Our Water Damage Restoration Process

Every project begins with a thorough inspection using thermal imaging, moisture meters, and hygrometers. We identify the water source, classify the contamination category (1–3) per IICRC S500 standards, and determine the affected scope. This initial assessment drives every decision that follows.

• Thermal imaging to detect hidden moisture behind walls and under flooring
• Pin and pinless moisture meter readings at every affected material
• Water category and class determination per ANSI/IICRC S500
• Photographic documentation of all damage from minute one

Before extraction begins, we isolate the affected area and stop the water source. For Category 2 or 3 events (sewage, contaminated water), containment barriers prevent cross-contamination to unaffected areas of the structure.

• Poly sheeting barriers to isolate contaminated zones
• Negative air pressure in Category 3 environments
• Source shutoff coordination with plumbing or utility providers
• HVAC system isolation to prevent contaminant spread

Standing water is removed using truck-mounted and portable extraction units. Speed matters — every hour water sits, secondary damage compounds. We extract from carpet, pad, hard surfaces, and wall cavities to bring the structure to a manageable moisture level before drying begins.

• Truck-mounted extraction for high-volume water removal
• Sub-surface extractors for carpet and pad saturation
• Hard surface extraction from tile, hardwood, and concrete
• Wall cavity extraction to address trapped moisture

This is where science replaces guesswork. We deploy calculated air movers, dehumidifiers, and specialty drying equipment based on the specific materials, square footage, and atmospheric conditions. Equipment placement is engineered — not random.

• Psychrometric calculations for optimal equipment deployment
• Low-grain refrigerant (LGR) dehumidifiers for efficient moisture removal
• Axial and centrifugal air movers positioned per drying science
• Injectidry and specialty systems for wall cavities and subfloor

We don't set equipment and walk away. Daily moisture readings track GPP (grains per pound) differentials, material moisture content, and atmospheric conditions. Equipment is adjusted daily based on data — not assumptions. This is what separates professional drying from equipment rental.

• Daily moisture mapping of all affected materials
• GPP differential tracking for drying efficiency
• Equipment repositioning based on measured progress
• Drying logs with time-stamped readings for insurance documentation

Every reading, every photo, every equipment adjustment is logged. This creates a defensible chain of documentation that supports your insurance claim and proves the work was performed to standard. Documentation begins at first inspection — not after demolition.

• Comprehensive photo documentation at every phase
• Moisture reading logs with material-specific dry standards
• Equipment inventory and runtime documentation
• Xactimate-compatible estimating for insurance submission

As a licensed adjuster, Ben Jernigan understands how claims are evaluated. We submit documentation in the format carriers expect, communicate directly with adjusters, and advocate for full scope coverage. We bill insurance directly — you don't manage the paperwork.

• Direct billing to all major insurance carriers
• Licensed adjuster oversight on every claim
• Scope documentation that matches carrier expectations
• Adjuster communication and supplement management

The job isn't done when equipment comes out. Final verification confirms all materials have returned to dry standard. For Category 3 events, ATP testing confirms biological clearance. A clearance report documents that the structure is safe for occupancy and reconstruction.

• Final moisture readings confirming dry standard across all materials
• ATP biological testing for Category 3 clearance
• Clearance documentation for insurance and contractor handoff
• Reconstruction readiness assessment