Before

After

Seminole Gulf Central Home Has Water Damage from Bathtub Overflow

Several jobs SERVPRO handles for water damage cleanup in Seminole properties do not come from floodwater, burst pipes, or a toilet backup. Sometimes the problem comes from good old-fashioned human error, such as forgetting about a bathtub filling up until it overflowed and water went through the ceiling. In this case, the water flowed into a garage space directly below the bathroom where the incident occurred in this home, as seen in the Before Photo.

The photo shows softened-looking sheetrock on the garage's ceiling and the calling card of water-damaged walls: water spots on the walls. Enough water ran down the walls it caused a hanging photo collage to slip and fall slightly.

Upon arrival, SERVPRO technicians used their moisture detection equipment to scope the bathroom and garage, following the migration path of the water. This method of investigation assists in ascertaining all areas that potentially have water damage and then looking closely at those areas in the home to ensure no moisture gets left behind after the water restoration services are complete.

Controlled Demolition as a Part of Water Damage Restoration

The term "controlled demolition" sounds destructive and like an action that might do more harm than good. In actuality, it is a part of the restoration services that can work to limit the damage within a structure, as in the case in this Seminole Gulf home. The water that ran down from the bathtub saturated the ceiling and walls by the doorway. SERVPRO IICRC certified technicians removed the sheetrock to stop the wicking of water, affecting adjoining walls eventually unless prevented through removal. The wall and insulation get taken down along with any insulation present. Most insulation has no restoration potential, except for fiberglass insulation. When the water damage in a home is a clean water spill, and the homeowner requests SERVPRO to save the insulation for reuse, the techs can gather it using specially equipped vacuums and clean it in their facility for reuse re-installation.

Drying water damage that affects two floors takes more than setting up fans to do the job. SERVPRO has specialized equipment to dry the bathroom floor above and the ceiling and walls below. Along with dehumidifiers to capture and port away from the water vapor as it rises. Special consideration gets given to the floor joists between the bathroom and garage. This area must get dried to avoid water spots after the fact or inviting mold growth. Drying mats and devices like the InjectiDry that force air into a concentrated area works to ensure this area of the Seminole home is as dry as the rest before moving on to the final step of cleaning and sanitizing the property and readying it for the needed repairs.