Understanding the nuances between water damage restoration and mitigation is crucial for effective property recovery after a water disaster.

### Water Damage Restoration

Restoration is the process of returning a water-damaged property to its pre-incident condition. It involves:

– Drying and dehumidifying affected areas
– Removing and replacing damaged materials
– Restoring electrical systems and appliances
– Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces
– Odor removal

### Water Damage Mitigation

Mitigation, on the other hand, focuses on minimizing the extent and severity of water damage. Key measures include:

– Stopping the water source
– Pumping out standing water
– Tarping damaged areas
– Ventilating and dehumidifying to prevent mold growth

### Key Differences

| Feature | Restoration | Mitigation |
|—|—|—|
| Goal | Restore property to pre-incident condition | Minimize damage extent and severity |
| Timing | Usually performed after the water source is stopped | Initiated as soon as possible after water damage occurs |
| Focus | Complete repairs and replacements | Immediate actions to prevent further damage |
| Scope | May include significant structural repairs | Primarily includes temporary measures |

By understanding these distinctions, property owners can ensure that appropriate measures are taken to effectively restore their water-damaged property and prevent further complications.