KnowHow

Processes For Growing Restoration Companies

The initial water damage inspection is a thorough assessment conducted by professionals to evaluate the extent of water infiltration and identify affected areas within a property. This critical step helps determine the scope of damage and develop a comprehensive plan for mitigation and restoration.

Initial Water Damage Inspection to Determine the Scope

<ul>
<li data-start="286" data-end="313">
Date of Inspection:
</li>
<li data-start="314" data-end="337">
Inspector Name:
</li>
<li data-start="338" data-end="368">
Client/Property Owner:
</li>
<li data-start="369" data-end="394">
Property Address:
</li>
<li data-start="395" data-end="434">
Weather Conditions (if relevant):
</li>
</ul>

Pepare General Information

Collect equipment such as:
a flashlight,
moisture meter,
infrared camera, and
protective gear including gloves and boots to ensure a safe and efficient inspection process.
Having these tools ready will allow you to accurately assess the extent of water damage in the property.

Gather necessary equipment

Begin by visually inspecting the areas that are suspected to be affected by water damage.

<ul>
<li data-start="1975" data-end="1995">
☐ Moisture Meter -&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Using a moisture meter, measure the moisture levels of the affected areas in the building.</li>
<li>Begin by selecting the appropriate mode on the meter for the specific material being tested.</li>
<li>Place the probe firmly against the surface and record the readings displayed on the meter. -&nbsp;</li>
<li>Take readings at multiple locations to ensure accuracy and document the results.</li>
<li>This step is crucial in determining the extent of water damage and guiding the mitigation process.</li>
<li>Make sure that you obtain readings from a non affected area for each wet material to set the 'dry standard'.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li data-start="1996" data-end="2024">
☐ Thermal Imaging Camera -&nbsp;
Use a thermal imaging camera to detect hidden pockets of moisture within the affected areas.
Scan the property systematically to identify areas that may not be visible to the naked eye but retain moisture, aiding in a comprehensive assessment of the water damage.
</li>
<li data-start="2025" data-end="2041">
☐ Hygrometer -&nbsp;
Using a hygrometer, measure the relative humidity levels in the affected areas to assess the moisture content of the air.
Position the hygrometer in various locations to obtain accurate readings that will help determine the extent of moisture saturation within the property.
Record the readings carefully to document the environmental conditions and aid in the classification of the water damage according to industry standards.
Compare the obtained data with established guidelines to make informed decisions regarding the appropriate drying techniques and equipment needed for effective mitigation and restoration efforts.
</li>
<li data-start="2042" data-end="2057">
☐ Borescope -&nbsp;
Inspect the affected areas using a borescope to visually examine hard-to-reach or concealed spaces for any signs of water damage or moisture accumulation.
This tool allows for a closer inspection of areas such as within walls, under floors, or behind fixtures to accurately assess the extent of water infiltration.
Record any findings to comprehensively document the affected areas and contribute to the overall assessment of water damage within the property.
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;Look for signs such as water stains, peeling paint, or a musty odor.
<ul>
<li data-start="1814" data-end="1834">
☐ Water staining
</li>
<li data-start="1835" data-end="1859">
☐ Mold/mildew growth
</li>
<li data-start="1860" data-end="1881">
☐ Warped flooring
</li>
<li data-start="1882" data-end="1901">
☐ Peeling paint
</li>
<li data-start="1902" data-end="1926">
☐ Damaged insulation
</li>
<li data-start="1927" data-end="1948">
☐ Ceiling sagging
</li>
</ul>
This initial assessment will help you determine the potential scope and severity of the water damage.

Inspect the affected areas

<ul>
<li data-start="475" data-end="508">Identify the source of the water damage, whether it is from a burst pipe, leaking roof, or flooding.</li>
<li data-start="475" data-end="508">Addressing the source of the water is crucial to prevent further damage and ensure effective restoration.</li>
<li data-start="475" data-end="508">Use the flashlight to thoroughly inspect areas that are prone to water leakage.</li>
<li data-start="475" data-end="508">
Source Identified: ☐ Yes ☐ No
</li>
<li data-start="509" data-end="598">
Cause of Loss: (e.g., burst pipe, appliance leak, roof leak, flood, sewer backup)
</li>
<li data-start="599" data-end="674">
Location of Source: (e.g., bathroom upstairs, kitchen, basement wall)
</li>
</ul>

Cause of Water Intrusion

<ul data-start="740" data-end="1058">
<li data-start="740" data-end="876">
Water Category:
<ul data-start="766" data-end="876">
<li data-start="766" data-end="796">
☐ Category 1 &ndash; Clean Water
</li>
<li data-start="799" data-end="828">
☐ Category 2 &ndash; Gray Water
</li>
<li data-start="831" data-end="876">
☐ Category 3 &ndash; Black Water (contaminated)
</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li data-start="878" data-end="1058">
Class of Water Intrusion:
<ul data-start="914" data-end="1058">
<li data-start="914" data-end="937">
☐ Class 1 &ndash; Minimal
</li>
<li data-start="940" data-end="962">
☐ Class 2 &ndash; Medium
</li>
<li data-start="965" data-end="990">
☐ Class 3 &ndash; Extensive
</li>
<li data-start="993" data-end="1058">
☐ Class 4 &ndash; Specialty drying (e.g., hardwood, plaster, masonry)
</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>

Categories & Classification (per IICRC Standards)

List each affected area and the extent of moisture:
<div class="_tableContainer_80l1q_1">
<div class="_tableWrapper_80l1q_14 group flex w-fit flex-col-reverse" tabindex="-1">
<table data-start="1142" data-end="1774" class="w-fit min-w-(--thread-content-width)">
<thead data-start="1142" data-end="1244">
<tr data-start="1142" data-end="1244">
<th data-start="1142" data-end="1163" data-col-size="sm">Room/Area</th>
<th data-start="1163" data-end="1176" data-col-size="sm">Floor Type</th>
<th data-start="1176" data-end="1198" data-col-size="sm">Wall/Ceiling Damage</th>
<th data-start="1198" data-end="1217" data-col-size="sm">Moisture Reading</th>
<th data-start="1217" data-end="1244" data-col-size="sm">Visible Damage (Yes/No)</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody data-start="1351" data-end="1774">
<tr data-start="1351" data-end="1456">
<td data-start="1351" data-end="1372" data-col-size="sm">Living Room</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1372" data-end="1385">Carpet</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1385" data-end="1408">Partial</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1408" data-end="1428">High</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1428" data-end="1456">Yes</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1457" data-end="1562">
<td data-start="1457" data-end="1478" data-col-size="sm">Kitchen</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1478" data-end="1491">Tile</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1491" data-end="1514">None</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1514" data-end="1534">Moderate</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1534" data-end="1562">No</td>
</tr>
<tr data-start="1563" data-end="1668">
<td data-start="1563" data-end="1584" data-col-size="sm">Basement</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1584" data-end="1597">Concrete</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1597" data-end="1620">Full wall damage</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1620" data-end="1640">High</td>
<td data-col-size="sm" data-start="1640" data-end="1668">Yes</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</div>
</div>

Note Affected Areas

Document your findings by taking photos and notes of the affected areas.
Attach clear photos of all affected areas, close-ups of damage, and moisture meter readings.
Include details such as the extent of the water damage, areas of concern, and any visible signs of mold or structural issues.
Having detailed documentation will help in developing an effective water damage restoration plan.

Document findings

<ul>
<li data-start="2096" data-end="2118">
☐ Water extraction
</li>
<li data-start="2119" data-end="2170">
☐ Structural drying (dehumidifiers, air movers)
</li>
<li data-start="2171" data-end="2220">
☐ Demolition (e.g., remove drywall, flooring)
</li>
<li data-start="2221" data-end="2243">
☐ Mold remediation
</li>
<li data-start="2244" data-end="2292">
☐ Further assessment (plumber, roofer, etc.)
</li>
</ul>