Are you looking for some tips to restore the water damage in your home brought about by a natural catastrophe or plumbing disaster? If yes, then you are at the right place!
Water damage is a nightmare for most homeowners. Whether you come across flooded basements, sewer backups, or broken pipes, they all can leave you with the unpleasant task of cleaning up muck and water. What’s more, mold starts to grow in the damaged area if you aren’t quick enough. Moreover, damage may increase the risks of safety hazards and lead to structural issues that you might overlook until it’s too late.
Thus, water damage is likely to make you feel helpless and devastated. However, taking a few proper steps can save you from catastrophic situations and unforeseen expenses. We’ve listed a few helpful tips for a successful home recovery after water damage. Let’s dive in – pun intended!
Seek professional services
In case of a severe emergency like a burst pipe or excessive flooding, you won’t have time to figure your way out. In such a scenario, reach out for professional help. From identifying the water source to restoring the affected area, professionals can handle all your wet worries.
However, in such a haphazard scenario, you are likely to wonder where to begin. In that case, search Google to identify and locate a water damage advisor online. Calling in the pros will help you get immediate and accurate information regarding what needs to be done to fix a wet situation. Moreover, professionals also ensure the successful restoration of damaged property.
Find the water source
If the damage is not huge enough to leave you flabbergasted, you can also claw your way out on your own. In that case, the first step is locating the water source. The source may be evident in the case of broken plumbing. In some instances, it may take you a while to identify the source if it lies behind a wall or ceiling. After finding the water source, all you need to do is seal it properly.
Before working out the whole situation, identify the kind of water flowing into your house. It is easy to deal with the damage caused by clean water. Greywater makes this process a little tricky since it contains contaminants. But, if the leaking water is black, it is better to stay away from it as it can be hazardous for your health.
Dry the wet areas
You need to act upon your water damage restoration plan as swiftly as possible. Why? Mold can grow in as little as 24 hours if the water is left standing for a long time. So, first, you need to remove the standing water. Then clear the space and dry out the wet parts. You can use various drying devices, such as a dryer or a fan, depending on the volume of water. Also, don’t forget to wear your protective gear if you plan a DIY process.
If there is extensive damage, you will need to rent out a few powerful fans like industrial water extractors. These fans will help extract all the water regardless of the volume and density of the standing water.
Look for mold
Once you dry everything, inspect the areas for mold and mildew. It is better to take measures beforehand as it becomes difficult to remove mold once it starts to grow. The earlier you dry your stuff, the less likely it will develop mold. In the worst-case scenario, you’ll have to completely remove damaged furniture and parts of your building since mold will multiply in humidity.
While removing the menace, ensure you don’t spread spores throughout the house. Also, some molds are toxic for humans and lead to infections. If mold growth is observed, contact professionals who deal with mold removal in Greensboro, NC (or somewhere local to you), to deal with it efficiently. They may even help you recover your affected stuff and the affected areas in the best possible way.
Toss the porous materials
The next step in your restoration plan is removing damaged items like drywall and other porous materials. Porous materials like carpet, insulation, etc., lose their durability and usefulness after staying in the water, especially contaminated water. Thus, you may have to toss them. This is because water damages the porous materials permanently by warping them. Also, mold and mildew will worsen their condition even more.
But, if some of your prized possessions are at risk, you can try isolating and drying them as soon as possible. However, the damage can’t be undone.
Disinfect and restore
The next important step is disinfecting the whole area affected by the water damage. Disinfecting is crucial because water can bring along contaminants and toxins that may be harmful to you. After removing the damaged components, disinfect the area with bleach or other homemade products. All you need to do is spray affected areas and wipe down debris. Also, this will remove any mold spores that you might have missed before.
After cleaning and disinfecting comes the final restoration process. If the water damages any of your walls, flooring, or carpets, it is better to install new ones. Also, instead of wooden flooring, go for other non-wood options like ceramic tiles that are likely to endure future flooding incidents.
Conclusion
Water damage is something you don’t want to experience. Restoration after a major leak or flood is challenging as it requires rapid action. In such a scenario, you will wonder what to do and how to begin. However, you can tackle this unpleasant challenge with a few helpful tips. Start with locating the water source, sealing it, and drying the wet areas.
Next, you need to ensure safety from mold and other contaminants by disinfecting damaged areas. Also, you can call in professional help if the solution is beyond your skills. These tips can help you recover your house from water damage, no matter how severe it is.
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