Floods can come out of nowhere. Maybe you had a sudden plumbing leak in the downstairs bathroom. Maybe a major rainstorm caused the creek near your house to spill over its banks and into your basement. Whatever the reason--and however much water actually got into your space--you shouldn't delay bringing in a flood damage restoration team to help you deal with the aftermath.
Even a single inch of standing water can end up causing long-lasting problems in your home, if not dealt with properly and quickly. Standing water and excessive moisture in the air can cause aesthetic and structural damage to your building. It can even encourage hazardous mold and mildew growth, which can have a negative impact on your family's health. Luckily, water restoration experts can step in when you're dealing with a water emergency and make the cleanup process less painful.
In general, water damage restoration needs to include a few key steps:
- Water removal: If you've got standing water in your home after a flood, your first order of business is to get that water out. Water restoration pros can extract standing water and help you dry carpets, furniture, and other surfaces. This step also includes dehumidification to remove excess moisture from the air. Hiring a professional rather than attempting DIY water extraction can help you ensure that every last drop of moisture is gone, which can prevent issues down the line.
- Mold testing and removal: Mold spores thrive in a moist environment, which is why it's essential to get flood water out as soon as possible after the incident. If, however, you weren't able to take action immediately--for instance, if you were out of town during the flood or you didn't know a pipe was leaking until it actually burst--it's a good idea to get tested for mold growth in the affected area. If evidence of mold is found, a mold removal team can take steps to isolate the outbreak, kill the spores, and keep the mold from coming back.
- Upholstery and carpet cleaning: Water can damage your belongings as much as your building's structure. Especially if the flood waters came from outside, mud and muck can leave your carpets and upholstery grimy and smelly. Professional upholstery and carpet cleaning can get your surfaces spotless and sweet-smelling again without adding additional water that can lead to more damage. Plus, unlike basic vacuuming or spot cleaning, carpet steam cleaning can remove bacteria, pet dander, pollen, and other allergens.
- Demolition and reconstruction: Major floods can lead to major damage, and it's possible that some structural elements won't be able to be salvaged. Bringing in an interior demolition contractor to assess the water damage and remove badly damaged walls and other structural elements will ensure that you're on your way back to a home that's clean, safe, and structurally sound.
What's the key throughout the process? Getting professional help. Water restoration companies know the signs of serious water damage and can identify and resolve issues before they get worse--and more expensive to fix. Your family's health and safety depend on inhabiting a space that's dry, clean, mold-free, and sturdy. And while suffering a flood at your home is frustrating and overwhelming, a knowledgeable flood restoration team can ease your burden and help you get back on your feet.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7261979
No comments:
Post a Comment