Mister Kleen Maintenance Co., Inc. is a full-service janitorial & high-security cleaning and restoration company serving DC, MD and VA since 1976.

Water Damage Restoration

Water damage restoration can be caused many different ways; busted pipes, leaking appliances, water heaters, sump pumps, roof leaks, etc.

Water indoors is an abnormal condition and can cause or contribute to a number of problems. The damage and health implications increase the longer materials remain wet. The following are four progressive stages of indoor water damage:

Migration - Water migrates into areas not originally affected; such as adjoining rooms. It then penetrates materials below and wicks up into porous materials above. It is best to evaluate all seemingly unaffected areas, not just areas with visible saturation.
Saturation - Saturated materials begin swelling as they absorb moisture. In many situations, drying and restoration will restore them and in others, the damage may be permanent.
Evaporation - As water evaporates, it causes an abnormal humidity condition. High humidity can damage some porous materials if allowed to continue. Humidity damage is most common when the indoor levels exceed 60% over time.
Organisms - After a water intrusion, mold and bacteria spores germinate and multiply. Given acceptable growth conditions, one organism can multiply to more than one billion organisms in less than 24 hours. Microorganisms can cause mold damage, degrade indoor air quality and can produce antigens and allergens which cause allergies while others can cause infection and toxic diseases.

Experiencing any kind of water damage, no matter how big or small, can be devastating. Be sure to take pictures, record as much information as you can and contact your insurance agent.