Floods can cause immense amounts of water damage to your home that sometimes require extensive restoration efforts. Cleaning up after being in a flood isn’t fun, and the process can take anywhere from a couple of days to months sometimes. This article will go over a few water damage restoration tips that will help you navigate which steps to take when you do have to clean up after a flood.
Assess Safety
In the event of any type of water emergency, safety always comes first. Find out if the water damage has compromised the structural integrity of the building. The walls might be cracked and leaning or the ceilings might be sagging. If you find that your home is in this condition, it might be better to contact professionals to help you rebuild the structure of your home before cleaning it.
Switch off all electricity and gas supply in your home. You might also want to wear protective clothing before you venture into the stagnant water. Put on gloves, a gas mask, a long-sleeved jacket, and gumboots. Take slow and steady steps in the water — there is a high risk of slippery floors or objects that might knock you over in the water.
Drain Off Standing Water
Standing water might be dangerous; and to restore your home into tip top shape, your first step will be to ship it all out. A good solution to drain out stagnant water is a wet-dry vacuum. Dry the furniture and counters with towels.
Nevertheless, it is advisable to call for assistance from a professional in case the stagnant water is more than one foot deep. They are able to effectively remove the water without compromising the foundation of the home.
Remove Soaked Items
Soaked items should be taken out to dry. Proceed to wash the floor with a detergent and water. Wet wooden and metal furniture tend to also leave stains in the carpet. To prevent these stains, you can place aluminum foil below the feet of these pieces of furniture.
Remove Mold and Mildew
Dampness that lasts for more than 24 hours may result in mold and mildew on the walls. To remove mold, you can scrub and rinse it off with water, a brush, and detergent. Once you’re finished cleaning the mold off, it essential to raise the temperature of your home to prevent mold re-infestation. Professionals use electrical dehumidifiers to keep the house warm and dry.
Remove Dampened Insulation
Check behind the cavities and in the insulation of your home. If it is affected by the water damage, the only solution is to tear it down. Otherwise, that would be the breeding ground for mold and mildew. Peeling off damaged insulation and paint can help the walls dry faster. You will also have to keep the doors and windows open for a long time to ensure that everything dries out.
Even a little trace of water damage can have a rippling domino effect on your walls, floors, furniture, electrical wiring, and plumbing in your home. These water damage restoration tips will help you in the process of restoring your home after a flood.
