Frequently Asked Questions

1. I have a flooding problem. What should I do, and what should I not do?
2. Who should I call first?
3. What steps are involved in an effective professional flood recovery project?
4. How do you determine the severity of a moisture problem?
5. If uncorrected, what are the ongoing effects of water damage?

I have a flooding problem. What should I do, and what should I not do?

DO:

• Make sure a contractor has been called to eliminate the water source or make necessary repairs as required.
• Turn off circuit breakers supplying electricity to wet areas;unplug and remove any small electrical devices on the wet carpet.
• Remove small furniture items to prevent rust or staining.
• Place aluminum foil under legs of wood and metal furniture.
• Hang draperies and pin up furniture skirts to prevent water marks,dye marks.
• Remove books,papers,plants,misc. items that may stain carpeting.
• Make plans for restoration crew to move large furniture to specified dry areas.

• Do not use your home vacuum (electrical shock may occur).
• Do not place newspaper in traffic areas (ink may transfer).
• Do not walk on wet carpet any more than necessary to keep from spreading damage.
• Do not activate you HVAC system - it may serve as a means of spreading contamination
• Do not increase indoor temperature, as it may increase humidity and slow drying.

Who should I call first?

This depends on the problem. If this is a pipe or hot water heater problem, you'll want to contact a licensed plumber to stop the leak. Then you should call ATA to begin the cleanup and minimize the extent of damage. In most cases (aside from groundwater problems) you will be covered by your homeowner's insurance. After your initial call to report the claim, ATA will then deal directly with your insurance adjuster to remedy the situation in a timely manner.

If it is a problem with your furnace or oil burner, call the appropriate service company to fix the furnace to keep any additional soot from contaminating your home. Then, call ATA.

What steps are involved in an effective professional flood recovery project?

There are four general principles to be understood before any materials subjected to water damage can be effectively restored to a pre-loss condition.

1. REMOVE THE EXCESS: Removal of excess water could include such simple steps as mopping or soaking up excess moisture from hard surfaces: but usually it refers to use of more sophisticated techniques and equipment such as heavy duty (truck mounted) wet pick up vacuuming equipment. Thorough extraction not only contains damage, it speeds up drying.
2. EVAPORATION: Once excess water is removed: technicians must concentrate on changing water to vapor through promotion of evaporation. Normally this is accomplished with air moving equipment.
3. DEHUMIDIFICATION: Once moisture is evaporated from structural and contents materials into the air, it must be removed through dehumidification to avoid secondary damage (mold and mildew growth).
4. TEMPERATURE CONTROL: Both evaporation and dehumidification capabilities are enhanced by controlling the temperature in a confined environment . Temperature modification becomes important in restorative drying.
5. STRUCTURE/CONTENT REMOVAL AND /OR DISCARD: If after inspection of the structure i.e.: walls, insulation, ceiling, floors with a moisture meter, it has been determined that moisture has entered these areas, drying and/or removal of drywall, insulation, ceiling must be initiated to prevent the growth of mold and mildew.

How do you determine the severity of a moisture problem?

To measure the moisture content of your house's building materials, ATA uses a moisture meter like the one shown here. The meter measures electrical conductivity between the two probes, and then uses that figure to calculate the moisture content of the material.

Knowing the precise amount of moisture in the material is important, because it allows us to select a remediation plan that is best for the job at hand.

The following guide is used to determine the severity of moisture:

If uncorrected, what are the ongoing effects of water damage?

• WITHIN MINUTES...
  • furniture in direct contact delaminates, swells and cracks
  • drywall swells and softens
  • wallpaper adhesives release
  
  
• WITHIN DAYS...
  • fungi appear along with musty odor
  • metal surfaces tarnish, rust and corrode
  • wood structures swell, distort, split
  • dyes in fabrics bleed or discolor
  • occupants with asthma or allergies may be affected
  
  
• WITHIN WEEKS...
  • fungi destroy organic materials (jute backings, paper coverings, drywall, paneling, wood)
  • wood components warp and split
  • claim costs escalate
  • occupant health problems may arise

Please ask one of the technicians to show and explain the areas that have been affected along with moisture readings to help you better understand the necessity for restorative drying.

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