AMRT - Applied Microbial Technician I, (Mold Remediation)
Handling Water Damage Restoration of the Hallway Closet in Orlando, FL
July 2, 2024
Randy Lazarus
At Florida Fire & Flood, we specialize in quick and successful water damage restoration services. Recently, we completed a project for a residential homeowner related to
water damage in Orlando, FL. The job involved tackling water damage and restoration of the hallway closet. Water damage was caused by a freshwater supply line in the guest bathroom.
A Call for Help From a Worried Homeowner
The homeowner contacted us after noticing water damage in their hallway closet. The hardwood flooring, built-in shelving, baseboards, and drywall were all affected. In addition, a small portion of the drywall and flooring had microbial growth, which needed careful removal and treatment.
What We Did to Restore the Water-Damaged Closet
After an initial inspection of the affected area, we decided to follow well-planned steps and to solve the problem that water caused in the client’s hallway closet as soon as possible. Here’s what we did:
Containment and Removal
To prevent the spread of moisture and contaminants, we sealed off the hallway closet by keeping the door shut. We then carefully removed the affected materials. This included:
- Removing a small portion of the drywall (less than 10 square feet) with microbial growth.
- Pulling up the glued-down hardwood flooring in the affected area.
- Taking out the damaged built-in shelving and baseboards.
Antimicrobial Treatment
Once the affected materials were removed, we treated the area with an anti-microbial solution to eliminate any remaining bacteria and prevent future growth. We applied the solution carefully to all exposed surfaces, making sure it got into any crevices or porous materials. This step is very important to stop microbial growth and make sure the environment is healthy.
Drying and Dehumidification
To make sure the area was drying properly, we set up a dehumidifier and an air scrubber inside the closet. The dehumidifier worked to remove moisture from the air, while the air scrubber filtered out any remaining contaminants, including airborne mold spores and dust particles. We left the equipment running with the closet door shut to maximize the effect. By controlling the environment within the closet, we made sure that all remaining moisture was extracted. This action prevented further damage and microbial growth.
Restoration
After the area was completely dry and treated, we moved on with the restoration of the closet. We replaced the removed drywall, ensuring a seamless finish with the existing walls. New hardwood flooring was installed to match the rest of the hallway, and we rebuilt the built-in shelving and baseboards. Our goal was to restore the closet to its original condition, if not better, making sure it was functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Successful Restoration of the Hallway Closet
Our quick and well-planned approach resulted in a completely restored hallway closet. The homeowner was pleased with the fast turnaround and the quality of our work. They appreciated our professionalism and attention to detail. The closet is now safe, dry, and ready for use again.
Contact Florida Fire & Flood for All Your Water Damage Concerns
At Florida Fire & Flood, we are committed to providing quick and successful water damage restoration services. If you're dealing with water damage in your home, don't hesitate to contact us. You can call this number (352) 605-6418 or fill out an online form on our website.
Randy Lazarus
About The Author:
Randy Lazarus is the owner of Florida Fire & Flood, a locally owned and family-operated restoration company serving Central Florida communities since 2021. Leading a team of IICRC-certified technicians, Randy has built a reputation for providing 24/7 emergency response and compassionate service to homeowners and businesses facing water damage, fire damage, and mold emergencies. As a member of the Central Florida community, Randy understands the unique challenges property owners face in the region and is dedicated to helping his neighbors restore their properties and get back to normal life.
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