Orlando Water Damage Restoration Process
What to Expect During Water Damage Restoration in Orlando
Water damage can feel overwhelming. Knowing exactly what professional restoration looks like — step by step, day by day — helps you stay calm, protect your property, and work effectively with your insurance company.
Before We Arrive: Your Pre-Arrival Checklist
Once you've called DryGuard Restoration and help is on the way, here's what to do while you wait — safely and without touching contaminated materials.
✅ Do These Things
- Shut off the water source if safe to do so
- Photograph standing water and damage from multiple angles
- Move dry valuables to an unaffected room
- Open interior doors to help air circulation
- Call your insurance company to begin claim documentation
- Collect policy number, adjuster contact info
✗ Avoid These Mistakes
- Don't use electrical appliances in wet areas
- Don't walk through sewage-contaminated water
- Don't use a household vacuum to remove water
- Don't open windows if outdoor humidity is high (it slows drying)
- Don't start removing drywall or flooring before documentation
- Don't sign any AOB (Assignment of Benefits) documents
Day 1: What Happens When We Arrive
Our IICRC S500-certified technicians arrive within 60 minutes. Here's what the first few hours look like in your home.
Moisture meters scan all affected surfaces. Thermal imaging camera identifies hidden moisture behind walls and under floors. Technicians classify the water source (Category 1, 2, or 3) and damage extent (Class 1–4 per IICRC S500). A written scope of loss and estimate is presented before any work begins.
Truck-mounted or portable extractors remove all standing water. Carpet and pad are extracted in place first; decision on whether pad can be saved is made based on Category classification. Weighted extraction tools press water out of carpet fibers. Subfloor moisture readings taken after extraction.
Wet drywall below the flood cut line is removed. Wet insulation (which cannot be dried effectively) is removed and bagged. Baseboard is removed to allow airflow to wall cavities. All removed materials are documented with photos and a disposal manifest for insurance purposes.
LGR dehumidifiers (Dri-Eaz LGR 7000XLi or Phoenix R175) and axial air movers are placed per IICRC S500 guidelines — one dehumidifier per 1,000 sq ft, air movers positioned to create positive pressure drying zones. InjectiDry wall cavity systems installed if needed. Initial psychrometric baseline readings recorded.
Days 2–10: The Drying Phase
This is the phase that most surprises homeowners. The equipment stays in your home around the clock. Here's what to expect.
Daily Monitoring Visits
A technician visits each day to record psychrometric readings: temperature, relative humidity, grains per pound, and dew point in each affected room. Moisture meter readings are logged on your drying map. Equipment is adjusted based on data — not guesswork.
Equipment Noise & Power Use
Air movers generate 60–65 dB of noise — similar to a loud conversation. Equipment runs 24/7. Industrial dehumidifiers draw 7–9 amps each; multiple units on large jobs may require temporary power distribution. We coordinate with you on placement to minimize disruption to sleeping areas.
When Can I Reconstruct?
Reconstruction cannot begin until materials reach the IICRC S500 dry standard: typically 12–16% moisture content for wood framing, measured with a pin moisture meter. Rushing reconstruction before dry standard is reached traps moisture and creates a mold problem inside new drywall.
Adjuster Coordination
We contact your adjuster directly to schedule an on-site inspection, provide moisture documentation and Xactimate-compatible scope of loss, and answer technical questions about the drying process. You stay copied on all communications.
Drying Clearance: How We Confirm Your Home Is Dry
We don't remove equipment based on how many days have passed — we remove it based on data. Here's the three-step clearance process:
Reconstruction Phase: Restoring to Pre-Loss Condition
Once clearance is confirmed, reconstruction begins. Depending on scope, this takes 1–8 weeks. Here's a general sequence:
Rough Framing & Blocking
Any damaged structural members are sistered or replaced. New blocking added for drywall attachment. Plumbing and electrical rough-in inspected and repaired if needed.
Insulation & Drywall
New insulation installed (type matches original or is upgraded per code). Drywall hung, taped, mudded, and sanded. First and second coat inspections before primer.
Flooring
New subfloor panels if original was damaged. Hardwood, tile, luxury vinyl, or carpet reinstalled to match original specification. Transitions and thresholds installed.
Paint & Finishes
Primer coat, two finish coats to match existing paint. Baseboard and trim reinstalled. Hardware, outlet covers, and fixtures reinstalled or replaced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens when water damage restoration technicians first arrive?
Within the first 30 minutes, technicians assess the scope using moisture meters and thermal imaging cameras, classify the water damage (Category 1, 2, or 3) and damage class (1–4 per IICRC S500), identify safety hazards, and begin water extraction. You receive a written scope of loss and estimate before any work begins.
How noisy is water damage restoration equipment?
Industrial air movers generate 60–65 dB of noise — roughly equivalent to a loud conversation or a running dishwasher. LGR dehumidifiers are slightly quieter. Equipment runs 24/7 during the drying phase, typically 3–10 days. We can discuss equipment placement to minimize disruption to sleeping areas.
How will I know when my home is dry enough to reconstruct?
We use a combination of moisture meters, psychrometric readings, and thermal imaging to confirm materials have reached the IICRC S500 dry standard — typically 12–16% moisture content for wood framing and 0.5% for concrete. You receive a written dry-out clearance report before reconstruction begins.
How does DryGuard coordinate with my insurance adjuster?
We provide your adjuster with a complete Xactimate-compatible documentation package: moisture maps, daily psychrometric logs, equipment records, photo documentation, and a line-item scope of loss. Under Florida's AOB elimination (SB-2A, effective January 1, 2023), you remain in control of your claim — we provide the paperwork, you authorize payments.
Related Resources
Neighborhoods We Serve
DryGuard walks Orlando homeowners through every step of the restoration process — in these neighborhoods and throughout Orange County:
Ready to Start? We're On-Site in 60 Minutes.
IICRC-certified technicians, written estimate before any work begins, and complete documentation for your insurance company. Available 24/7/365 throughout Orlando and Orange County.