Water damage is one of the most common forms of damage to both residential and commercial properties. Before you know it, water will seep in every corner of your home or business and in doing so damage flooring and even support beams in and under your home. Hiding water can also provide a breeding ground for mold which can then spread beyond the water damaged areas and invade nearly every part of your home. Without quick and appropriate action, this will lead to rotted wood and ruined floors, walls and even furniture.
One of the most traumatic disaster occurrences facing property owners, insurance companies and risk managers is water damage. Whether caused by a natural or man-made disaster, moisture is a fast and silent destroyer of homes, furnishings and electronic equipment. The effects of water damage can lead to costly repairs and the replacement of personal belongings. Timing is crucial to the dehumidification of a home or building and the prevention of the growth of destructive mold and mildew.
Whether you have what you believe to be minimal water damage that is only affecting a part of a room or area or you have more significant water damage that is affecting an entire room, including your carpeting it is critical that you begin some very important tasks immediately while waiting on water damage restoration experts.
• Mop to remove as much water as you can.
• Wipe furniture and surfaces dry of as much moisture as possible.
• Draperies and curtains that are hanging to the floor should be lifted off the floor and hung up over curtain rods.
• Get furniture legs off the floor by placing them on blocks of wood and get wet furniture cushions outside so they can begin to dry.
• Remove rugs and other floor coverings.
• Drawers and doors should be opened to enhance drying.
• Move photos, paintings, and other valuables to a safe, dry location.
• Remove damp books from shelves and spread them out to dry.
• And it is very important that you turn on all available fans to circulate air and begin drying things out. Your #1 enemy is going to be the mold and mildew that will begin to grow and potentially damage everything in your home beyond repair.
Water Damage is Real
Important things to NOT do when dealing with water damage:
• Do not use electrical appliances while on wet carpet or wet floors.
• Do not go into rooms with standing water if the electricity is still on.
• Do not lift tacked down carpet without professional help. Lifting the carpet incorrectly could promote shrinkage.
• Do not delay calling for fire and water damage restoration professional help. Damage from the water and bacteria growth can begin within hours.
• Don’t use an ordinary household vacuum to clean up water.
When it comes to a list of concerns that homeowners have when it comes to their property, water damage usually ranks at the top of the list. Not only can it happen as the result of many different causes but it usually brings with it huge repair bills, especially if the water is allowed to sit long enough to encourage mold growth which will affect not only your home and belongings but your family’s health as well. If you have found yourself facing water damage, follow the steps that we have laid out to help you mitigate the damage to your home. If the reading of this information finds you experiencing water damage, we wish you well in getting your home and your life back to normal.