Severe water damage can wreak havoc upon any building, whether it’s been completed or still under construction, leaving long-lasting effects in its wake. Whether the result of severe storms, hurricanes, flooding, or other extreme weather event, prompt and professional remediation work is essential to ensure the health and safety of those buildings. 

Proper water cleanup and mold-prevention techniques are required to mitigate mold growth, contamination, and the significant health risks associated with each. To those ends, it’s important for restoration and remediation professionals to remain informed on the most effective methods for water (or other) remediation jobs. 

One such method is the Clean, Kill, Coat process, a proven strategy developed by the ICP Group. The three-step strategy, paired with the right cleaner and disinfectant solutions, can be highly effective in preventing the potential long-lasting aftereffects of water damage. 

EVALUATE THE DAMAGE

When beginning any water remediation job, it’s first important to understand the type of water that has caused the damage. It’s why your efforts should start with a thorough assessment before taking action. 

Water in these kinds of scenarios is commonly classified into three categories.

  • Category 1 water does not pose a significant threat and is typically thought of as “clean” water. It usually corresponds with water damage from a water supply line. 
  • Category 2 water, or “grey” water, carries microorganisms. This includes toilet water, sump pump water, or discharge from dishwashers or washing machines. 
  • Category 3 water, or “black” water, is classified as highly unsanitary and can threaten health. It typically results from major flooding or storm events and may include water from sewage sources, seawater, or standing water. 

Category 3 water is the most serious and is typical of jobs performed in the wake of hurricanes or flooding. It should be assumed to contain harmful contaminants, including but not limited to West Nile virus, E. coli, Salmonella, tetanus, and others. It can typically be identified by a foul odor, strong discoloration, visible contaminants, and mold growth. 

When in doubt, the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) Standard of Care, which describes the procedures to be followed and the precautions to be taken when performing water damage restoration in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings, can be referenced. 

CLEAN, KILL, COAT

Category 3 jobs require professional remediation, and professional remediation must follow established and effective strategies. That’s where Clean, Kill, Coat comes in. 

Clean—An interior that has experienced significant water damage must be thoroughly cleaned as the first part of the process. Flooring and ceiling panels can be saved by using the right cleaning products. However, such work must be performed within 48-72 hours of initial water exposure—following that window, it is typically necessary to remove damaged materials because of mold growth. 

In such cases, there are many cleaners available to the contractor such as heavy-duty degreasers, hydrogen peroxide-based products, and mold stain removers. A good cleaner or combination of cleaners should be able to aggressively remove debris and stains from porous, semiporous, and nonporous materials. 

Kill—Cleaning removes debris and stains from the affected surfaces, but it does not eliminate viruses, bacteria, mold, or mildew spores. That is what the “Kill” step is for, where professionals treat the affected areas with effective disinfectants to eradicate potential contaminants.

Utilizing an appropriate EPA-registered disinfectant to perform this part of the process is critical (more on what to look for in a product in the next section). Remember also that concentrated disinfectants must be mixed with water from a clean water supply. For water remediation jobs following a major flood or other devastating weather event, it is not guaranteed that your first available water supply will be clean.

Coat—Following the “Kill” step, surfaces should be treated with a mold-resistant coating that will serve to inhibit future mold growth. These products create an inhospitable surface for new mold growth, and can offer peace of mind to occupants long after your work has been completed.

SOURCING AND SELECTING

Even the best strategies can be foiled by the use of substandard products. And that’s why remediation and restoration professionals must properly vet cleaners, disinfectants, and mold-resistant coatings as part of their work. 

A variety of options are available from numerous sources, but at minimum, professionals should seek antimicrobial products that are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). EPA-registered products must demonstrate proven efficacy against biological contaminants and can reliably disinfect and sanitize surfaces subject to microbial contamination. Such EPA-registered products should include hospital disinfectant efficacy as well as general fungicide efficacy.

Elsewhere, independent testing certification is another qualification you can look for when choosing a mold-resistant coating. ASTM has specific tests (ASTM D3273-16 and ASTM G21) for mold-resistant coatings that can help guide you in your choice of products. Manufacturers are not required to subject their products to the testing available through ASTM, but doing so can offer significant value to indoor environmental professionals, remediation specialists, and architects.  

When in doubt, you can always consult with your product supplier to select appropriate products for water remediation work and verify product performance. Suppliers such as ICP Building Solutions Group are committed to providing the resources for any water damage and mold remediation need, including effective, EPA-registered product solutions. They also can offer you and your teams the appropriate training to ensure that these products are used correctly.

Water damage is important work to maintain the health and safety of buildings in the wake of storms, floods, or other catastrophic events. The right strategies and solutions are essential for a job well done. 

about the author

Kelly MacMillan-Versluis serves as the sales director for ICP Group, which offers professionals high-quality, professional-use disinfection solutions. These include Benefect, a sustainable, naturally derived antimicrobial and cleaning product. For more, visit www.fiberlock.com, www.benefect.com, and www.ICPGroup.com.