Flood Damage Protocols in Andover

3/7/2017 (Permalink)

Water Lines on the Walls Indicate the Height of the Storm Waters in Andover

When an Andover Home Is Flooded Call SERVPRO for Emergency Cleanup and Restoration

The rain and storms to our area have been record-breaking this year. Minnesota residents have seen more water rise and broke banks than ever before. This exceptional flooding has brought exceptional problems as well.

In many cases, the flood damage to Andover homes includes contaminated water. Silt, debris, and even sewer water from overwhelmed city systems or septic tanks require special protective and cleaning actions. An experienced company like SERVPRO has the training to deal with these situations and how to safely put you back in your home.

Once discovered, our IICRC certified technicians deal with a contamination threat by spraying a disinfectant as they enter the structure. They spray every surface with an EPA approved chemical. Spraying not only reduces the threat but also reduces the chance of spreading the contamination as our technicians move into uncontaminated areas. Next, we remove excess debris. As the process begins, our technicians use shovels to remove heavy items and rakes to remove silt from carpets. This material may be hazardous if it contains asbestos, lead or another regulated material.

Now, technicians begin water removal. They accomplish this task using a combination of water vacuums and extractors specially designed to remove the flooding without harming carpets or other types of flooring. With that finished, our restoration team continues with the evaluation. We determine if your structure and personal property can be decontaminated and restored. If this is not possible, then the items must be removed and replaced. We usually remove building material (e.g. drywall, wallpaper) since it is rapidly destroyed by standing water alone. Structural beams and other components are more resistant to standing water; technicians pressure wash them and then spray with a disinfectant to avoid the cost of replacement.

Other types of property are restorable unless exposed to black water (sewer water). If this has happened, then the decision to attempt disinfecting the item depends on the porous nature of the items. A solid countertop is recoverable while carpets and furniture fabrics are usually written off as a loss. Safety first.

As technicians remove property, new surfaces are exposed. Every new surface is disinfected and inspected again to determine if it can be restored or requires removal. Technicians repeat these actions until all surfaces, hardwood or tile flooring and soft fabrics, in the home are disinfected or disposed of according to state and federal regulations.

Restoring your home after a flood is a complicated process, but SERVPRO of Minnetonka stands with you through every step. Call us today at (952) 473-4837 for an initial inspection or to get started immediately.