Ann Arbor Water & Flood Damage Cleanup

Ann Arbor, home of the University of Michigan is one the most diversified cities in all of Michigan. The city ranks as one of the largest metro markets in the country and has a wide variety of architecture featuring residential and commercial properties from the late 1800’s. The Huron river is the areas largest fresh water source as it runs through the city and most of Washtenaw County. The city is surrounded by one of the fastest growing areas in Michigan, Livingston County, where Brighton and Howell have grown at a record pace as well as Ypsilanti to the east, home of Eastern Michigan University.

Residents in and around the Ann Arbor region who have had the misfortune of a water damage emergency from flooding can attest to the challenges of cleaning an unexpected disaster. Unexpected water damage can occur from numerous sources including: leaks from broken pipes, malfunctioning sump pumps, heavy rain water, fire suppression systems, backed up sewer lines, severe weather changes and more. Predicting when you will have a water related emergency is not always possible, and your speed in reacting to the damage will be critical in assisting with the proper clean up of your home or business.

Flooding damage can quickly create a number of other health and safety issues in and around your property. The most important factor you should focus on is the personal safety of you and your families. Never assume that your electricity is off or not impacted by the water emergency. Contacting a professional restoration firm to inspect your property is always a good first step. The potential for bacteria and other micro hazards to materialize from the water damage is possible, depending on the classification of the water damage disaster. There are three types of water damage classifications; depending on the level of contaminant, the most toxic would be a backup or breakdown of the sewage system.

The most common side effect from standing water is the spread of mold. Within forty eight to seventy two hours of the emergency, water can begin to create mold spores on the surfaces within your property. This potential is one of the main reasons property owners should react with urgency if they have a water damage emergency. The naked eye can not always detect the source or full extent of water damage. Professional restoration companies can utilize moisture meters and thermal imaging devices to pinpoint the origination of the water leak as well as extent of water damage in a property.

Severe flooding or large scale water damage emergencies will require additional equipment to extract the excess water from the property. Restoration companies can utilize vacuum powered pumps to remove excess water quickly and effectively. Once the excess water has been removed, a professional restoration firm will use fans, special heaters or dehumidifiers to dry out your property. Depending on the extent of the water damage this process can take between twenty four to seventy two hours to thoroughly dry your home.

The multiple weather and season changes in and around Michigan often can bring on unexpected conditions that could lead to a water related emergency. Ann Arbor home owners, students, renters and business property managers should treat water damage cleanup with a high priority. You should contact a professional cleaning restoration firm immediately to minimize the cleanup process.