Water damage is a serious problem that requires professional restoration. It can cause permanent structural damage to your home and affect the value of your property. In addition, it can pose a health hazard to your family.
Immediately assessing the extent of water damage is key to getting repairs underway as quickly as possible. A good restoration company can provide an initial assessment, as well as determine the best course of action to restore your property and prevent future issues.
First, locate the source of water. This can be an open drain, leaky plumbing or other issue that has caused the water to enter your home. After locating the source, you should close any water supply lines that you can reach. If the issue is a leaking pipe, repair it as soon as possible with epoxy putty or other type of repair kit.
You may be able to do some of the cleanup on your own, but you should hire a professional cleaning crew to get the job done right. They will have all of the necessary equipment to remove all of the contaminated water from your home and dry it out.
They can also assess the water damage cleanup and identify any hidden issues that you may not have noticed. They can then use their experience to help you get your home back in shape as quickly as possible.
It is important to remember that most porous materials will start to deteriorate after just 24 hours, so the sooner you can get started with water cleanup, the better. Carpets, wood floors and furniture will begin to warp and shrink, allowing mold to grow and mildew to spread.
After you have removed any impacted items, disinfect the area to ensure no mold spores are left behind. This can be accomplished by using a bleach solution or a homemade option.
Next, you should clean any soaked fabrics and furniture, such as upholstered chairs or draperies. These may have stains, but you can often save them by cleaning them thoroughly and treating them with a disinfectant.
The last step in the cleanup process is to dry out the area. A professional restoration crew can use a variety of methods to do this, including fan-drying, dehumidifiers and air conditioners. These tools are especially useful when you have drywall that has been damaged by the water.
It is also a good idea to call your insurance company to report the damage and start the claim process as soon as possible. This will take some of the stress off you and your family, and it will also make the claim process smoother and more efficient.
In addition to contacting your insurance company, you should also contact your local emergency services agency to let them know of the flood. The more people who are notified, the quicker the response can be made and the less time you have to wait before your home is restored to its original state.