By Elizabeth Floods can be devastating to your home. They can cause extensive property damage and loss of belongings. After a flood in your house, restoring it can seem like a difficult task. However, with the correct approach and the assistance of a water restoration company, you will be able to successfully recover and return home. This article will provide homeowners with essential tips about how to restore their homes after flooding.
Safety First
Before beginning the process of restoration, you must make sure your home is safe. Floodwaters compromise structural integrity of a building and can cause various hazards.
- Turn Off Utilities: Immediately turn off the electricity, water, and gas to prevent shocks from electric currents, gas leaks, or further water damage.
- Check your Home for Structural Issues: Look for any structural issues, like cracks in the basement foundation or ceilings that are sagging. You should contact a structural designer if any damage is severe.
- Wear Protection Gear: Flushing waters can contain chemicals, sewage and debris. Wear protective gear including rubber boots, gloves, masks, etc. to protect yourself against health hazards.
Remove The Water And Dry Out The Area
It is important to first remove all standing moisture and then dry out the home in order to reduce mold growth.
- Use Pumps & Vacuums : Use submersible or wet/dry pumps to remove standing waters. You should start from the lowest area of your home – such as the cellar – and move up.
- Get Rid of Wet Items: Get rid of waterlogged items like furniture, rugs, carpets, and drywall. These materials retain moisture and can encourage the growth of mold. Dispose of items that are not salvageable.
Clean And Disinfect
Once the water and area have dried thoroughly, clean and disinfect surfaces to remove contaminants and prevent mold growth.
- Use disinfectants: Clean all surfaces, including walls, floors, and floor tiles, with a mix of water and disinfectant. Attention should be given to areas which have come in contact with floodwater.
- Scrub The Mold: Whenever you notice mold growth in an area, you can scrub it away with a water-bleach solution. Mold can cause serious health problems, so it is vital to remove it as quickly as possible.
- Dispose of the Contaminated Items: Properly dispose of items that have been contaminated in floodwaters but cannot be cleaned. This includes mattresses, upholstered furnishings, and stuffed animals.
Assess And Repair Damage
Once the cleaning and disinfection is complete, you should assess the damage. Repairs can then be started. A professional water restoration service can help with this step.
- Inspection of Electrical Systems: Get a licensed electrician to inspect the electrical system. Floodwaters could cause short-circuits as well as other issues that will require professional repairs.
- Check your Plumbing: Ensure that you inspect and repair any damage to or leaks from your plumbing. Floods displace pipes or cause them to block.
- Repair Structure Damage: Restore any structural damage that has occurred to your house’s foundation walls or roof. This could involve replacing damaged flooring, insulation and drywall.
- Restore the Finishes: When structural repairs are complete, restore the finishes by painting, installing new floors, and replacing damaged fixtures and cabinetry.
Flooding Can Be Prevented By Taking Preventative Measures
Take precautions to prevent future flooding.
- Install Sump Pumps: install sump pumps in your basement. This will remove water from the area and prevent flooding. Consider adding battery backups for when power is out.
- Improved Water Drainage: Ensure your property is equipped with proper drainage, such as French drains, French downspouts or gutters.
- Seal Cracks & Gaps: Seal the cracks & gaps around your home, including foundations, walls, and window frames, to keep water out during heavy downpours.
- Elevate Appliances. Raised appliances, electrical systems, and HVAC units above potential flood levels.
Seek Professional Advice
The task of restoring a home after an inundation can seem overwhelming and complicated. It is easier to streamline the process by enlisting a professional restoration service.
- Advanced Water Restoration Equipment: Services for water restoration use advanced equipment like industrial dehumidifiers that are able to extract large amounts of water and speed up drying. This helps prevent the growth of mold.
- Insurance Help: Numerous water restoration companies provide assistance with the insurance claim process. They do this by providing reports and documentation that support your claim.
Conclusion
After a flood, restoring your home requires a systemic approach and attention. Follow these essential tips to recover your home and get it back in its original condition. Preventing future flooding can also protect your home, giving you peace-of-mind.