What to Do in Case of Water Damage Cleanup Issues

1. What to Do in Case of Water Damage Cleanup Issues If you have been hit by a water damage incident and your house has been damaged, then this article will guide you through the restoration process in the aftermath of a flood. If you experience water damage, it’s important to act fast! Water can penetrate walls, floors and furniture. It’s the number one cause of property damage in the United States. The longer you wait before you start cleaning the space, the more damage you’ll eventually see. Whether a crisis has occurred or you’re looking to prevent property damages from ever happening, here are some helpful tips on what to do in case of water damage. Water Damage Cleanup in Greensboro Call the experts You should call a water damage restoration company as soon as possible. This is especially important if the damage was caused by flooding or sewage backup. You don’t want to take any chances with your family’s safety or health! It’s best not to try to handle cleanup yourself, even if the damage seems minimal at first glance. Even small amounts of standing water can cause structural damage and mold growth over time if it isn’t removed properly. The longer you wait, the more damage will be done—and the more expensive it will be to repair! Begin drying After you’ve removed as much water as possible, it’s time to dry the area. There are several ways you can do this: Use a wet/dry vacuum. If there is a significant amount of standing water, use a wet/dry vacuum to remove it. You can rent one at most hardware stores. Use a dehumidifier. This will help pull moisture out of the air and help the area dry faster. Open windows and doors if it is not cold or rainy outside. This will allow for increased circulation of air in the room, which can help speed up drying time.

2. Turn on fans and move them around from room to room if necessary (i.e., if one room is affected but other rooms are not). Again, this helps with circulation of air and will increase drying time. Lay towels down on flooring that has been soaked by water to soak up excess water that may still be pooling on the surface of your floors or walls. Remove water-logged items A good way to start this process is to remove as much water as you can (as quickly as you can), by mopping and blotting. Next, get the area rugs up off the ground and place them in a dry area so they can air out. Remove any of your wet furniture and prop it up on blocks or aluminum foil to prevent additional damage. Leave it there until it’s totally dry. While you’re at it, if you have any paintings or photographs, be sure to move those somewhere safe too! You should also wipe down your furniture with a towel so that it isn’t sitting in water when you’re done cleaning up. Check your basement The first thing you should do is head down to your basement. Your water damage may have a source down there, but if it doesn’t, checking your basement will still be beneficial. Check for leaks and other signs of moisture. Water can cause mold growth, which can lead to structural damage as well as health problems; so if you see any leaks or moisture, make sure to address them immediately. You should also look for any signs of water that could have made its way into your foundation like cracks or damp insulation. This could be an indication that the ground around your home has shifted and caused the foundation to shift with it, leading to possible structural damage in your home’s walls and ceilings How to deal with flooded carpets If your carpeting has been damaged by flooding, it’s essential to remove it as soon as possible. While some people may choose to keep their soggy carpets in place, this can prevent the subfloor from drying out properly, leading to mold growth and a whole new set of problems down the line. Consider taking the following steps: Remove your flooded carpet as soon as you can—ideally within 24 hours of the flooding incident. After removing the carpet, dry out any subflooring material. You can do this by using fans or opening up nearby windows if it’s not too cold outside. This will help air out the area and reduce moisture buildup that could lead to mold growth later on. Use a dehumidifier during this process if necessary (especially if you live in an area with a humid climate).

3. We thank you for reading this article and we hope that it has been helpful to you, whether you have a small or large water damage issue. If you do have a water damage issue, trust the experts at Restoration 1 of Winston/Salem for your water damage cleanup in Greensboro. We will certainly be able to help in any way possible.