When it comes to water damage restoration, it’s crucial to act fast and to be aware of the determining costs of your property remediation. ServiceMaster by Wright of Fort Myers, FL is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide top-tier water damage restoration services with transparent cost explanations.
To reduce the extent of damage and incurred restoration costs, call the experts at ServiceMaster by Wright to begin water mitigation right away.
ServiceMaster by Wright’s certified technicians offer free, on-site water damage inspections and assessments. Call us today at (239) 431-9947.
What are the Common Causes of Water Damage?
- Blocked drains
- Clogged gutters
- Condensation from Air Conditioning Units
- Faulty Appliances
- Leaking pipes
- Leaking water heaters
- Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
- Moisture buildup in basements, attics, and hard-to-reach spaces
- Plumbing complications
- Sewer backups
- Severe Weather (such as flooding or hailstorms)
- Washing machine water supply line leak
Top 10 Factors Affecting Water Damage Restoration Costs
The leading question after water damage has occurred is how much will it cost to restore the property? There are several factors that impact the costs involved with water damage restoration.
To avoid further water damage and lower the cost of restoration, act fast, and contact ServiceMaster by Wright today
ServiceMaster by Wright’s certified technicians offer free on-site water damage assessment. Call us now at (239) 431-9947
1. Size of the Affected Area
The larger an affected area is, the higher the costs to repair it.
2. Amount of Water
The first step of water damage restoration is water removal and extraction and the volume of water that must be extracted has a direct impact on the cost of repairs. Water spreads horizontally then vertically. Deeper water affects more structures and contents than shallow water. ServiceMaster by Wright Technicians utilize water pumps, dehumidification equipment, and moisture-absorbent materials which impact water damage restoration costs.
3. Type and Source of Water
A leaky HVAC unit may go unnoticed and if left alone for too long, can stimulate mold and mildew growth requiring mold remediation and increased costs. On the other hand, floodwaters can cause immediate widespread damage, requiring floor replacements, wall repairs, etc. A small sewer backup may not cover an enormous area but will require special treatment due to the presence of Category 3 water.
There are three categories of water that damage a property.- Category 1 Does not pose a threat to humans. Possible causes include broken appliances, rainwater, or an overflowing sink.
- Category 2 Contaminated “grey water“ may cause sickness if ingested. This type of water contains toxic microorganisms that can cause serious threats to our health. Examples include a washing machine and dishwasher leaks that contain chemicals.
- Category 3 Water that contains significant pathogens, is grossly unsanitary and could cause severe illness or death if ingested. Also called “black water“, includes sewer backups, flooding from rivers and streams, toilet overflows, and stagnant water that has begun to support bacterial growth.
4. Time
Untreated water damage escalates problems and costs over time.
- Within minutes or hours, contamination from hazardous water can spread. Furniture on wet carpet will start to stain and wood furniture will start to swell with water.
- Within days, mold and mildew appear, paint and wallpaper degrade, structural wood supports swell and wood floors warp, sometimes beyond repair.
- In about a week mold and mildew will grow and spread to furniture, drywall and even the structure of your property.
- As weeks go by, mold will take root deep into organic materials like wood, ruining them beyond the point of salvage. Mold poses health hazards as it enters the bloodstream and lungs, affecting your immune system, liver, kidneys, and brain.
- After a prolonged period, untreated water damage affects the foundation of a property as it starts to shift under its own weight. Basement walls may begin flexing and the entire structure begins to sink.
5. Area Of The Property Damaged
Different parts of properties require different types of work.
6. Types of Materials Affected
The materials of items affected by water have differing levels of water resistance. Some items can be dried and salvaged, while others may have to be disposed of and replaced, increasing water damage restoration costs.
7. How Accessible Is The Damaged Area
Some areas are difficult to work in, such as crawlspaces and attics, which make restoration work more demanding.
8. Mold Removal
As water sits, mold growth occurs. If mold removal is necessary, water damage restoration costs increase as additional time will be required to eliminate the mold from the area. Cleaning and sanitizing will also be necessary.
9. Location
The cost of living in your area will affect water damage restoration costs. If your property is in a humid climate, dehumidifying will require more time and effort, thus increasing costs.
10. Repairs and Reconstruction
Generally, property owners prefer repairs over replacements in order to save money and materials. However, repair isn’t always an option. Reconstruction is necessary when:
- Damage is left untreated for an extended duration of time.
- Destruction from storm damage occurs.
- Mold takes root.
- There is contact with contaminated water.
Florida's Leading Water Damage Restoration Company
Water restoration is as complex as it is crucial. That’s why it’s so important to call the experts at the first sign of trouble.
The team at ServiceMaster by Wright is trained, qualified and ready to help. Our technicians are experts in assessing, controlling, and restoring homes and businesses following water damage. We have the skills and techniques to eliminate dangerous mold and mildew that water damage causes. We know what can be repaired, and what needs to be replaced. ServiceMaster by Wright is ready to put our expertise to work for you.
Call ServiceMaster by Wright today at (239) 431-9947 to discover why we are Florida’s leading water damage restoration company.