01
Emergency Call and Dispatch
You call, we ask a few questions about the source and affected area, and dispatch the nearest crew. A technician arrives with a moisture meter, thermal imaging camera, and extraction equipment. We shut off the water source if it is still running, then walk the space with you to identify what got wet. Expect 60 to 90 minutes from call to on-site in most Gaithersburg neighborhoods.
02
Inspection and Damage Mapping
We use a thermal imaging camera and moisture meter to trace water migration through walls, ceilings, and floors. Water travels farther than it looks, especially under wood flooring and inside wall cavities. We mark wet zones with tape, photograph everything for your insurance claim, and categorize the water (clean, gray, or black) to determine what can be dried versus what must be removed.
03
Water Extraction and Removal
Truck-mounted and portable wet/dry vacuums pull standing water from carpet, padding, and hard surfaces. If carpet padding is saturated, we pull it and bag it for disposal. Sewage backup or Category 3 water requires removal of all porous materials, plus antimicrobial treatment. Extraction usually takes two to four hours depending on volume.
04
Structural Drying
We set Dri-Eaz or Phoenix Restoration Equipment air movers and dehumidifiers based on the ANSI/IICRC S500 formula for your square footage and water class. Drying mats go under hardwood. We monitor with moisture meters and infrared thermometers daily, adjusting equipment until readings match dry standard. Most Gaithersburg homes dry in three to five days.
05
Repairs and Final Walkthrough
Once drying is verified, we repair what was removed: drywall, insulation, baseboards, subfloor, vapor barrier, and flooring. We tape, mud, and paint drywall to match. Before we leave, we do a final moisture check and walk you through the completed work. You get a dry, repaired room and documentation for your records.