Water Damage Restoration: The Difference Between Restoration and Mitigation

What is Water Damage Restoration?

Water damage restoration refers to the process of restoring a property to its pre-damage condition after suffering water-related damage.

This typically involves:

• Extraction of excess water
• Drying the affected area
• Repairing structural damage
• Removing and replacing damaged materials, such as flooring, drywall, and insulation
• Preventing mold and mildew growth

What is Water Damage Mitigation?

Water damage mitigation, on the other hand, is a set of immediate steps taken to minimize the extent of water damage and prevent further damage from occurring.

Mitigation measures may include:

• Shutting off the water source
• Containing the water to prevent it from spreading
• Removing standing water
• Drying the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers
• Applying antimicrobial solutions to prevent mold and mildew growth

The Key Difference

The key difference between water damage restoration and mitigation is the timing of the actions taken.

Mitigation is done immediately after water damage occurs to prevent further damage, while restoration is done after the damage has been contained and the property is safe to enter.

Both mitigation and restoration are essential for minimizing the impact of water damage and restoring a property to its pre-damaged condition.