Restore your home after Water Damage
Damages caused due to water are very come. Nearly 40% of homeowners have witnessed some type of water damage.
These damages can be due to a leaking pipeline, ceiling, flooded basements, clogged sewage system, and many more. One may even encounter a flood as well disrupting their life.
If you encounter such damage at your place Do not Panic and follow this guide.
- Safety is the priority
Whenever there is water damage or flood ensure that you and the people with you are safe. Do the following:
- Close all the electrical appliances and switch off the main supply.
- Wear protective clothing such as rubber boots, headgear, gloves.
- Close the main outlet of ester supply of possible.
- Try to save valuables such as important documents first.
Once you have safely done this wait for a restoration services company to help you out further. Do not take any other step without having any knowledge about it as it may harm you and your loved ones.
- Begin with removing water
As soon as you are out of the place, the water clean-up process should start. Try to start the process within 24-48 hours so that any more damage to the place can be avoided.
If you can empty the water from the place yourself ensure to take all the safety measures as mentioned above. Keep all the material that can be used and throw the rest. The water can be used by installing hand, electric, or gas pumps. The water can be drained into the sewage tank or in the backyard where it is not harmful.
One might have to remove the carpeting, wallpapers, insulation to prevent the formation of mold and mildew which can raise health concern is future.
This type of work required skilled men. Thus hire a restoration services company of possible.
- Drying out the place
Once all the water is removed from the premises, open all the windows and gates. Let the fresh air and sunlight enter the place. This will ensure that no odor is left behind and all the germs get killed.
If the electricity is back, switch on all the fans and air-conditioner so that no moisture is left behind. If you have a heating system, use it as this will fasten up the process.
To avoid the growth of mold and mildew due to the dampness in the place hire a restoration services company that will spray and disinfect the area to prevent their growth.
- Cleaning the place
Once the place is dry check for your belonging and material. Keep all the material that can be used and through the rest which is perished.
All the furniture, carpets, rug, clothes, shoes, utensils, etc should be picked and put in the sun to get dry. Upon drying they should be disinfected to prevent the growth of mold over them.
Things such as books, electrical appliances which cannot be used again should be disposed of safely.
- Identify the Damage Caused
Once all the water is drained and the house is cleaned up identify the damage caused. You may hire a restoration services company to make a list of damage that was done by the water damage.
Check for the growth of mold and mildew. Identify the fault and the money needed to get it rectified. Get all the details in writing as they will help you while filing a claim for the same.
- Call you Insurance Company
Once the situation is under control it is time for you to call your insurance company to claim the damage caused based on the assessment of the site.
The earlier you file for a claim the quicker the process will be. Keep in mind to collect all the relevant documents and bills from the restoration services company as they will act as proof for the claim process.
Listen to your insurance provider carefully for smooth functioning.
- Start Project Restoration
Once all the paperwork is done, it is time to get the place repaired so that move back in. Based on the damage you may need to identify the best restoration practices for yourself.
If the damage is minimal small repairs can fix it while if the damages are high you may need to find a temporary house to live in by the time repairs is done.
Interview several restoration services and ask for their quotation, market value, and testimonials. Then make up your mind to hire a company for the same. Do not take any rash decision to hire a company without varying the pros and cons of the same.
- Moving Back
Once all the restoration work is done, all the documents are submitted, and permission is granted it is time for you to move back into your house.
The Bottom Line
It is essential to keep your calm and your mind open to tackle such a situation. Do not take a lot of time to decide what to do as mold can affect your house if the water stays stagnant for more than 24 hours.
Keep your safety your priority in such a situation and act fast to prevent further damage. If possible, always hire a professional restoration services company to help you out in the process.