Floods are some of the most dreaded occurrences by homeowners. Depending on the intensity, flash floods can especially cause millions worth of damage in just a few hours if not minutes. Not forgetting the force of water, a lot of the damage is caused by the boulder and debris often carried by floodwater. The worst part is that even after the flood is over, the accumulated water can continue to cause damage to your property and personal belongings.
Pay attention to the water level in the apartment or house, there is a possibility that the water is in contact with the electrical installations in the apartment (extension cables, thieves, various wires, etc.).
If you experienced a ravaging flood recently, it helps to be strong; pick up the pieces, and move forward. There’s no use in making a big fuss about it, just calm yourself down and handle it like an adult. There is no damage that can’t be reversed. It always helps if you have help!
The severity of the flood may be influenced by the location first; where is the flood? It might have caused damage to your home, which may range from minor to severe. If you are sure that it is safe to enter the flooded part of the apartment, immediately determine the location of the place where the water spilled. As soon as you have located it (bathroom or kitchen), try to block the further progress of the water with a blanket or something similar.
Now that you have slowed down the flow of water, start collecting water in the same way described above. It is desirable that someone helps you with that, do not hesitate to call your neighbors for help. While you are collecting water from the rest of the apartment, the other person can collect water at the point of spillage and thus further slow down the flow of water.
All of the above are primitive ways to help yourself, but effective as well. It is important not to panic, to cope with the chaos that occurs when a flood of an apartment or house occurs.
Here are some tips on how to fix water damage in your home after a flood.
1. Contact Your Insurer
Of course, floods can be dangerous, and you probably took cover to protect your safety in case the flood occurred while you were at home. If you have an active home insurance policy, one of the first things to do after a flood is to call your insurance carrier. Notify the insurance company of the situation and the extent of damages from your standpoint. The company will offer you a course of action or the go-ahead to start the cleanup. By making them aware of the situation, you will erase misunderstandings and doubts in the claim. If you live in a rented property, it is important to notify the landlord. This is because they may have a plan or are willing to offer some assistance.
2. Remove Standing Water
This is not an easy process but it must be done. This is because if the water is allowed to stay for more than a day, it leads to the growth of mold and other organisms. Also, the longer the water is left, the more damages the home suffers. Even if no water is visible, a lot of moisture will be left in your home, which only means one thing. You will have mold problems in a short while. To prevent the many health risks associated with mold, consider seeking professional mold remediation from a reputed provider. They are highly trained and experienced to detect and identify places where mold has or is most likely to grow. They can also help you prevent it in the first place by professionally getting rid of moisture and treating your property appropriately.
This operation does not entail getting rid of water on the floors only. You should also take furniture and mats outdoors to dry. If these items cannot get dry within 48 hours, they should be discarded. This is because when damp or semi-dry, they can easily attract mildew. While doing the cleanup process, it is important to wear the appropriate personal protective clothing to avoid health issues.
3. Open and Remove Drywall
Do not assume your walls are fine just by doing an eye assessment. The overwhelming events can affect your rational judgment, so you’ll want to be keen. Therefore, ensure you open up the walls and floorboards if they are made of wood. Because they can easily retain moisture, you may need to remove drywall up to the point slightly above where the flood water reached. Also, if your home has un-insulated walls, you should cut holes to drain the water faster. To make the process quick, you can use dehumidifiers. However, since these areas take longer to dry, they should be left open. Air should circulate around your home as much as possible. Finally, the pieces that cannot be salvaged should be replaced with options that can withstand water damages.
4. Map and Disinfect
This is to all the affected areas of the home. It is necessary to double-check the floorboards and walls. However, to simplify the process; you can hire an expert to map for moisture. This activity protects against the growth and health dangers of toxic black mold, some of which can be silent and invisible. To disinfect, ensure you use the recommended high-quality detergents that make the area mildew-free. While doing so, it is necessary to ensure the home is properly ventilated. Therefore, open the doors, windows, and the fan should be on. This will ensure good air circulation and get rid of odors.
5. Inspect Roof and Windows
Once you are done with the inside, check out the outside. Your windows may not have been strong enough to withstand the floods so consider reinstallation. While at it, ensure they are sealed and caulked for maximum protection against future damages. If the flooding was caused by nature, having your roof inspected is a must. This is to check for possible damages that may lead to leaks later on. After all, if your roof is not in good condition, you are risking everything all over again.
Floods are a common disaster. They vary in intensity but in cases water gains entry into your home, several problems can result. The points can help you fix post-flooding water damage issues in your home.