We cannot begin to mention the many problems that floods bring, sparing very few homes from water damage. Other factors, such as malfunctioning appliances and defective plumbing systems, are notorious for causing water damage. Celebrities have not gone unaffected by problems caused by water damage either. Toxic mold can be an unfortunate side effect. Suzanne Somers has claimed that toxic mold has made her sick. So, the damage has been done. What next? How do you clean up after water damage? Your response time and techniques could mean the difference between spending thousands of dollars in water restoration services and rebuilding your home by turning around your home in a jiffy. Here are a few tips to help you clean up after water damage.
Disconnect the power
Before you begin the cleanup process, inform your insurance company of the damages. You could take photos of the house and water damage before moving anything. Proceed to disconnect the power in its main source and unplug any electronics. The earlier you take out your electronics, the higher your chances of saving them. Take out any movable furniture and items and store all these valuables in a dry area away from the water.
Get rid of the water
You are probably looking at pools of water in your home and compound. You might want to remove all the water after making space, to prevent further water damage. Typically, the longer you wait, the more damage you risk. You could manually put the water out in buckets if you have no sump pump or wet vacuum. Another old trick utilizes mops and towels to soak up water and transfer it to a container. You can pour the water in the drain or lawn.
It’s dry out time!
After getting rid of the maximum amount of water possible, you might want to act fast on the drying stage. Mold tends to thrive in moist surfaces, and this condition might create the perfect place for mold growth. You will want to bring in fans and a dehumidifier to speed up the drying process. If the weather is hot, open the windows and doors for air circulation. If you have the energy, consider using dry towels and clothes to dab wooden surfaces.
Remove all wet insulation from the drywall and floors and throw them responsibly. If the drywall was affected, there’s no saving it. Pull it down as it deteriorates over time and creates the perfect environment for mold growth.
Decontaminate
Once the area dries out, you might notice strange smells from the dirty water that was in your home. Invest in an excellent disinfectant to kill bacteria that may have been left behind in the washing process. Disinfect all surfaces that were in touch with the floodwaters, including furniture and appliances.
Salvage undamaged items
Chances are some of your books, documents, portraits, and pictures got caught in the havoc. Sort them out to see what you can salvage. Items that aren’t drenched in water could dry out in the open. If the items are beyond saving, you will have no other choice but to dispose of them.
Take measures to prevent mold growth
While at this point, you’ve taken commendable steps in preventing mold growth, you might want to go the extra mile and apply mold control chemicals. The products work on preventing mold growth by making surfaces less inhabitable for the mold spores to thrive and reproduce. You could seek a professional’s advice on these mold control chemicals to make the best investment for your house and household items. Monitor your home for mold growth after the first 24 hours. If, after all these measures, mold still finds its way into your home, consider calling a professional to help you out with the mold removal process. The earlier you act, the better.
Restore your home
After water damage restoration processes, you still have to take the necessary steps to restore your home to originality. This includes replacing and repairing drywall, wooden floors, and broken assets. You may also need to rebuild certain structures in your home and if you do, be sure to get the best contractors. If you need urgent basement flood cleanup, you know you can count on Premiere Restoration