restoration contractors with specialized, high-capacity drying equipment can shorten drying times considerably.

J. Reconstruct or replace components as required.

Where financial resources permit, it is highly recommended that comprehensive restoration be accomplished by trained, Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Water Damage Restoration Technicians. They may be located by calling the IICRC referral line at 800-835-4624 or by accessing www.certifiedcleaners.org. Consider hiring a professional restorer to evaluate moisture levels in structural materials before reconstruction.