Whether it is from a storm, a broken pipe, or a malfunction on the property, flood damage often occurs quickly and without notice. When damage occurs to your business, it is important to get it cleaned up as soon as possible to limit the amount of lost revenue and the loss of productivity. Flood restoration should be done by a professional. ServiceMaster Restore® technicians have the training needed to get the job done right for you.

The Process

Before starting the cleanup process take pictures of the damage for your insurance company and call a professional ServiceMaster RCS technician:

• We make sure the electricity in the area is turned off to ensure the area is safe
• Electronics such as computers, printers, and office equipment must be unplugged and quickly removed. The faster these dry out, the more likely you will be able to restore them instead of replace them

Step One

• The first step in flood cleanup is to get rid of the water. This includes not only the standing water that you can see, but also the hidden water that you can’t see.
• Water often travels to hidden areas, such as behind walls and baseboards, crevices and cracks in the floor, where it will sit and create problems later. A ServiceMaster Restore® restoration professional has the equipment needed to find this hidden water and remove it before it creates a situation where mold can grow.

Step Two

• Once all the water is out, we remove carpet and flooring to make sure the area underneath is properly dried. Other wet items around the building should also be removed for drying and restoration if necessary.

Step Three

• Next, the dehumidifying process starts. We bring in commercial dehumidifiers to remove the water from the air, along with large fans and air movers to circulate the air. It is important to make sure the moisture is out of the air so mold doesn’t start to grow. An antimicrobial is applied to the area to stop mold growth too.
• Since odors can also be a problem when there is flood damage, ServiceMaster Restore® professionals have the training and the equipment needed to find the source of the odors and eliminate them.

Step Four

• The final step of flood damage restoration process in a commercial building is to restore any damage to the structure. We cut out wet drywall and replace it with clean, dry materials.
• We also manage the repair of damage to tile or wood floors. The area is painted, and new carpet is installed or the dried and restored originals are put back in place.
• A thorough cleaning is also helpful in removing any lingering odors. Disinfectants and sanitizing treatments are often used to make sure the area is completely clean and ready for the furniture and other items when they are returned to the building.

Throughout the restoration process, ServiceMaster Restore® will work with your insurance adjuster. We provide a full assessment of the flood damage and give an overview of the services needed to restore the property.