Introduction WRS Module 1 Introduction To Water Restoration In many circumstances, water damage restoration projects begin on an emergency basis. Consequently, at the start of a restoration project, specialists are often compelled to make immediate judgments between the need to quickly remove the water and start the drying process, vs. the need to accurately identify and remove hazards and contaminants, which can create conflict. Also, the specialist should address occupant questions within the scope of their authority and ability. Pre Restoration The specialist should conduct the following restoration activities: information gathering, initial response and safety and health issue reduction, pre restoration inspection, arriving at a preliminary determination, pre restoration evaluation of the structure and contents, and project planning. Pre restoration activities began with an information gathering process. This information is then used to develop a preliminary determination, pre restoration of valuations, plans for safety, health and drying. Qualified by Education Specialist’s are expected to be qualified by education, training and experience to appropriately execute a key set of core skills on water damage restoration projects. The specialist should perform only those sources that they are qualified to perform. If the situations arise where there’s a need to perform services beyond their expertise, The specialist should consult with specialized experts and other support services. When the service of a specialized expertise is needed, recommend verbally and in writing in a timely manner to their customers that they hire, the appropriate specialize expert. Moisture Intrusion Inspections of moisture intrusion problems began in many ways than can be initiated by any number of materially interested parties for a variety of reasons. The initial contact is a starting point that can determine the path and the potential moisture intrusion inspection and subsequent restoration will follow. Preliminary Determination During the initial response to the work site, the specialist or another qualified individuals should gather information, conduct inspection, make a preliminary determination, communicate to be terribly interested parties, provide initial restoration procedures, and know when to involve others who can assist in decision-making and the performance of tasks. At least one of the specialists who respond initially to a water intrusion should have training, knowledge, experience and a set of core skills relevant to water damage restoration. The initial response can include implementing emergency response actions. The specialist's findings should be communicated to materially interested parties. First Concerns One of the first concerns of a technician on a water-damaged project is to identify and manage potential safety and health hazards. Whenever occupants or other workers are present during the initial inspection, specialist should communicate known potential hazards to them. During the inspection process, the presence of building materials that are potentially hazardous thing like asbestos should be identified. Specialists shall comply with Federal State and local laws and regulations regarding the inspection or handling of hazardous are regulated materials, such as asbestos or lead based paints. Inspection Procedures The inspection procedures include, but is not limited to, gathering information, conducting a survey of the structure, including pre-existing damage, performing a moisture inspection and mapping its migration, developing a preliminary determination, and determining the need to involve specialists. Before beginning the inspection process and information about the project will already have been gathered from the initial contact an initial response. Information gathering continues during the inspection process, in the background information in the building history can be requested were obtained. Moisture inspection process If the source of water intrusion has not been stopped are controlled, then, if possible, reasonable steps may be taken to do so. If efforts to stop and control the water intrusion are unsuccessful, then a decision needs to be made to continue those efforts or stop the project. After the water sources been controlled, surface water can be removed to gain control of the situation. specialists shall check with local regulatory agencies to determine whether or not licensing or permitting as required for such activities. Inspecting the extent of moisture intrusion and migration. Determining the extent of moisture intrusion and migration requires the use of moisture detection equipment. Specialist should evaluate and document the extent of water migration and structure, systems and contents but and absorption using appropriate moisture detection equipment. Since water can flow under walls and come from above, it is important to inspect adjoining rooms even when no water is visible on the surface of floor coverings. The size of the building can make it difficult to detect moisture using moisture meters. Thermal imaging devices can be used to show water flow patterns any building and hard to reach places, increasing the efficiency of documenting affected areas in water migration. Drying Goals The specialist should establish a dry standard and drying goal for affected structure, systems and contents. The specialist should record and document moisture measurements. The dry standard is usually determined by taking moisture content readings from non dry materials in an undamaged area or structure, and using these readings to establish a drying goal. Assessing the category of water The categories of water refer to the range of contamination in water, considering both of its originates sewers and its quality after a contacts materials present on the jobsite. Time and temperature can also affect the quality of the water, airborne change in its category. The specialist should consider potential contamination, you find is the presence of undesired substances, the identity, location and quantity of which are not reflective of the normal indoor environment, in may produce and personal effects, cause damage to structure and contents or adversely affect the operation or function of building systems. Determining Water Damage For years, many would look simply at the color of the water and make the determination as to its degree of contamination. This proved to be an ineffective method of quantifying the contamination risks and the potential health consequences to exposure. Biological contaminants are not always visible to the naked eye and usually require the use of a microscope to quantify and identify the nature of the contamination. We suggest you test for contaminants. Responsibility Determining Water Damage The responsibility to categorize the loss usually falls upon the qualified specialist that first arrives at the project – not the customer or the insurance representative. The reason this decision-making authority rests upon the specialist is that the risk associated with the restoration protocol rests upon the restoration firm – not the customer or the insurer. If the specialist is uncomfortable with declaring the category of the water damage loss, it is recommended that the contractor consult with a qualified third party to assist with this determination. Category 1 Water Damage Category 1 Explained Water that originates from a source that does not pose substantial risk from dermal, ingestion or inhalation exposure is said to be Category 1. Such exposures do not present significant risk to the occupants of the structure. Category 1 Sources Category 1 sources include broken water supply lines; tub or sink overflows with no contaminants; appliance malfunctions involving water-supply lines; melting ice or snow; falling rainwater; broken toilet tanks, and toilet bowls that do not contain contaminants or additives. Particulates Consideration must be given to the distribution of any particulate into the airspace or other areas of the structure, exposure of once contained debris to the remainder of the structure, maintaining the engineering of the structure and even the materials within the structure if they should be restored and preserved. Refining the process Once the specialist has designed the drying strategy that accommodates this mandate, he may refine the process so that the target of quickly returning the structure to pre-loss moisture content may be realized. Category 1 Restorable? Many items within a building assembly in contact with Category 1 fluids are considered restorable when adequately dried and have not suffered permanent change or structural compromise. Such items that are frequently restored on Category 1 losses include (but are not limited to), carpet, pad and cushion, fabrics, wallboard, wood materials and framing, contents, etc. Category 1 Restorable? Many items within a building assembly in contact with Category 1 fluids are considered restorable when adequately dried and have not suffered permanent change or structural compromise. Such items that are frequently restored on Category 1 losses include (but are not limited to), carpet, pad and cushion, fabrics, wallboard, wood materials and framing, contents, etc. Category 2 Water Damage Category 2 Water Category 2 water contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause discomfort or sickness if contacted or consumed by humans. Assessing a Category 2 Water Damage Water sources that may introduce Category 2 water include discharge from dishwashers or washing machines, overflows from washing machines, overflows from toilet bowls on the room side of the trap with some urine but no feces, seepage due to hydrostatic pressure (water that infiltrates the structure from below ground level); broken aquariums and punctured water beds. Sources of a Category 2 Water Damage These sources of water may include microorganisms or the nutrients necessary to support microorganisms. The potential effects upon occupant health from exposure to these microorganisms and or chemicals that may be present within the fluid raise additional concern for the restoration professional as well demand a redesign of his drying strategy due to this heightened risk. Carpet and Category 2 Water Damage Carpet that has been affected with Category 2 fluids should be thoroughly cleaned with a hot water extraction process, followed by a sanitizing procedure with an antimicrobial biocide used in accordance with the label directions. Carpet Cushion Carpet and Category 2 Water Damage Due to the absorbent nature of carpet cushion / pad, when it is affected with Category 2 fluids, it should be carefully contained, disposed of and replaced. Indoor Air Quality and Category 2 Water Damage Typical controls include containment strategies, including mechanical devices designed to filter and control environmental conditions and the air pressures associated with them. Personal protective gear and health and safety plans are usually deployed and enforced on Category 2 and 3 losses. Cleanup and Category 2 Water Damage Detailed efforts to clean all affected surfaces are necessary, followed by a responsible use of antimicrobial / biocide solutions according to the product manufacturer’s label directions. Final Word For Category 2 Water Damage When the potentially hazardous fluid has been adequately removed and the structure has undergone a thorough sanitizing process, it is appropriate to execute an assertive drying process to limit the possibility of microorganisms’ re-growth within the structure. Category 3 Water Damage Category 3 Water Damage When the fluid in the structure has become so contaminated that there is a high degree of certainty that the health of the occupants are at risk, the category of the project should be declared a Category 3. Grossly contaminated water that contains pathogenic, toxigenic or other harmful agents is Category 3 water. Examples of Category 3 Sewage Toilet backflows that originate from beyond the toilet trap regardless of visible content or color All forms of flooding from seawater Ground surface water and rising water from rivers or streams, and other contaminated water entering or affecting the indoor environment, such as wind driven rain from hurricanes, tropical storms, or other weather-related events. Elements of a responsible restoration strategy of a Category 3 loss. You need to contain the affected areas of the structure from the unaffected areas. This will include the following: Erect effective containment barriers along with controls of air pressurizations within the structure. Erect signage warning / advising unprotected people to avoid entry. Strict enforcement of employee safety protocols outlining the responsible use of personal protective equipment (PPE) Restriction of immuno-compromised individuals from exposure to contaminant Special Situations that do not fit into a category There are occasions when the water encounters substances that are suspended into solution and distributed by means of the water intrusion, and such situations do not fall clearly into a “Category”. They are referred to as “Special Situations”. Handling Special Situations This distribution and the dangers associated with handling these substances will require the consultation of experts qualified to assist in the determination of the restoration protocol and the efficacy of the restoration efforts. These qualified experts are frequently called Indoor Environmental Professionals(IEP). Example of Special Situations An example may include deep standing water that submerges a fuel oil tank causing the fuel oil to rise to the surface of the water and soak into dense materials like concrete. Disinfectants used in Antimicrobial An antimicrobial is any substance or process designed to kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, or protozoan, as well as destroying viruses. Biocide A biocide is a chemical substance capable of killing living organisms, usually in a selective way. Biocide & Antimicrobial A substance that delivers both the function of killing a living organism as well as inhibits the microorganism’s ability to reproduce (e.g. diminishing the viability of the organism’s method of reproduction) is called an “antimicrobial biocide”. A specialist can choose to incorporate both strategies in the sanitizing process. Conflicts in Conflicts An example of an issue causing an immediate stoppage of work would be if an interested party demanded that the contractor compromise on the recommendation to dispose of a contaminated and absorbed gypsum wallboard, carpet and pad or to remove drying equipment when it is warranted. The risks associated with complying with that demand may exceed the value of completing the project and warranting the results. Conflicts Continued Sometimes, the most educated word in a specialists vocabulary is “No”. Salvageable and Unsalvageable The specialist distinguishes between salvageable and unsalvageable through a determination of a material or substrate’s ability to have the consequences of its wet condition reversed. If the condition of a material has resulted in a permanent damage in its integrity function or appearance, then it is considered “unsalvageable”. Salvageable If the product can be returned to the condition it was prior to the water damage, it is considered “salvageable”. Salvageable Continued The specialist makes a career out of identifying these salvageable materials and returning them to a pre-loss or pre-existing condition. Communicating the Conditions of Materials. The specialist identifies, documents and informs all interested parties of these conditions as they are encountered on the project. The best time to execute this communication is during the initial scope of the loss at the beginning of the project. One must be impartial in how they will bring this information to the attention of the interested parties in order to maintain a level of confidence and trust with the customer. Carpet Backings There are typically two backings used in the manufacture of many of today’s carpets. Primary Backing & Secondary Backing The yarns are usually woven through the first backing called the “primary backing”. This textile is then adhered to a second backing designed to give it the rigid and strengthening characteristics typical of a wall-to-wall carpet. That second backing is referred to as the “secondary backing”. Carpet Strength Some studies have demonstrated that a carpet’s latex adhesive loses 80% - 85% of its strength when it becomes wet, yet its strength returns once it is dried. Extensive Delamination If extensive delamination has been discovered on the project, this condition should be well documented and should be communicated to the customer and the insurance company. Restorable Carpet Carpet that is deemed restorable should be handled extremely carefully during the restoration process, since wet carpet can be delaminated by excessive folding and stretching. Restoring Carpet The separation of the carpet’s primary and secondary backings is referred to as delamination. If the area of delamination is very small, it may be possible to fasten the backings with some latex adhesive frequently available at flooring installation supply warehouses. Carpet Delamination & Insurance Coverage Carpet delamination is NOT ALWAYS the result of the water intrusion and may or may not be covered under the terms of the customer’s insurance policy. Prior Delamination of Carpet Some of the causes of delamination include: Improperly specified carpet for the application Improper cushion / pad Improper installation into the structure Poor manufacture of the carpet Excessive wear on the carpet Pet urine stains Chemical spills Simple age, wear and tear Causes of Delamination by Technician Improper disengagement of the carpet from the tackless strip Incorrect floating of carpet during the drying process (flapping carpet) Excessive folding or stretching of carpet in the restoration strategy Overly aggressive extraction with improper tools Manually tugging at the backings to test the adhesive strength while the carpet is wet Primary Damage Primary Damage is a phrase used to describe the effects of a material’s exposure to liquid that causes an immediate and permanent compromise to the materials that have become wet. Secondary Damage When the fluids in the structure have not been expeditiously removed from the structure or contained, the scope of the project becomes inflated; an extremely undesirable result for most paying parties. HYGROSCOPIC HYGROSCOPIC Definition Materials that readily absorb or release moisture based on the surrounding humidity. HYGROSCOPIC LEVELS Humidity levels that are allowed to elevate out of control will frequently result in secondary damage as materials react to the presence of the elevated levels of the chemical substance called water, found at the surface of the materials. Fast water removal Fast water removal is important in order to control the consequences of its uncontrolled presence within a structure. When a material is referred to as being hygroscopic, it is defined as: 1. Capable of absorbing, or sensitive to, water from moist air 2. Relating to a compound that easily absorbs moisture from the atmosphere Examples of hygroscopic materials Examples of hygroscopic materials found within a common structure include, wood, natural fabrics and yarns, paper, leather, gypsum wallboard, ceiling tiles, cellulosic insulations, etc. Hygroscopic materials & Secondary damage Secondary damage is most likely to happen to hygroscopic materials. Hygroscopic materials & Humidity Since hygroscopic materials become adversely affected when exposed for prolonged periods to high humidity, it is important for the specialist to maintain an environment that remains in a “safe zone” throughout this drying strategy. Hygroscopic & Permanent Damage Some building materials will suffer permanent damage or compromise due to dimensional change, physical damage or support of the growth of microorganisms when allowed to reside in an environment in excess of 60% Relative Humidity. Such damage is usually referred to as secondary damage. Hygroscopic & water vapor There are forces that drive the water vapor to move between the environment and the hygroscopic materials. These two moisture conditions constantly seek to equalize. Controlled De-Construction Controlled Demolition There are forces that drive the water vapor to move between the environment and the hygroscopic materials. These two moisture conditions constantly seek to equalize. Identifying the different forms of damage An important element of the specialists restoration strategy is knowledge of how to dry materials, and also how to identify the different forms of damage (pre-existing, primary and secondary) as well as what should receive a restoration attempt and what should be removed and recommended for replacement. Deconstruction Explained Controlled deconstruction includes the very precise removal of only affected materials in a fashion that enables the repair specialist the ability to patch or install new materials seamlessly. Byproduct of Deconstruction Byproduct of the Deconstruction process may produce dusts as a byproduct and this is controlled with containment and filtration strategies to avoid secondary damage Hidden Damage A common condition found within flooded structures is the entrapment of liquid within cavities found throughout the structure. This may include areas under and behind cabinetry, plumbed appliances, framed chases, insulated cavities, etc. Trapped Moisture This presents a serious concern for specialist since, if left unaddressed, the trapped moisture will likely result in odors, amplified microbial conditions, or even degraded building materials and installations. The specialist should never simply ignore such conditions. Cellulosic Material Some structures are insulated with insulation made of loose cellulosic material. This natural organic substance will compress if water runs through it, especially if the water originates from above the insulation. compressed insulation compressed insulation is not resilient and will not return to its original “fluffy” state even if the restorer succeeds in drying it. when it has been determined that water has met blown cellulosic insulation, it is appropriate to perform a controlled removal Cellulosic Material Compression If the insulation has compressed due to becoming wet, it will have lost its ability to insulate the structure. Pink glass batt insulation Pink glass batt insulation is typically much more resistant to this quality of compressing when wet than cellulosic blown insulation. when it is suspected that the pink insulation has become wet, it should be inspected for its candidacy for drying and restoration efforts Insulated walls If water has risen above the bottom of the sill or bottom plate of an insulated wall assembly the walls must be opened and inspected to determine if the insulation is adversely affected and if it needs to be dried and restored. Category 2 or 3 and insulation If any insulation has absorbed contaminants Category 2 or 3 fluids, it should be carefully contained, removed from the structure and replaced with new products. Water Damage Knowledge Knowledge - pre existing condition When damage is discovered and suspected to be the result of a pre existing condition, it should be documented and communicated to all interested parties. Knowledge - Category 1 Category 1 water carries no significant risk of causing sickness or discomfort Knowledge - Category 2 Category 2 fluid carries a significant degree of chemical, biological or physical contamination and presents the potential to cause sickness or discomfort. Knowledge - Category 3 Category 3 fluid is grossly contaminated. Knowledge - common hazard The most common hazard encountered on water damage losses is wet slippery surfaces. Knowledge - federal legislation As of April 2010, federal legislation requires all contractors to follow laws related to the testing, communication and removal of materials containing lead. Knowledge - lead and asbestos While there are many hazards present on a water damage loss, a specialist must always be on the alert for the potential presence of two regulated substances within a structure: lead and asbestos. Knowledge - responsibility The specialists first responsibility is to identify, communicate and eliminate safety hazards to both workers and occupants. Knowledge - contracts Prior to commencing any work on a restoration project, it is important to enter into a contract relationship with the customer by having a Contract or Agreement signed. Knowledge - source of water The elimination of the source of water is a critical component to the effective correction of a wet structure, frequently requiring the services of a detection expert or the removal of building materials to identify the source of the water. Knowledge - Category 2 contaminated carpet When appropriate, Category 2 contaminated carpet may be restorable if thoroughly cleaned with a hot water extraction process. Knowledge – Category 3 & Replacement When highly porous materials have absorbed Category 3 fluids, they should be recommended for replacement. Knowledge – Contaminated environments Contaminated environments are isolated from the elderly, the very young, those that have undergone recent surgery and those with a compromised immune system. They should not be allowed to return to the area until it has been judged safe for re-entry. Knowledge – degree of contamination The Category of fluid within the structure refers to the “degree of contamination” Knowledge – inspecting for moisture When inspecting for moisture that may have travelled under carpeted surfaces, the tool used by the restoration professional is a moisture sensor. Knowledge – Resistance When the specialist's restoration strategy is met with resistance, the specialist should stop work immediately until an agreement can be made among all interested parties. Knowledge – initial inspection The initial inspection includes a focused attention to all areas that may trap moisture including voids and cavities found within the building assembly. Knowledge – initial inspection Pad must be replaced due to its absorbent nature when saturated with Category 2 or 3 fluids. Knowledge – Mold growth Mold growth is a form of secondary damage since it is a result of unattended or incorrectly removed moisture from the structure. It may or may not be the consequence of the specialist’s actions on the project. Knowledge – contaminated fluid If attempting to successfully restore highly porous textiles that have been affected by contaminated fluid, the five steps required include thorough submersion cleaning, saturation with a biocide along with dwell time, re-cleaning, drying and third party verification of the results. Knowledge – cellulosic insulation Water that has caused blown cellulosic insulation to become wet will potentially cause it to pack down and lose “R-Value” (thermal resistance). This compromising consequence is not applicable to ALL types of insulation. If the water rises above the sill plate level, it is appropriate to inspect the insulation via inspection holes in the wallboard. Knowledge – absorb and desorbs Hygroscopic is a quality held by a substance that has the ability to take on and release moisture in the form of humidity. These materials will change dimensionally and in behavior as they absorb and desorbs moisture. Knowledge – Permanently damaged materials Permanently damaged materials should be recommended for removal at the beginning of the restoration efforts and should be executed as quickly as possible, preferably prior to any drying efforts. Knowledge – pre existing condition When damage is discovered and suspected to be the result of a pre existing condition, it should be documented and communicated to all interested parties. Knowledge – Metal studs Metal studs may trap moisture in the “C” channels and an inspection of these areas is very prudent. Knowledge – Significant carpet delamination When significant carpet delamination has been discovered, the carpet is rarely restorable and the specialist should document the condition and communicate the condition to interested parties. Knowledge – Cellulosic insulation Cellulosic insulation – especially blown insulation that has become wet should be closely examined to determine if it has compressed. Compressed insulation loses its ability to reduce thermal transfer; rated by its “R-Value” (thermal resistance). Knowledge – Equilibrium Since “nature seeks equilibrium” as a law of physics, hygroscopic materials shall seek equilibrium as moisture is driven into and out of them. Knowledge – Identification Regardless of where the water went in the structure, the specialist is obligated to know where the water went and what is wet. Once this has been identified, the specialist must address these wet areas & materials as part of the scope of the loss. Knowledge – Carpet Strength Carpet can lose as much as 80% to 85% of its strength when wet – but this strength is restored once it is responsibly dried. Knowledge – Secondary damage Secondary damage is the result failure to responsibly removing moisture in an expeditious fashion. Secondary damage is the result when there is a failure to responsibly remove moisture in an expeditious fashion. Knowledge – Carpet delamination Carpet delamination is the failure of the adhesive used in the bonding between its primary and secondary backings. Knowledge – Hygroscopic materials Hygroscopic materials will frequently incur undesirable change or even damage if allowed to reside in environments in excess of 60% relative humidity. Knowledge – Delamination Delamination can be the result of many causes including the materials used in the manufacture of the textile, the actions of the installer, age and wear of the material, and the actions of the specialist. Knowledge – Primary damage Primary damage is the result the material sustains from direct contact with water or contaminants prior to the arrival or discovery by a restoration specialist. Portable Axel Air Mover Portable Extraction Machine for Water Removal Non-Portable Equipment Identification 5500 CFM DESICCANT Safe-Heat Heaters Thermal Energy System MMG 125 Diesel Generator DRY-700-35-E Desiccant