We’re not always prepared for a flood, but it happens, resulting in calling the help of water damage clean-up companies. Flooding can cause a critical amount of destruction and result in property losses. It results in lots of work to drain and clean the water. If you have left home as an evacuation protocol, then you should wait for authorities to give the nod on when it’s safe to return. This will be after much of the water has dried up, and it is safer to attend to the damage incurred.

Stopping Water at The Source with Water Damage Cleanup Companies

There are many water damage cleanup companies specializing in various aspects of the cleanup. Everything from mold clean up and insurance claim assistance to using specialized equipment to help restore the place. Before delving into the clean-up process, companies must ensure that the water is stopped at the source to prevent further damage to the property and goods.

Clean-up companies make certain that mold surveying is done as mold is the aftermath of any water problem. Since mold can wreak havoc to the body, cleaning it up is vital for maintaining good health. The tools used are specially made to draw water out of items, like using a vacuum to suck up the water. There are special vacuums that can do this and helping to dry up the place. The water damage cleanup company is also capable of helping property owners get much-needed help in restoring their houses after water destruction. What’s more, is, the company can help you, the property owner, to get lucrative.

If your property has been flooded due to a pipe burst and not a flooding act of nature, you should try to find the main water source and turn that off. Turning off the water supply to the property will prevent further flooding and leakage.

Be Careful to Turn the Electricity Off – Water Damage Restorations Tackle Damage Involved

Water damage restorations can be costly, especially after massive water destruction. It can get into the flooring and carpets, the walls, and everywhere since water can seep into all place, even the tiniest of crevices. Water damage repairs include thorough drying up of items and fixtures, draining all the water from the flooded property, water mitigation, and water extraction.

If your property is being flooded, whether it’s a flood due to heavy rain or a burst boiler, one of the critical things to remember is to turn off the electricity supply. Electricity and water are a hazardous combination, and so to prevent possible electrical accidents, fires, and more. It’s important to turn off the main electric supply to the home. Experts advise that you don’t try turning off the main fuse box if it requires wading through water. Instead, call a professional electrician to help, as this would be very dangerous.

Furthermore, a certified electrical company should clarify whether it is safe to use the electrical appliances once everything has been dried off and cleaned. The process is different in different states, so check with your local authorities regarding regional municipal assistance in the event of flooding and electrical work.

Get a French Drain Installation

A French drain installation can help improve your water use efficiency at home. The term comes from the founder of this drain style, Henry French, a practicing plumber in the 1850s. The drain works by diverting collected water from the soil or ground to the main line.

Unlike other drainages, the French system is aimed at keeping water away from the soil under the property. The pipe is wrapped in a protective covering that is permeable, which helps keep the pipe clear from weeds and debris.

French drain systems are suitable for flood-prone areas, damaged foundations, and flooring issues like “weeping tiles” and maintaining walls under pressure.

Do Repairs Via a Certified Restoration Services Company

A water damage restoration services company can help you restore your goods and work through some insurance navigation so that you can know what is ensured and how much you might need to pay out of pocket. Insurance companies have different regulations and fine print regarding what they cover in the event of a flood, so be certain to identify these pointers.

Window Glass Replacements

Sometimes a flood might not damage your windows. Still, experts advise window glass replacements as a precautionary measure to ensure proper insulation on the property. Water can become trapped in the window frames, which can later result in mold development, which can be a risk to the health of those residing in the property. Vinyl, wood, and aluminum window frames are treated differently and may require other steps to ensure they are secure and weatherproof.

Ensure the Plumbing Is Secure

After a flood, whether the pipe had burst or a leak became something more, or whether it’s a natural occurrence and the weather causes it, there will be a lot of plumbing to be done. Plumbing companies would advise homeowners to check their gutters to ensure that no debris and dirt are blocking the free flow of water. The gutters should also be checked and replaced in case they are damaged.

Furthermore, a home plumbing issue could cause a flood suddenly or gradually with time as the trouble progresses. After any flood, extensive plumbing ensures the property is prepared for other possible water damage. A plumbing company can help install a French drain to your premise and sump pumps. A sump pump can help pump out water, as that will be one of the first steps in the restoration process.

Apply Sealants and Paint Coatings

One of the important factors to consider is restoring the seals and waterproofing of your property. After a flood, these measures would have probably been damaged and would need redoing. Home painters can help you waterproof your home where flooding has previously occurred. Paint helps create a water-resistant surface to prevent mold and other problems with moisture buildup from occurring.

Repair Your Basement After a Flood

Basement foundation repair is critical for the property’s structural integrity. After a flood, the structure takes a beating, and repairs are a critical part of rebuilding it. The basement forms part of weight distribution and helps keep moisture from the ground from coming in. Adequately re-sealing the basement and repairing the foundation is also critical, which a restoration service company can help with.

Repair the Floors

No matter the floor type and material, flooding causes great damage; if not repaired, the damage can be costly. Mold and moisture cause deterioration and bad air, which is bad for any living or working environment. Wooden floors will rot due to the trapped moisture, and it can cause pests and other unwanted critters.

A flooring company can help you get your flooring back in shape by replacing and securing the base for the new floor. After the moisture is completely dried up, the new floors are prepared and installed and then sealed and waterproofed. Sometimes and depending on if the water damage was only designated in one area, the water could be mopped up by yourself, or if the damage is worse and more excessive, then a professional company should come in to get the project completed properly.

Keep Things on Record

If you’re able to record or document the flood damage, then it is good to do so for insurance purposes. All damages must be reported to your insurance and the municipal of the region you reside in. Report any structural damage, too, as this will need to be secured to get your home fully functioning again. A quick check through damages is going to help you a lot with claims and essential concerns for restoration companies to come in and help resolve the process.

Extra Pointers to Bear in Mind with Flood Procedures – Staying Safe

Stock emergency supplies for a few days

Often weather watch will report any possibility of flooding, and a flood watch will occur. This is the ideal time to stock up on emergency supplies like water and food that won’t spoil.

Secure furniture

Emergencies would also require tying down furniture and bringing outdoor furniture inside. This could help minimize damage in a storm. If you’re going to a safe location, try and keep the necessary paperwork close by to reduce the chances of it getting damaged or lost in flood.

Avoid flood-prone areas and avoid driving

Stay away from low-laying areas, as these will flood faster when the rains come. At the same time, once you get home, avoid driving, as this will be extremely dangerous. In case of an evacuation emergency, make sure that you turn off all electrical mains at the fuse box and any gas valves. Don’t forget to pack flashlights and high-visibility clothes.

The Aftermath of the Flood

• Avoid driving in flooded areas – As mentioned in the earlier section, low-lying flooded areas are a high-risk and should be avoided even after the floods.
• Avoid using flood waters – Flood water is not drinkable, and should also be avoided for brushing teeth, bathing and cleaning dishes. Flood water is heavily contaminated because of all the debris and risk of bacteria and illness. Instead, only use bottled water or other safe water supply.
• Only when the authorities suggest it is safe, may other water be used.
• Avoid contaminated food – Any foods and water that may have become contaminated with flood water should be thrown out and avoided at all costs.
• Be careful of carbon monoxide poisoning – Generators, clothing washers, fireplaces, and gas burners all risk carbon monoxide fumes which can be poisoning if too much is inhaled. Keep items emitting carbon monoxide at least 20ft (6m) away from any vents and windows to the property. Avoid these items when you can.

The CDC warns homeowners to be weary of any contaminated items, whether it’s drywall, stuffed toys, insulation material, and anything else of possession. Flood water, being highly contaminated can cause infectious diseases like typhoid fever, hepatitis A, cholera, and others. Homeowners must leave any contaminated goods outside for the insurance to assess and throw whatever won’t be kept in allocated roll-off dumpsters.

Residential roll-off dumpsters are on standby during the cleanup of floods since there may be lots of rubble and materials that have broken down during the flooring. Some people need to rebuild homes in bad cases of flooding and depending on the initial build structure.

Clean Up Tools and Equipment

For the initial clean up, after it’s cleared safe to return to the previously flooded zone is important for safety and wellbeing during the cleaning up process.

• Wear gloves always, as this will reduce the chances of your skin coming into contact with contaminated goods.
• Wear overalls or waterproof coveralls to keep you safe from getting wet while you work.
• Wear a protective mask as you work in the area.
• Use all you can with mops, buckets, squeegees, and vacuum cleaners that handle wet and dry situations.
• If you need to rent specific tools to aid the process, then do. You might not always have the right tools to get the job done, which could slow you down. This is why hiring tools and equipment helps and can speed up the process for your clean up after a flood.

Has your home recently encountered a flood scenario? It’s not an easy situation to get through and some parts of the United States and the world are more prone to flooding than others. Still, it doesn’t matter if the flood occurred naturally or because of faulty plumbing. Damage is done. While the degree of damage might not be the same in every scenario, you can still get the much-needed help to assist you through the process.