Water Damage Response And Our GRS Process

Conner Perryman • February 9, 2021

Frequently, drying is seen as a simple process, and it can be in certain scenarios. However, if the proper steps are not taken, the results can be catastrophic. Here at Guarantee Restoration Services, our mitigation experts are all trained to follow the strict guidelines as stated by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification, or the IICRC, which sets the standard for the restoration industry. When dealing with standing water in your property, there are a lot of aspects to consider but none more important water damage response time and initiating the drying process as quickly as possible. Therefore, our team is available 24/7, 365 days a year!


WATER DAMAGE RESPONSE: CATEGORIES 1, 2 & 3

Once we arrive on site, the first piece of information we determine is the category, which will dictate our mitigation procedures. The category tells us the source of the water intrusion. There are 3 categories, which are all given a number to signify the severity of the situation. Category 1 indicates clean water from any broken water supply lines, toilet tanks, or water without additives. Category 2 contains significant contamination and has the potential to cause health problems. This can occur from broken discharge lines or overflowing washing machines. If either of these sits for too long, they can change to a category 3 water loss. Category 3 water is described as grossly contaminated and can contain seriously harmful agents. This is mostly seen with sewage backups and any form of intrusive floodwater, regardless of how “clean” it may look. Both category 2 and 3 require removal of any affected materials, whereas category 1 can be dried in place.


Once our team has concluded what category, we proceed with determining what type and how much equipment we will need. Every loss is different and needs to be treated as such to maintain clarity with anyone dealing with a loss, as well as credibility for any drying institution. If you’re dealing with a category 1 loss, I am sure you’d much rather us save you as much money by avoiding any demolition, right? Well, by utilizing the proper amount of equipment and monitoring, we just might be able to.


WATER DAMAGE RESPONSE: SHOP-VACS, AIR MOVERS AND DEHU’S, OH MY!

Drying is almost equally as important as speed and category. Without proper drying techniques, you could end up with organic growth down the road. We all know what happens when mold shows up to the party, foul odors and a plethora of other problems.


The first step in the drying process is to remove any excess or standing water using a shop-vacuum. Simply put, these machines extract the water. Once the shop vacs are used, our team proceeds to the next step, which is bringing in the dehumidifiers and air movers. While you might not be able to see any water, it can still hide in the carpet, baseboards, walls, and insulation. Depending on how much water got into your property, this will dictate how much equipment is used. Typically, we will place a dehumidifier in each affected room, while being sensitive to how large the room is. We will also place one air mover for every 10 feet of affected wall space. Fans are placed closer to the walls with the dehumidifier prominently in the center of the room. Each fan is placed facing the wall to create circulation around the dehumidifier to eradicate as much moisture from the air as possible. Then, the dehumidifier will pull moisture from the air and deposit it down a drain to finally remove it from the affected areas.


Oftentimes, drying will take more than one day, which is why we monitor this equipment daily. Usually, we will use a non-intrusive moisture meter along the walls to see if they are still wet or if we are ready to remove our equipment. Sometimes, the drying procedure may take longer and organic growth can occur before we get a structure completely dry. Every time we work a loss, we make sure to go the extra mile to ensure your property is safe. This is why in addition to the equipment, we utilize antimicrobials to prevent the growth of any form of mold.


WATER DAMAGE RESPONSE: 24/7 IS NOT JUST A NUMBER

Remember, the most important aspect in dealing with any water damage is speed and response time. If you have a water loss at your house or business, call us at Guarantee Restoration Services, where we specialize in quick and professional solutions. With offices in Lafayette, Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Gulfport, we can service anywhere along the Gulf Coast no matter the size of the loss or time of day. Contact us at 800-349-HELP (4357) or email info@guaranteerestoration.net.



Conner Perryman is a Business Development Representative at Guarantee Restoration Services. He has been a GRS team member since May 2018. To connect with him, visit LinkedIn or send him an email.

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Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country

By Christina Mullins • July 22, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact Information: Zack Klein Director of Marketing and Business Development 225-753-8682 Zack@247GRS.com Guarantee Restoration Services Launches National Sales Team to Expand Strategic Partnerships Across the Country BATON ROUGE, La. – June 16, 2026 – Guarantee Restoration Services (GRS), a leading full-service restoration contractor serving the Gulf Coast since 1974, is proud to announce the implementation of its new National Sales Team. This strategic initiative marks an exciting step forward in the company’s continued growth and commitment to serving clients and partners on a broader scale. The newly established team will be led by Barrett Dick, Director of National Sales, alongside Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing. Together, they have played a pivotal role in growing GRS relationships across multiple industries throughout the Gulf Coast and beyond for over a decade. The team also includes newly hired account executives, David Stern and Chad Catalano. “Over the years, we have seen our partnerships and opportunities continue to grow beyond our traditional footprint,” said Zack Klein, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Guarantee Restoration Services. “Creating a dedicated National Sales Team allows us to strengthen those relationships, support our partners on a larger scale, and continue expanding the reach of the GRS brand, while staying true to the service and responsiveness we are known for.” Dick, who will celebrate 10 years with GRS next month, brings extensive industry knowledge and leadership experience to the role. He holds multiple Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) credentials, including Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT), Applied Structural Drying (ASD), Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT), and Fire & Smoke Damage Restoration Technician (FSRT). After graduating from Louisiana State University, Barrett began his professional career with Marucci Sports before joining Guarantee Restoration Services in July 2016. Just weeks into his time with the company, the historic Great Flood of 2016 impacted Southeastern Louisiana, providing him with firsthand experience managing large-scale losses and coordinating restoration efforts for major school districts and commercial clients. Since then, he has helped cultivate business development efforts throughout Louisiana and nationally, working closely with partners in hospitality, education, government, healthcare, and other commercial sectors. “Our focus has always been relationship-driven,” said Dick. “We want our clients and partners to know they have a team they can rely on before, during, and after a disaster. This National Sales Team is another way we are investing in those relationships and positioning Guarantee to better serve organizations wherever they need us.” As part of the expansion, GRS hired David Stern as a National Sales Account Executive. Stern brings more than a decade of high-level sales and relationship management experience from the professional sports industry. Prior to joining our team, he served with the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans organization, where he consistently ranked among the organization’s top sales representatives and generated more than $38 million in multiyear contracts throughout his career. “David’s experience of building relationships, managing high-profile partnerships, and delivering exceptional client service makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” added Klein. “His background and skillset align perfectly with the direction we are heading as a company.” The National Sales Team also includes Chad Catalano, who joined Guarantee Restoration Services in January 2026. Catalano brings nearly two decades of restoration industry experience, with a strong background in sales leadership, project coordination, and relationship development throughout the Southeast and Gulf South regions. Prior to joining GRS, Catalano served as National Sales Manager for ServiceMaster DSI and spent more than 16 years with US Restoration as a Sales and Project Coordinator. Throughout his career, he has built long-standing partnerships while helping clients navigate complex restoration and recovery projects. In addition to his restoration industry experience, Catalano also spent several years as a successful high school baseball coach in the New Orleans area, earning multiple district championships and Coach of the Year honors. His leadership, communication skills, and client-focused approach make him a valuable addition to the growing national team. Guarantee Restoration Services continues to serve clients across Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama with six locations in Baton Rouge, Lafayette, and New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport and Jackson, Mississippi; and Mobile, Alabama. With the implementation of its National Sales Team, GRS is further expanding its ability to support partners across the country through large-loss response, catastrophe recovery, and national account relationships. The company specializes in water, fire, mold, storm, and biohazard restoration, as well as reconstruction and pre-loss planning services. For more information about Guarantee Restoration Services, visit www.GuaranteeRestoration.com or call 1-800-349-HELP (4357).

Reconstruction Services in Mobile: Rebuilding After Storm and Property Damage

By Erik Seagrave • July 15, 2026
Learn how Guarantee Restoration Services provides expert reconstruction services in Mobile, AL after water, fire, storm, and property damage. (

Meet The Team | Jerome Etienne

By Christina Mullins • July 8, 2026
Behind every successful restoration project is a team of dedicated professionals committed to helping customers recover after disaster strikes. This month, we're introducing Jerome Etienne , a technician at our Baton Rouge office whose hard work and honesty make him a valued member of the Guarantee Restoration Services team. From Forklift Driver to Restoration Technician Jerome is originally from Lafayette, Louisiana , and joined Guarantee Restoration Services in September 2024 . Before beginning his career in restoration, he worked as a forklift driver. Since joining GRS, Jerome has embraced the hands-on nature of restoration work and takes pride in helping prepare properties for the rebuilding process. Finding Satisfaction in Demolition Work. When asked what he enjoys most about working at GRS, Jerome didn't hesitate. He enjoys working on demolition projects, where every job presents a new challenge and plays an important role in restoring a property after damage. Removing damaged materials safely and efficiently helps lay the foundation for the next phase of the restoration process, making demolition one of the most critical steps in recovery. Living the Core Value of Honesty Of GRS's five core values, Honesty is the one that resonates most with Jerome. "I believe people appreciate knowing the truth, especially after their property has been damaged. Being honest, dependable, and transparent helps build trust and shows our customers they can count on us from start to finish." Jerome believes honest communication helps reassure customers during stressful situations while building lasting trust throughout the restoration process. Advice for New Team Members Jerome's advice for anyone starting a career in restoration is straightforward. "Follow what the Lead Tech says. You'll learn everything you need to know." By staying willing to learn and trusting experienced team members, new technicians can quickly build the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the field. Outside of Work When he's off the clock, Jerome enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether he's fishing or visiting the gun range, he enjoys activities that allow him to unwind after the work week. A Childhood Dream As a kid, Jerome dreamed of owning a food truck. While his career path eventually led him to restoration, that entrepreneurial spirit and strong work ethic continue to shine through in everything he does. Thank You, Jerome! We're proud to have Jerome as part of the Guarantee Restoration Services family. His dedication, honesty, and willingness to tackle every challenge help make a difference for both our customers and our team every day. Interested in Joining the GRS Team? At Guarantee Restoration Services, we're always looking for hardworking individuals who share our commitment to excellence, honesty, efficiency, and partnership. If you're interested in building a rewarding career with a team that makes a difference every day, we'd love to hear from you. Visit our Careers page to learn more about current opportunities and become part of the GRS family.
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