Water Damage

Water damage refers to the destruction or deterioration of properties following excess water infiltration — whether from pipe leaks, roof failures, or floods. If not addressed promptly, it can lead to irreversible damage, including mould, corrosion, and deterioration of structural integrity. Water damage restoration techniques must be implemented as soon as possible, to mitigate these risks and protect your property and your health.

The extent of water damage depends on several key factors:

• Source of water is an important factor when deciding on the water remediation procedures
• Type of building construction or material- Nature of affected items or assets
• Duration of exposure
• Environmental conditions, such as humidity and temperature

Our team also provides tailored water ingress solutions to address specific building vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of recurrence in commercial and industrial sectors.

Why Immediate Water Damage Repair Matters

Delaying water damage repair can lead to severe consequences. What starts as a minor leak can quickly escalate into widespread damage if not addressed promptly. Moisture trapped within walls, floors, and ceilings creates the perfect environment for microbial growth and mould infestation, which can pose serious health risks.

Standing water also increases the risk of contamination, corrosion, and long-term structural deterioration. Within just 24 to 48 hours, given the right environmental conditions, mould can begin forming in concealed areas, leading to costly repairs and compromised indoor air quality.

Timely intervention by trained professionals is essential. At BELFOR, we provide commercial/industrial emergency water damage restoration services. Our team will assist you with appropriate drying techniques, and prevents future complications—ensuring a complete and lasting water damage solution.

When it comes to protecting your property and wellbeing, every minute counts. Don’t wait for the damage to spread—act early with BELFOR.

Why a professional water restoration service is required?

Proper water damage restoration goes beyond removing visible water. It’s a scientific process that involves identifying, extracting, and thoroughly drying all affected areas—including those hidden within walls, floors, or structural cavities. This requires certified knowledge, precision tools, and strict adherence to restoration protocols.

Quick fixes often leave behind trapped moisture, which can lead to mould growth, warped timber, or weakened foundations. Incomplete drying is one of the most common causes of recurring property damage after a water incident.

Realistic drying timelines vary based on materials:

• Carpets: 24–48 hours
• Drywall: 1–3 days
• Hardwood and plaster: 7–10 days
• Concrete: Varies depending on types of concrete and construction, from weeks to months

BELFOR’s IICRC-certified water damage professionals use calibrated equipment to monitor moisture levels and adjust drying strategies accordingly. Our emergency water damage restoration teams ensure nothing is overlooked—delivering a complete, safe, and lasting recovery. For true peace of mind, trust the professionals who do more than just dry; we restore.

Why Choose BELFOR for Water Damage Restoration

With over 30 years of experience in Asia, BELFOR is a trusted name in water damage restoration. Our IICRC-certified Recovery Specialists combine technical expertise with a commitment to quality, ensuring your property is in safe hands from start to finish.

We’re more than contractors—we’re true water damage professionals who follow globally recognised recovery protocols. Every assessment considers:

• Amount of property damage
• Degree of contamination
• Replacement costs versus restoration value

This structured approach ensures that every project is handled with precision, care, and long-term resilience in mind.

Our Professional Water Damage Restoration Process

BELFOR follows a thorough, step-by-step procedure for every water-related incident, ensuring safety, hygiene, and full recovery.

Identifying Type and Extent of Damage

Detailed inspections determine the scope, location, and nature of the damage.

Evaluating the Loss

We assess the contamination level using water categories:

• Category 1 – Clean water from sanitary sources
• Category 2 – Greywater with contaminants (e.g. appliance discharge)
• Category 3 – Blackwater with harmful pathogens (e.g. sewage or floodwater

Water Removal

Our water removal service extracts standing water, while evaporation techniques eliminate residual moisture from within surfaces.

Drying

Drying is tailored to the material composition and the surrounding environment. Each surface responds differently to water, requiring targeted treatment to ensure complete moisture removal.

• Carpets
  Water trapped in carpets can lead to rapid microbial growth. Most carpets can be dried within 24 to 48 hours, using air movers and dehumidifiers to prevent mould and restore indoor hygiene.
• Drywall
  Porous drywall absorbs water easily, making it prone to swelling or collapse. 1 to 3 days of drying with low-humidity airflow and moisture monitoring is typically required to prevent further deterioration.
• Hardwood and Plaster
  These materials retain moisture longer and may warp or crack if dried too quickly. A 7 to 10-day controlled drying process is often needed to protect structural integrity and surface finish.
• Concrete
  Due to its density and thickness, concrete requires extended drying time, varying from weeks to months. Moisture meters and thermo-hygrometers are used to ensure the slab is thoroughly dry before restoration continues.

Antimicrobial Application

Applied during decontamination, to neutralise harmful agents and prevent microbial growth.

Loss Mitigation

We implement measures to protect your contents and reduce future risks.

From start to finish, our emergency water damage restoration team ensures full water removal, drying, and remediation, restoring your space to pre-loss condition.

Our Professional Water Damage Restoration Process

BELFOR follows a thorough, step-by-step procedure for every water-related incident, ensuring safety, hygiene, and full recovery.

Identifying Type and Extent of Damage

Detailed inspections determine the scope, location, and nature of the damage.

Evaluating the Loss

We assess the contamination level using water categories:

• Category 1 – Clean water from sanitary sources
• Category 2 – Greywater with contaminants (e.g. appliance discharge)
• Category 3 – Blackwater with harmful pathogens (e.g. sewage or floodwater

Water Removal

Our water removal service extracts standing water, while evaporation techniques eliminate residual moisture from within surfaces.

Drying

Drying is tailored to the environment and materials:

• Carpets: 24–48 hours
• Drywall: 1–3 days
• Hardwood and plaster: 7–10 days
• Concrete: Varies depending on types of concrete and construction, from weeks to months

Antimicrobial Application

Applied during decontamination, to neutralise harmful agents and prevent microbial growth.

Loss Mitigation

We implement measures to protect your contents and reduce future risks.

From start to finish, our emergency water damage restoration team ensures full water removal, drying, and remediation, restoring your space to pre-loss condition.

Identifying Hidden Water Damage

Water damage inspection goes beyond visible signs. Water can seep into walls, subfloors, or cavities, remaining undetected until significant deterioration or mould emerges. If overlooked, these hidden issues can cause structural instability and health hazards.

Our team ensures no moisture is left behind, offering true professional water damage restoration.

Advanced Water Drying Equipment Used by BELFOR

We use industrial-grade tools to deliver precise and efficient drying, including:

• Air movers
• Air scrubbers
• Dehumidifiers
• Moisture meters
• Thermal imaging cameras
• Thermo-hygrometers

This equipment is vital for any effective water removal service and helps accelerate the water damage restoration process while preventing future microbial growth.

Water Incident Checklist

• Switch off all electrical/ electronic systems and unplug.
• In the event of a burst water pipe, turn off the main stopcock.
• Contact BELFOR immediately so that the cleanup and repair efforts can begin as soon as possible.
• Contact your local plumber in the event of burst or blocked water pipes.

Need support beyond the checklist?

Reach out to BELFOR’s certified team for complete, professional emergency water damage restoration you can trust.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What causes water damage in commercial buildings?
   Common causes of water damage include burst pipes, roof leaks, overflowing drains, faulty HVAC systems, or flooding. Timely water damage restoration is key to preventing long-term structural or operational issues.
2. How soon should I start water damage cleanup?
   Water damage cleanup should begin immediately, preferably within 24 hours, to minimise risks like mould growth, corrosion, and material breakdown. Early intervention also improves recovery outcomes and reduces costs.
3. How do professionals detect hidden water damage?
   Water damage professionals use thermal imaging, moisture meters, and hygrometers to identify moisture trapped behind walls or under floors. This helps prevent future issues by ensuring no moisture pockets are missed.
4. Is flood damage restoration different from general water damage repair?
   Yes. Flood damage restoration often deals with contaminated water (Category 3), requiring more stringent decontamination protocols. It also involves extensive flood water removal and structural drying procedures.
5. What’s the difference between water mitigation and water damage repair?
   Water mitigation refers to the immediate steps taken to minimise water exposure and prevent further damage, while water damage repair focuses on restoring affected materials and structures.
6. How long does water damage restoration take?
   The timeline depends on the extent of the damage and materials involved. Emergency water damage restoration for moderate damage may take a few days, while larger-scale drying and repair can take weeks.
7. Can water-damaged materials always be salvaged?
   Not always. BELFOR evaluates whether materials like carpets, drywall, or furniture can be salvaged or require replacement as part of the plan to fix the water damage. This is based on contamination and degradation levels.
8. What equipment is used for water damage restoration?
   BELFOR uses industrial-grade air movers, dehumidifiers, air scrubbers, and moisture sensors to support effective water damage restoration and prevent microbial growth.
9. Do I need to vacate the premises during cleanup?
   This depends on the severity of the water incident. For major water damage repair or contamination, temporary evacuation may be recommended to ensure safety and accelerate restoration.
10. How can I prevent future water damage?
    Engage a professional to identify risks and implement water ingress solutions like sealing entry points, maintaining plumbing, and improving drainage systems to reduce future vulnerability.