WATER IS THE SINGLE MOST POWERFUL, destructive substance in the indoor environment. In the home or office it ruins carpeting, furniture, and fabric, seeps through and under floors, rots wood, and actually destroys the structural integrity of the building itself. Even lingering dampness can foster mold, mildew, and a plethora of unhealthy microorganism growth.

Don’t settle for anything less than help from

a Certified Water Damage Restoration Specialist!

There are big differences between ordinary carpet cleaners and Water Damage Restoration Specialists. It seems like every contractor with a pry bar and a sledgehammer as well as every guy with a shop vacuum is trying to pass themselves off as a restoration specialist these days. But REAL specialists know more than demolition and water extraction.

There’s intense training from international institutions, such as the IICRC, a non-profit organization that establishes standards for these industries and properly prepares the specialist with critical skills that imposters can only guess at. Skills like “Psychometrics”- A scientific way to figure out exactly how much drying equipment is needed to dry your building without risk of exposing you to dangerous mold or mildew growth or damaging your structure.

Shambaugh’s is the only IICRC Certified Firm in the area which means all of our technicians are IICRC Certified. We have signed and agree to adhere to the IICRC Certified Firm Code of Ethics, and are insured. Our technicians have attended an IICRC approved school, passed a written examination, received hands-on training, and are required to maintain their certifications by learning about the latest in restoration technology and techniques. You can be assured that they will provide you and your insurance company with the highest level of service.  .

WHAT DOES A WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION SPECIALIST DO?

1. Respond to emergency calls immediately. We respond 24/7 and can be at your home usually within an hour.  
2. Instantly act to stop the spread of water damage. Water damage spreads in all directions, outward in an ever widening circle, down through materials, even upward by soaking into fabrics. Containment of damage is the most important step to minimizing costs and minimizing total time required to restore the entire site to its original condition.  
3. Act quickly to eliminate safety and health hazards. A water damaged environment puts forth a variety of hazards, from electrical fires and slip-n’-fall injuries to the spread of contagious viruses and disease.
4. Extract water damaged materials and debris safely, economically, and efficiently. The last thing you want at a water damage site is an “amateur” bumbling around creating more damage while trying to remove goods and materials!
5. Dry out the entire environment and the materials in the environment with professional equipment. During the drying process the air is typically computer monitored to maintain a proper balance of temperature and humidity. Proper drying techniques get the job done as quickly as possible without shrinking fabrics, other damage, leaving damp areas, etc.
6. Restoration combining comprehensive cleaning, stain and odor removal, fungus eradication, re-construction and replacement as needed.

What is Secondary Water Damage?

Why can’t I just use a shop vacuum to suck it all up?

If restoration work is delayed or performed by inadequately trained people, the risk of costly secondary water damage is quite high! Secondary water damage can be hidden to the eye for weeks or months, but can continue to destroy walls, floors, and the structural integrity of a building. It can also foster microorganism growth, which is unhealthy for humans, cause many other long term health problems, and become attractive to insects and other pests.  Do not attempt to clean up the water damage yourself–that may only contribute to the problem and cause further damage. 

 Ok, I’m convinced not to handle the water extraction myself.

What do I do now?

The IICRC recommends the following actions to minimize damage while waiting for us to arrive:

• Shut off the water source as soon as possible and attend to obvious safety hazards, like electrical shock and personal injury from slips and falls. Call your plumber if necessary. The leak or source of water must be stopped before we arrive.  Your plumber can advise you how to turn your water main off.
• Move furnishings out of wet areas or protect furniture legs from absorption and damage with triple-folded aluminum foil. Pin up upholstery skirts.
• Increase airflow with open windows, fans, and heating and air conditioning systems. Open doors, drawers, cupboards and closets to maintain optimal air circulation and promote drying.
• Turn on air conditioner if damage occurs in summer or the heater in winter.

Do Not …..

• Wait to call for professional help. The longer you wait the more damage will occur.
• Use your household vacuum to remove the excess water!!!
• Use electrical appliances while standing on wet flooring or carpets.
• Go into any room with standing water if the electricity is on.
• Lift tacked down carpet without professional help as this could cause damage and shrinkage.
• Go into any room where the ceiling is sagging.
• Do not store damp items in plastic bags where mold can grow.

I have enclosed a magnet with our phone number on it so that in case of an  emergency you can call us. Please put them on your water heater, washer, or refrigerator. If you want some to give to your friends and family, just call the office and we will mail them to you. If you refer someone that uses our water damage services, we will send you a $25 gift card! Just be sure they mention your name to us.

Sincerely,

Jeremy Shambaugh, Owner

Shambaugh Cleaning & Restoration

3401 Park Avenue West

Mansfield, OH 44906

419-529-6422