Did you know that spalling of walls could result from water damage? As a homeowner, burst pipes, plumbing mishaps, and leaky roofs should be a top priority in your maintenance list. Moreover, water damage can be devastating as it leads to short-lived and long-term adverse effects on your property, including mold growth and structural issues.
However, you can avoid incurring high costs for repairs and mitigate the impact of water damage in your living space. In this guide, we’ll delve into comprehensive steps to deal with water damage in your home. Let’s dive in!
What’s Considered as Water Damage?
Water damage is the destruction of your home interior associated with water, and some of the lead causes include:
- Sewage damage
- Sink or toilet overflow into the bathroom floors
- Leaking appliances
- A frozen pipe that bursts to saturate the ceiling or concrete walls
- Rainwater leakage that leads to damage to walls and ceiling
If you are faced with the above-mentioned occurrences, there’s a need to consult a professional.
Essential and Immediate Steps to Take After Water Damage
Here are some of the key strategies to consider in addressing water damage:
1. Seek Immediate Help for Water Damage
It’s prudent to take immediate action once you notice any signs of water intrusion, including dampness, pooling water, or water stains, to minimize the extent of damage. Water and moisture can easily damage your floor, furniture, upholstery, and appliances, and you should act fast. If you have homeowner insurance, you should call your insurance company to send an adjuster, who’ll assess the damage.
2. Ensure Safety
If water leaks near an electrical outlet, appliance, or cord, it’s extremely hazardous, and it’s crucial to turn the power off by switching off the circuit breaker. Before you start any water damage cleanup, ensure that the area is safe to enter. You need protective gear, including gloves and waterproof boots, to avoid contamination.
3. Getting Started
It’s important to determine the source of the water damage before taking the initiative to stop the water flow. This entails shutting off the main water supply, repairing leaks, or unclogging drains. Our specialists recommend water damage restoration be done within 48 hours. There’s a likelihood of removing flooring, insulation, and drywall for mold or mildew prevention.
4. Dry Out Standing Water
You can prevent further saturation with the help of plastic tubs or buckets, then use a mop to absorb water. Additionally, a wet-dry vacuum can enhance ventilation and dryness, or a dehumidifier to accelerate the drying process. After draining standing water, you’ll still require a dehumidifier on damp areas of your home. Our experts aid in combating the effects of molds and mildew, enhancing the full restoration of your home.
5. Dry Out the Area
Mold develops after 24 hours, and it becomes difficult to remove, leading to structural damage. Therefore, it’s worthwhile to reach out to our specialists, who’ll assess the situation and determine the best course of action. As a result, you need to prioritize drying all the items and areas to prevent the spread of mold spores. Using fans, dehumidifiers, and opening windows can facilitate air circulation and speed up the drying process.
If the water damage is extensive, you can rent industrial-grade equipment to aid in the removal of mold and restore a safe and healthy living space. Additionally, you should thoroughly inspect walls, ceilings, floors, or any hidden spaces for signs of mold growth. If you notice mold, it’s important to contact our corporation for a professional mold remediation service.
6. Salvage and Discard
After restoring your property from water damage, you’ll need to decide what ought to be salvaged, discarded, or restored. Flooring and walls may be replaced and broken items repaired. Upon inspection, you may find salvageable items that you can clean and dry. However, if some of your possessions are heavily damaged or contaminated, you need to discard them to prevent the bacterial spread and mold growth.
7. Sanitize and Disinfect
After water damage, it’s advisable to sanitize and disinfect. Hydrogen peroxide or other appropriate disinfectants are effective for killing bacteria and microorganisms. High-touch surfaces, including remote controls and faucets, harbor bacteria and should also be sanitized and disinfected after water damage. However, you should avoid cleaning electrical appliances and devices, which could lead to further damage or electrical hazards. Additionally, you should check the sanitized and disinfected areas to ensure no mold regrowth.
8. Water Damage Inspection and Assessment
Before moving back to your home, there’s a need to engage your insurance company and professional restoration and maintenance company. The latter will ensure a detailed examination of the property and an assessment of the extent of the damage. As a result, the professionals will identify the right strategy to enhance sustainability and ensure your home is mold-free. They’ll also find approaches to mitigate any risks that might occur in the future. Without engaging water damage inspection and restoration specialists, the damage may escalate, leading to extensive damage and losses.
How Long Does It Take to Deal with Water Damage?
Handling water damage repair will depend on the extent of the damage. As a result, water damage repair can take up to 1-2 weeks or 72 hours. If you have a flooded basement, for instance, the procedure might take a longer time compared to a burst pipe.
The water damage restoration process is incremental, and our professionals have to assess the affected areas to determine the ideal approach to handle it. On the other hand, spalling of walls is extensive and might require modular construction approaches, taking longer time.
Wrapping Up
Temporary fixes or DIY approaches can lead to extensive damage. However, by following a systematic approach and seeking professional guidance is an ideal way of minimizing water damage effects. At Restomain, we are resolute on all your water damage concerns. Our experts follow a multifaceted approach, including mold inspection, water dry-outs, and remediation. We provide exceptional services on water restoration, mold removal and remediation. Please don’t hesitate to request a quote via our official website, and our specialists will resolve your water damage issues today!
