How We Saved a Rosslyn Kitchen from Severe Water Damage and Mold

The Problem

The tenant reported that this Rosslyn townhouse had a history of minor intermittent leaks. But this time, the leak in the upstairs bathroom got worse overnight and soaked the kitchen ceiling directly below. The drywall bulged and began to drip, and moisture spread into the wall cavity. In a kitchen, that can quickly turn into odors and mold if not dried fast. Because this was an emergency situation, we focused on fast source control, a clean open-up, quick drying, and clear photo and moisture logs to document the job in Rosslyn (N Colonial Ct, Arlington, VA 22209).

What We Did

Here's a quick, step-by-step look at how we handled the bathroom leak that caused water damage to the kitchen ceiling - from the first call to a verified-dry, rebuild-ready kitchen. Our approach is standards-driven, fast, and minimally disruptive to daily life.

1. Rapid response & estimate: technician Albert offered a roughly forty-minute arrival and performed an on-site water damage evaluation with infrared scanning, moisture mapping, and baseline readings. We set containment to control dust and keep the rest of the home livable-because no one wants drywall in the coffee maker.
2. Surgical demolition: we removed wet ceiling drywall and a partial wall section in the kitchen to open the cavity and prevent moisture entrapment. Straight, clean edges simplified the future rebuild.
3. Drying: we set three high-velocity air movers and one LGR dehumidifier to run continuously. We logged daily moisture readings (surface and cavity), grains-per-pound (GPP), and dew point, adjusting placement as drying progressed. Equipment was removed on Day 3 during a pre-arranged access window to minimize disruption.
4. Antimicrobial protection: after demolition and drying, we performed ULV antimicrobial fogging with an EPA-registered agent. This step addresses hard-to-reach surfaces inside the cavity and helps prevent mold and odors, think of it as insurance for indoor air quality.
5. Final cleaning & disposal: we wrapped up by bagging and removing the demo debris and giving the area a good clean, so the contractor can get straight to work.

Results

After 72 hours, readings returned to normal and matched our baseline. Odor concerns were resolved, and the kitchen was reconstruction-ready. We delivered full documentation before/after meter logs, equipment runtime, demolition scope, and antimicrobial application notes, so the tenant and landlord had everything needed for records or insurance. Early intervention and controlled drying minimized secondary damage, keeping overall water damage restoration cost predictable.

Communication & Logistics

From the first conversation, we offered an appointment window of 10:00-12:00 and confirmed call-ahead. Because the client is a renter, we provided billing flexibility: she could pay and bill the landlord, or we could invoice the landlord directly. Clear expectations mean fewer surprises - the ceiling already supplied enough of those.

Why Flood Damage Pro of Arlington?

Flood Damage Pro of Arlington is a certified water damage restoration company serving Arlington and the broader Washington, DC area.

Our method pairs accurate moisture diagnostics with water damage restoration techniques: targeted demo, properly sized LGR dehumidification, strategic airflow, and antimicrobial protection - finished with a verifiable, documented dry standard. When your home is on the line, you need the Arlington water damage expert you can rely on. Our promise is built on three fundamentals: fast assessment, precise execution, and proof that the structure is truly dry.

If stains, swelling paint, or a ceiling bulge show up at your home, act fast. Contact Flood Damage Pro for professional water damage restoration. We'll assess, document, dry, and return your space back to normal, so your kitchen smells like dinner again, and not wet drywall. Reach out today to schedule your on-site estimate.