Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration

One of the most damaging and devastating things you can ever experience is flooding in your home. There are many causes of household flooding including – Heavy rains, Sewer back-up, Appliance Malfunctions, Malfunctioning sump-pump, and Burst pipes. This can be a time of great confusion as to what to do concerning safety, cleanup and even how to pay for all the repair and restoration.

No matter what the cause, you need to feel in control and should still know what to do if your house floods. Here are a few steps to take immediately after flooding causes water damage in your home:

Safety First

The first step in any major home disaster is to remain safe. You may be forced to leave your home if the flooding is bad enough. Make sure it is also safe when you return to your home to begin dealing with the aftermath.

• Turn off the power – water and electricity obviously do not mix. But, if turning off the power requires you to enter or stand in wet areas it is best to leave it alone and call an electrician.
• Be sure to wear protective clothing–such as rubber boots and gloves–when you re-enter your home.
• Avoid getting sick and be sure to thoroughly wash any dinnerware, glasses, and flatware that might have been caught in the house flood before you use it again.
• Protect your valuables. You can lift wood furniture off the wet carpet areas and insert tin foil under the feet to prevent staining of the carpet. Likewise, remove any area rugs that may be on wet flooring.

Dry Out Your Home

Even if you are successful in removing all of the standing water from your home, everything may remain damp and wet, especially if the humidity is high in your area. If you have power, use your central air conditioning to assist in removing humidity, and keep your system fan in the “on” position (not auto). Portable fans and dehumidifiers may help dry the wet areas of your home. You can’t get too dry, so be certain and avoid mildew, molds, and other lingering issues that could result if you rush back in.

You may need the assistance of a professional restoration contractor like Able Builders, Inc to ensure a completely dry home. Time is of the essence and studies show that starting the drying a home within the first 24 hours and completely drying a home within 3-4 days will virtually prohibit the growth of molds and mildews.

Call Your Insurance Company

Your homeowners’ insurance will vary depending on what policies you have. The insurance company will send an adjuster to look at and assess the damage and determine if it is a covered loss. Document the values of each and every item you can think of and take as many photos as possible before, during, and after cleanup. This will help the adjuster when he or she is able to come assess the damage. They might even suggest a restoration company like Able Builders, Inc that can help you with your cleanup and restoration process.

Cleanup

Determine what is salvageable and throw away anything that is too damaged or no longer safe to use. Be aware that you may need to remove flooring, drywall, and insulation to prevent mold and mildew from spreading in your home. Furniture may also need to be dried out, cleaned or thrown away depending on the level of water damage. Able Builders, Inc has helped many clients and we are experienced in water and mold removal which is a major concern in water damage restoration.

Mold can begin developing after the first 24 hours of a flood, and once it has started growing it can be difficult to remove. The quicker you remove items from water and begin drying them, the less likely they are to be lost to mold, but it’s always best to err on the side of caution and have a professional assess the situation. In the event of mold, Able Builders, Inc can assist you in the removal and restoration of your home to a safe and healthy condition.

Repairs

The aftermath of water damage in your home from flooding can typically take the longest amount of time. Flooring often needs to be replaced, walls need to be restored, broken possessions are often in need of repair, etc.

If you are unsure about what your first steps for home repairs should be when your house floods, then call Able Builders, Inc, as we specialize in water damage restoration and flood or natural disaster repairs. With our background in remodeling and renovation we can get you repaired and restored and help you safely enjoy your home once again.