Recently, we were called to a property that had experienced significant flooding. The property manager called us because a 2 inch elbow for a sprinkler broke. It was inside a ceiling in the 5th floor hallway, and water gushed for hours before their maintenance staff was able to completely close the valve. You can imagine the millions of gallons of water that gushes out during that length of time, and the amount of damage it can do. Mold, sour smells, and structural damage are just a few of the dangers of untreated water damage.

Due to our experience, we knew just what to do. We brought in specialty drying equipment, such as dehumidifiers and high velocity air movers, which were used to dry the walls, carpeting, wood floors, and any other wet materials. As we always do in these situations, we worked quickly, both to minimize the water damage and reduce the risk of mold forming, but also so we won’t inconvenience the property owners and tenants any longer than necessary. We work hard to return the structure to its pre-flood conditions.

After we finished extracting the water as much as possible, we set up the drying equipment. That will run for a few days, while we monitor the situation for remaining moisture. Our infrared imaging camera will let us know how much moisture remains, so we know when it’s safe to turn off the drying equipment. If it’s removed too early, the moisture will cause mold in the walls, but of course we want to remove it as soon as it’s safe.

As we are working to fix the situation, we’re also taking careful notes about the damage, our actions, and anything we can determine about the cause. If the sprinkler elbow broke due to poor workmanship or faulty equipment, the property owner can use our notes to file for damages from the supplier or subcontractor. Even if this isn’t the case, the property owner can use the notes for their insurance claim.

It’s a loud, hectic job removing that much water and drying everything, but we worked to get things back to normal as quickly as possible. We’re happy the property owner called us right away, since water causes more damage the longer it is untreated. With our equipment and experience, we were able to get a jump on the water before it caused any more serious concerns.

Dadeland Sprinkler Burst

An unsuspecting tenant flushed the toilet early on September 8, 2009 and went about their day. Who would have guessed that this mundane act would result in the horrific damage of 12 condominiums? It does happen, and it did on that late summer day. The toilet which was on the 8th floor leaked for hours and soaked ceilings, walls, carpets, books, furniture and cabinets throughout. Four hallways were affected, along with personal items too numerous to list.

We’re guessing this wasn’t the best news that the property manager received that day. We do know that it was a smart business decision to place a phone call to us, things were about to get better. Our company is Super Restoration, an emergency service located in South Florida. A workforce is trained and ready to handle difficult situations such as water damage. We responded in less than 30 minutes, the team was ready to work. Super Restoration has been serving south Florida since 1986 and acts quickly to contain damage that has already occurred. Our expertise has restored countless buildings back to their previous condition.

Super Restoration technicians began assessing the damage while the remainder of our first squad unloaded equipment and prepared to act. In making good use of critical time, a partial assessment was made. Armed with infrared thermal imaging, our technicians detected how much water had leaked and would be removed. With a skilled method and moisture meters, plans were constructed and relayed to our water extractors. This kept the process moving, there was no time to lose at this Miami high-rise.

While our assessment team moved forward, the extractors followed. Bearing high-powered equipment which was mounted in our trucks many floors below, they began solving the dreadful dilemma. Front- men removed materials and exposed walls while co-workers followed the plan and eliminated moisture at rapid speed. Nervous tenants stood on ground level watching Super Restoration workers control the pumps.

With repair moving swiftly, it was time for structural drying to begin. This is crucial for retaining the health of any building. Removing the standing water was only part of returning this Miami high-rise back to its previous state. We had a projected level of dryness to reach in order to safeguard the inhabitants. Fans, intense dryers, and dehumidifiers were beneficially placed to finish the restoration process. Structural drying prevents mold, mildew and rotting. This was done properly to avoid disease and permanent damage to the condominiums.

Project managers monitored the Miami structure in the days that followed. The high-rise was tested with infrared images and moisture readings. At this time a decision was made to create more openings to perfect the process. Daily documentation and photos were kept to certify accuracy. These reports also help victims to defend themselves when holding the correct party accountable. Super Restoration has gathered a great deal of experience in South Florida. We understand how something of this nature affects people, and we have the knowledge to correct it.