Water damage is indeed problematic for every homeowner. Not only it can cause damage to the structure of a home, but water damage can also harm the health environment of a property. If you don’t attend to it immediately, you will incur a great loss which might lead to irreparable damage and costly repairs and refurbishment. So, once water damage occurs in your home, it is essential to perform water clean up immediately to prevent further damage and accidents. Here are some emergency water damage restoration tips that you can do right after the water event occurs.
What To Do First
The first and most important step to mitigate damage is to shut down the water source and electricity. This way you can stop the cause of water damage to your property and ensure your safety while doing the cleanup process. Then, move on to the assessment of the damage and repair. Remember to do it quickly because wet materials can develop more serious problems like mold growth 24 hours after a water event.
Know The Different Types of Water
When it comes to water damage, it is also essential to know which type of water you are dealing with, because one type of water may pose no harm, but others can cause health hazards.
Three types of water can occur in your home. The first one is the clean water that often occurs due to burst water supply lines, leaky pipes, rain, condensation, and others. This water is pure and harmless. You may clean up the damage on your own, but you can always seek help from a professional like Superior Restoration.
The second one is gray water. It is slightly dirty water from a washing machine, dishwasher, or a clean toilet. The water may contain some contaminants, but with precaution and proper safety gear, you can clean it up yourself. The last and the dirtiest type of water is black water, like sewage water or overflowing water from nearby rivers and others. Blackwater may contain waste, bacteria, and other contaminants. You shouldn’t come in contact with this type of water as it can pose serious health issues. Cleaning it up should be handled by a professional.
Water Damage Repair Tips
1. Remove Excess Water and Dry The Affected Area
As soon as you finish assessing the damaged area, it is now time to remove excess water or moisture. You may use a mop to soak up the remaining water and blot the area with high saturation. Then, use fans around the damaged area to circulate air. In case the area is severely damaged, consider using a large-capacity dehumidifier to ensure proper drying of the surrounding wood and other materials.
2. Remove and Discard Damaged Materials
If the damaged area has furniture, electronics, and other valuable items like paintings, move them to a safe place. Porous materials such as carpet, fabric, insulation, and others that have been soaked in water should be discarded. In most cases, water will cause further damage to these materials by warping and shrinking them and other times they become a breeding ground for mold growth. But if you want to try saving carpets or rugs, lay them outside under that sun so it can fully dry.
3. Inspect For Mold Growth
Check the affected materials for mold growth. Mold begins to grow on wet materials in as little as 24 hours. In some cases, like attic mold, they might have been growing a long time ago.
Mold-damaged materials should be discarded immediately. For serious mold issues, it is always best to hire a professional. Aside from it can be destructive to the materials it infests, exposing yourself to mold can be dangerous, as it can also pose health issues like allergies and shortness of breath. Professional mold removal specialists have the proper equipment to fully mitigate and remove mold from your home.
4. Disinfect Affected Materials
Before you begin working on the repair, make sure to disinfect the affected materials. Even if you have dried them, there could be a chance that there are still bacteria and other fungi that remains. There are several household cleaners you can choose from, but the most common one is the bleach solution. Apply it gently on the affected area and allow the material to completely dry.
5. Fix the Ceilings
If your ceilings are exposed to water damage, it is important to attend to them immediately before they could even collapse and cause accidents. Check the source of the leaking in your roof and ceilings and repair it as soon as possible.
6. Replace Damaged Wood, Drywall, and Unsealed Floor
Wood, drywall, and unsealed floors are also porous materials that can deteriorate when exposed to water damage. In most cases, if these materials rot or have been soaked in water for long, you may have to replace them completely.
7. Check Your Homeowner’s Insurance
If you are dealing with significant water damage, check your insurance coverage. Water damage that happens due to sudden events, such as burst pipes, are more likely included in your homeowner’s insurance coverage. Contact your insurance provider immediately to inform them of the damage to your property. Also, make sure to take photos and videos to show evidence of the water damage.
Professional Water Damage Restoration
Though there are some DIY techniques you can use to clean up water damage in your home, water damage repair and restoration is always best left to professionals. A professional water damage restoration company, like Superior Restoration, utilizes the best method and equipment to repair water damage. They also have skilled and experienced technicians ready to deal with any type of water damage.
For professional water damage restoration services, contact Superior Restoration at 951-398-0237.
