Water damage to a home or business is more difficult to repair nowadays. Unfortunately, floods are a common occurrence. They are common in locations with heavy levels of rain. Water penetration into home building materials such as wood, steel, and other similar materials is the primary source of water damage, causing them to rot and cause damage.
Depending on the level of moisture and the damage location, this method can be slow or fast. For example, residential water damage is mainly caused by the basement sump pump failing, resulting in water flooding the basement. Failed water mains or broken pipelines can cause substantial water damage. Therefore, water damage restoration is based on the type of water problem that has taken place.
Water Damage Cleanup Process
Any property owner should watch for their home’s condition. Water damage can cause mold development and structural damage, which will cost a lot to repair. Therefore, your number one priority must be to drain the water from the damaged area. Here are some guidelines for how to do the water damage cleanup.
1. Find the source.
Finding the source of the problem is one of the most crucial water damage cleanup methods. For example, do you have a roof crack? Is there a leak in the pipeline or a problem with the water drainage system?
Knowing the source can help in deciding the next step. For example, if there is flooding, you don’t have many choices but to drive as much water as possible out. However, it’s also crucial to act quickly and determine the source of the leak.
2. Determine the extent of the damage.
You can now examine the area affected by the water damage once the leak has been slowed or stopped. Trace the degree of the damage horizontally and vertically to do this.
If it comes from the roof, find discolorations on the ceiling and adjacent wall and the walls and flooring. Next, check to see if the water has gotten into any nearby rooms. Lastly, check to see if the water has settled in any particular places, like the basement. After you determine the extent of the damage, call a water mitigation specialist to know the next step.
3. Circulate air.
Maintaining ventilation is another crucial part of the water damage cleanup process. If you’re in the basement, you’ll need to allow airflow to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
If you successfully removed the water, you can use an air blower to quickly dry out the surface. If the damage is in the attic or on a higher level of the house, the air must be directed to the top floor and the ceiling from below. This will make sure that the sub-floor and ceiling are totally dry.
4. Keep humidity levels in check.
Water damage to wood is bad since this material expands when wet. Remove several panels if you have hardwood flooring to make sure that the wood may breathe without being damaged. This will also let the airflow of the sub-layer, which may otherwise serve as a perfect breeding ground for molds.
Mold and other fungi grow in humidity levels ranging from 40 to 100°C. Control the humidity levels with a dehumidifier, removing the extra water and making the area much drier. Remember to maintain the percentages balanced because too dry or too wet can damage the room’s structures. Click here for more information about water damage restoration and cleanup.
Conclusion
Cleaning up water damage may be a time-consuming and challenging task. However, you may protect your family by starting the cleaning process as soon as possible. After all, the most important part is to protect your loved ones. These water damage cleaning guidelines are just a few of the many choices for keeping your property dry immediately after the damage is discovered. Handle the process if you are capable of doing so. However, if you lack the necessary skills and equipment, look for professional assistance to effectively dry out the area and prevent future damage.
