Water Damage Restoration in Wilmington, Delaware

Emergency Water Damage Repair & Restoration Services in Wilmington, Delaware

Water damage is a serious issue that can have significant implications for your property and health. If you are currently experiencing water damage or have experienced it in the past, it is critical to address it immediately to mitigate further damage. Marlings Restoration offers 24/7 emergency restoration services in Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding areas. Our water damage restoration professionals are available around the clock to respond to any type of water damage event and restore your property back to pre-loss condition. We are IICRC certified and experienced in dealing with insurance claims, ensuring all necessary documentation and readings are taken care of to help you get the maximum amount possible for your water damage insurance claim.

Experiencing water damage can be an extremely stressful situation, especially when it is an emergency and water is actively pouring into your home. Here are the best steps to take during a water damage event:

1. Locate The Source & Turn Off Your Water: The first step in managing water damage is to locate the source of the water intrusion. Whether it's a burst pipe, a leaky roof, or an overflowing appliance, identifying the cause is crucial. Once located, turn off the main water supply to prevent further water from entering your property. This action can significantly reduce the extent of the damage and provide a safer environment for the next steps.
2. Turn Off Your Power: Water and electricity are a dangerous combination. To ensure safety, turn off the power to any affected areas to avoid electrical hazards. If the water has reached your electrical system, it is advisable to contact a licensed electrician for assistance. Do not attempt to handle electrical components in wet conditions, as this poses a serious risk of shock or electrocution.
3. Call A Reputable Water Damage Company: Immediate professional assistance is essential when dealing with water damage. Contact a reputable water damage restoration company, such as Marlings Restoration, to assess and address the situation. These professionals have the expertise, equipment, and certifications needed to handle water damage efficiently and effectively. Prompt intervention can minimize structural damage and prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
4. Remove Any Valuables (If Possible): If it is safe to do so, take measures to protect your valuables. Remove important documents, electronics, and priceless items from the affected area to prevent them from being further damaged by water. While ensuring your safety remains the top priority, salvaging essential belongings can mitigate the overall impact of the event on your personal and financial well-being.
   

Homeowner's insurance typically covers water damage if it is the result of certain perils. Here are the situations in which water damage is generally covered:

• Sudden & Accidental Events: If water damage occurs unexpectedly and instantaneously, such as from a burst pipe or a washing machine hose that suddenly breaks, it is usually covered by homeowner's insurance.
• Storm Damage: Water damage caused by storms, including heavy rain, hail, and wind-driven rain, is generally covered. For example, if a storm damages your roof and rainwater enters your home, your insurance should help cover the repairs.
• Vandalism: If water damage results from an act of vandalism, such as someone breaking in and causing water damage, homeowner's insurance will typically provide coverage.
• Fire Extinguishing Efforts: When water damage occurs as a result of efforts to extinguish a fire, it is also usually covered by homeowner's insurance. The water used to fight the fire can cause significant damage, and this is generally part of the claim.

Homeowner's insurance does not cover water damage in the following scenarios:

• Property Neglect or Poor Maintenance: Water damage resulting from neglect or lack of maintenance is not covered. This includes damage from leaky roofs that were not repaired in a timely manner or plumbing issues that were ignored.
• Floods: Standard homeowner's insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood insurance must be purchased separately through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or a private insurer.
• Sewer Backups: Damage from sewer backups is not covered under a typical homeowner's policy. However, you can often add sewer backup coverage as an endorsement to your policy.
• Ground Seepage: Water damage due to water seeping into the house from the ground is generally excluded from coverage. This type of damage is typically considered preventable with proper home maintenance and landscaping adjustments.

Our Water Damage Cleanup & Remediation Process

Choosing a reputable water damage restoration company with a proven process is crucial. Here's an overview of our cleanup process:

1. Assessment and Inspection: Upon arrival, our team conducts a thorough assessment and inspection of the property to determine the extent of the water damage. This step involves using advanced equipment like moisture detectors, hygrometers, and infrared cameras to identify hidden water pockets. We evaluate the affected areas and classify the level of water contamination, which is crucial for developing an effective restoration plan. Our findings are documented meticulously to ensure a comprehensive recovery process.
2. Water Extraction: The next vital step is water extraction. We use high-powered pumps and industrial-grade wet vacuums to remove standing water from your property. Rapid extraction minimizes the damage by preventing water from seeping deeper into building materials. This phase is typically done as early as possible to reduce the risk of mold growth and structural deterioration.
3. Drying and Dehumidification: Once the bulk of the water has been removed, we focus on drying and dehumidification. Specialized equipment such as air movers and dehumidifiers are strategically placed to target moisture embedded in walls, floors, and other hard-to-reach areas. This process helps in stabilizing the conditions to prevent any secondary water damage, including swelling and warping of building materials.
4. Cleaning and Sanitizing: Cleaning and sanitizing are essential to restore the affected areas to safe and comfortable conditions. We thoroughly clean all surfaces and materials that were impacted by the water using EPA-approved and environmentally friendly cleaning agents. Depending on the level of contamination, items may also undergo antimicrobial treatments to eliminate bacteria and prevent mold growth. This step ensures that your property is not only visually clean but also hygienically safe.
5. Repairs and Restoration: After cleaning, the focus shifts to repairs and restoration. This could involve minor repairs like replacing drywall or installing new carpeting or more extensive projects such as reconstructing entire rooms. Our skilled technicians are equipped to handle a wide range of repairs to bring your property back to its pre-loss condition. We ensure that all repairs are done to high standards, maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic value.
6. Final Inspection: A final inspection is conducted to ensure that the restoration process meets our rigorous quality standards. During this phase, we inspect each area to verify that all moisture has been eliminated and that repairs have been executed satisfactorily. Any remaining issues are promptly addressed, ensuring complete client satisfaction.
7. Documentation and Communication: Throughout the entire process, we maintain detailed documentation and open lines of communication with our clients and any involved insurance companies. Every step, from the initial assessment to the final inspection, is recorded, ensuring transparency and facilitating smoother insurance claims. Our comprehensive documentation includes photographs, readings, and descriptions of the damage and the work performed, offering peace of mind and proof of professional service.

What Are The Different Types of Water Damage?

There are three types of water damage, each posing unique dangers and requiring specific handling methods. According to the IICRC, the three types are:

• Category 1: Clean or "Sanitary" Water Damage: It originates from a source of water that does not pose substantial harm to humans. This type typically includes water from burst pipes, overflowing sinks, or malfunctioning appliances where the water is free of contaminants. While clean water itself may not be immediately harmful, it is crucial to address this type of water damage promptly to prevent it from degrading into more hazardous categories. If left untreated, Category 1 water can escalate to Category 2 or 3 as it comes into contact with building materials and environmental contaminants.
• Category 2: Grey Water: Grey water, or Category 2 water, refers to water that is contaminated and may cause discomfort or illness upon exposure or ingestion. Sources of grey water include discharge from washing machines, dishwashers, and toilet overflow with urine, but no feces. This type of water damage contains micro-organisms and nutrients that foster microbial growth. As such, any materials affected by grey water generally need to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Prompt remediation is essential to prevent escalation to Category 3.
• Category 3: Black Water: Category 3, or black water, is the most severe type of water damage and contains highly contaminated water that can cause serious health issues. Sources of black water include sewage backups, flooding from rivers or streams, and any stagnant water that has begun to support bacterial growth. Black water may contain pathogens, toxins, and hazardous chemicals. Remediation of Category 3 water damage requires specialized protocols and protective measures to ensure safety. All affected materials typically need to be discarded, and the area must undergo comprehensive cleaning and decontamination.

Our Water Damage Services

Marlings Restoration is a leader in water damage restoration and offers a full suite of services, ensuring we can handle any residential or commercial job. Our services include:

• Water damage restoration
• Water extraction
• Water mitigation
• Sewage Cleanup
• Thermal inspection
• Structural drying & Dehumidification
• Flood damage cleanup
• 24/7 emergency water damage restoration

Wilmington, Delaware's Top Water Damage Restoration & Cleanup Company

Marlings Restoration is recognized as the top water damage restoration company in Wilmington, Delaware, and the surrounding areas. With IICRC-certified technicians, we have the experience, equipment, and tools needed to get the job done right the first time. Whether it's a residential or commercial property, we're prepared to restore your property to its pre-loss condition. Speak to us today!