Port St Lucie Restoration Experts

Water Damage Repair: What Should Be Done



Nothing frustrates more than coming home to a flooded house or basement. While flooding due to natural events such as a heavy downpour may be beyond your control, other factors such as leaking pipes or a faulty drainage system can be managed easily. Nevertheless, knowing just what to do in the event of a flooded house can help save both your house and items inside.  Many people however do not know what to do next once the water has been pumped out and the necessary plumbing repairs done. Outlined below are however a few tips on how to handle water damage repair, what is needed, and the necessary precautions needed. 



1.    Inform Your Insurance Company



If your house was insured against water damage, then the first step should be to call or inform the insurance company. Although you may still have to save everything from the house, the insurance company should inspect the home first before you can launch a claim. This should be done almost immediately or a day after the incident. 



2.    Have the house inspected



If the house has been flooded for more than 3 days, you should then have it inspected for any damages or weak links. Water causes extensive damage to both pillars and the foundation, all which should be examined carefully before engaging in any cleaning exercise. Most water damage repair companies provide inspection services to help determine the level of damage and repairs needed for the same. Calling these professionals can help get the work done fast. 



3.    Repairs



It is after the inspectors have inspected the house that repair work should start.  The repairs may include reinforcing the basement (if any weak links), vacuuming the entire house, and cleaning all other items in the house.  The most important thing with water damage repair is making sure everything is dry, especially furniture and other wooden surfaces. Although most people will want to handle the repairs by themselves, experts recommend hiring a certified water damage repair expert to handle these. These professionals come equipped with industrial grade equipment that not only ensures total water removal (using powerful sump pumps) but also have everything dried up. 



4.    Mold Remediation



Mold remediation should be the next step after all repairs have been handled. This should also be done after doing all the cleanup job. The fungus tends to grow in dark areas, especially on fabrics, clothes, carpets, and even furniture. Having a mold remediation expert work with the repair technicians can, therefore, help prevent or control mold infestation. Mold pose a great risk to both the structure and anyone else living in the house, including pets. 



5.    Ventilation



Previously flooded houses often have moisture levels way higher than the recommended level.  This creates an ample environment for microbes and bacteria to grow and thrive. Aside from having everything cleaned and dried up, it's advisable to get the air moving.  While opening all doors and windows may help, it would be wise to place some fans to help water granules escape out. A dehumidifier may also come in handy here. 



These are just but a few steps to take when dealing with water damage. Informing your insurance company (for compensation of course), and working with certified water damage and mold remediation experts can help bring normalcy to your home again.



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