Last updated · Written by the Elite Restoration Services of Iowa team
Who provides water damage restoration in Urbandale?
Elite Restoration Services of Iowa, a locally owned, independent restoration company based in Des Moines, provides water damage restoration in Urbandale, along with fire and smoke, mold, storm and sewage cleanup. Elite is an IICRC Certified Firm, BBB A+ accredited, and the on-site inspection is free. Call 515-216-4293, answered 24/7.
What makes Urbandale water damage different?
Urbandale incorporated on April 16, 1917, as a streetcar suburb, and today runs more than 22 square miles from Merle Hay Road to 184th Street. That means a wide range of housing: older homes on the east side with aging plumbing and basements that have seen decades of Iowa weather, and newer subdivisions to the west with finished basements and sump pumps. Storms matter here too. During the August 2020 derecho, storm spotters reported 80 to 85 mph winds in Urbandale and Buccaneer Arena was damaged. Wind and hail that open roofs and windows often turn into water damage inside.
Common causes of water damage in Urbandale
These are common kinds of losses based on local housing, weather and waterways. They are general, not a statement about any one property.
Sump pump failures
A pump that fails in a storm or power outage can soak a finished basement. See sump pump failure.
Frozen and burst pipes
Iowa cold snaps split pipes in exterior walls, garages and crawlspaces. See burst pipe cleanup.
Water heaters and supply lines
Washer hoses, refrigerator lines and water heaters. See water heater leak cleanup.
Heavy rain and spring thaw
Water enters through window wells, foundation cracks and floor drains. See flooded basement cleanup.
Sewer backups
Category 3 water. See sewage backup cleanup.
Storm and roof leaks
Wind-driven rain through damaged roofs and windows. See storm damage restoration.
How we handle a water loss in Urbandale
We follow the IICRC S500 approach to water damage, and we have an IICRC Triple Master on staff. Here is what the job usually looks like.
Free inspection and moisture mapping
Moisture meters show where the water actually traveled, which is often farther than the visible stain. We identify the water type first: clean, gray or sewage.
Stop the damage
The source is stopped or isolated, and belongings are moved out of harm's way.
Extract standing water
Water is pulled out of carpet, pad and hard floors. Extraction removes far more water than fans or evaporation can.
Remove what can't be dried
Soaked pad, or drywall and insulation that have wicked water, are often removed. You get the reason for each item before it comes out.
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while readings are taken until materials reach a dry standard. Drying is judged by the readings, not the calendar.
Hand over the file
Photos, moisture logs and a written scope go to you, your adjuster and whichever repair contractor you choose.