What happens during water damage cleanup? If your home is ever affected by a water damage disaster, this will be one of the first questions on your mind. In this post, we’ll review the four primary steps that occur during the water damage cleanup process. As you follow these steps, if your home is ever affected by water damage, don’t forget that we at ATEX Restoration in Austin are your first ally in the fight against water damage. 
Inspect the Damage
Inspecting the damage before water damage cleanup begins in earnest is an important step. This step allows a restoration team to determine the scale of the damage, potential safety hazards, if the water is contaminated, and provide initial estimates for the cost of the job. This information allows a water damage cleanup company to proceed with the cleanup process in the most efficient manner possible with the property equipment and the right amount of manpower. It also gives you some comfort as the property owner, knowing what the general expectations are regarding cost and the time it will take to complete the job.
Extract the Standing Water
Once the inspection is complete, extracting all the standing water as quickly as possible is priority number one. Standing water can have devastating effects on homes as it seeps into walls and causes irreparable damage to ceilings, carpets, and furniture. Water damage cleanup companies will employ industrial pumps to remove the standing water from your home as quickly as possible to mitigate damage from standing water.
Remove Lingering Moisture
You can breathe a little easier once the standing water is removed, but that doesn’t mean you are in the clear. Moisture from the flood will linger in porous materials like walls, carpets, and furniture. It’s essential that this moisture is extracted using dehumidifiers, fans, and natural air flow to prevent mold growth and other issues from developing over time.
Clean and Sanitize
Finally, once the standing water and moisture are taken care enough, the mammoth task of cleaning and sanitizing every inch of the home affected by the flood comes next. This step is essential since floodwater is often dirty and could contain dangerous contaminants. Even if not dangerous, the contaminants could be smelly or cause unsightly stains in your home. At this stage, a water damage cleanup company will use professional-grade cleaning solutions, antimicrobial treatments, and specialized equipment to thoroughly clean surfaces, remove odors, and sanitize the affected areas. This not only restores the appearance of your home but also ensures it’s safe and healthy for you and your family to return to.
Water Damage Cleanup in Austin
Dealing with the consequences of a water damage disaster can be a stressful, overwhelming endeavor. One thing that helps manage this stress, however, is understanding what occurs during the water damage cleanup process. This post reviewed some of the most critical steps taken by water damage cleanup companies after a flood. Fortunately, however, you don’t have to remember all this on your own. We at ATEX Restoration in Austin are just one call away and ready to jump into action if your home is ever affected by water damage.