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Water Mitigation Vs. Water Restoration: What’s the Difference?

Water mitigation and water restoration are terms that are used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the differences. Learn more!

When you contact a water disaster recovery company in your area, you’ll find that they may offer a variety of services. For the common person, water mitigation and water restoration are terms that are used interchangeably, but it’s important to understand the differences. And, to someone who’s not in the industry, it may be confusing and difficult to discern between the services and what you need for your situation. If a company offers water mitigation and/or water restoration, how do you know which is best for your situation and which one you need? Fret not, in today’s post, we’ll clarify the two services for you to help you make an informed decision.

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Water Damage Mitigation

Water mitigation is the process of preventing water damage from spreading or damaging any additional property. This is typically accomplished by removing water and drying the affected areas once the source of the water is identified and removed (i.e. a burst pipe shutoff, etc.). Water mitigation is not focused on repairing or restoring the home. Water damage mitigation services include:

  • Removing standing water

  • Extracting water and drying out materials

  • Inspecting structural integrity

  • Cleaning and disinfecting salvageable materials

  • Removing damaged, unsalvageable materials including furniture, flooring, drywall, and more

  • Implementing necessary safety precautions including boarding windows and tarping holes to prevent further damage

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Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration services are rendered after mitigation and water extraction/drying efforts are concluded. Water damage restoration focuses on repairing and restoring damage caused to the property. For instance, if the water damage resulted in flooring and drywall being removed, water damage mitigation would have focused on drying out the subfloor and ensuring the structural integrity of the support system, and water damage restoration efforts would include laying a new floor. Water damage restoration services often include:

  • Repairing structural damage

  • Replacing damaged housing materials — flooring, walls, roof, etc.

  • Eliminating and preventing mold growth

  • Preventing repeat water damage — replacing pipes, correcting foundation, etc.

  • Reconstructing entire rooms or house

Is One Better Than The Other?

A common question we are asked is if one service is better than the other. And, the answer is a definite and resounding “No.” Which service you need will depend on the type and extent of water damage. Nearly all of the time, water damage mitigation will be necessary. Sometimes, this is where the recovery process ends. However, most of the time, water damage restoration services will need to take place once mitigation is complete. So, the real question should be whether or not the water damage recovery company you’re working with offers both services.

At Action Restoration and Property Services, we offer both water damage mitigation and water damage restoration services, in addition to mold remediation and upholstery and carpet cleaning, among other services. When you partner with us, we are your one-stop shop for disaster recovery and will walk you through every step of the process. When disaster strikes, call Action Restoration and Property Services of Fort Collins!