Water damage can be a nightmare for homeowners, causing thousands of dollars in damages and requiring significant time and effort to clean up. Whether it’s from flooding, burst pipes, or leaky appliances, water damage can happen quickly and without warning. However, being prepared for water damage restoration can help minimize the extent of the damage and make the process smoother. In this article, we’ll discuss how to prepare for water damage restoration in your home.
What Is Water Damage Restoration?
Water damage restoration is the process of restoring a property back to its pre-loss condition after it has been damaged by water.
This can be caused by various factors, including natural disasters like floods and storms, leaking roofs or pipes, overflowing bathtubs or toilets, and faulty appliances such as washing machines or dishwashers. Regardless of the cause, water damage can lead to serious structural damage if not addressed promptly.
The restoration process typically involves several stages that are aimed at assessing the extent of the damage, removing excess water from the premises, drying out affected areas and sanitizing them to prevent mold growth.
The first step in any restoration project is usually an assessment of the property to determine how much water has entered and where it has gone. This allows technicians to create a plan for removing excess water using pumps and other specialized equipment.
The second step is to remove excess water either manually or with the use of dehumidifiers. The third step is to dry out the premises, typically by using air movers and dehumidifiers as well as fans.
Finally, the last step is sanitizing the property to prevent mold growth. This is done by killing mold with a biocide, removing mold and sanitizing the area.
How To Get Ready For Water Damage Restoration
It’s important to have a plan in place and know what steps you need to take before starting the restoration process.
Firstly, assess the extent of water damage and determine its source. This will help you identify what equipment and materials you’ll need for the restoration process.
You may need to rent or purchase dehumidifiers, fans, or even specialized equipment like infrared cameras to detect hidden moisture.
Next, protect yourself during the restoration process by wearing protective gear such as gloves and masks. Water damaged areas can harbor harmful bacteria, mold spores, and other contaminants that pose health risks.
Make sure you have cleaning supplies like disinfectants or bleach solutions handy. This can stop bacteria and mold from growing, which might require mold remediation if it’s severe mold growth.
Then, begin drying out the water damaged area. Use fans to move air across the wet surfaces and help them dry more quickly. If a large amount of moisture is present, you may need to use a dehumidifier or hire an industrial fan drying company.
After that, you can start the restoration process by removing any damaged materials. This step is critical if you want to prevent the growth of mold or mildew. If you’re unable to remove a particular section of material, just cut around it and cover it with plastic until it can be replaced.
Lastly, put all the materials into a garbage bag and label it. Then, you can begin cleaning. Remember to constantly monitor the temperature of your home. If it drops below 60 degrees, you will need to call a professional restoration company to finish your cleanup.
What Should I Keep During Water Damage Restoration?
Once the water has been removed and any necessary repairs have been made, what should you keep during the restoration process?
First and foremost, important documents should always be salvaged during water damage restoration. This includes passports, birth certificates, social security cards, insurance policies and other legal paperwork.
These items are crucial for establishing your identity and protecting your financial interests in the future.
Next up on the list of items to keep during water damage restoration are sentimental objects like family photos or keepsakes passed down through generations. While these may not hold monetary value, they’re irreplaceable in terms of emotional significance.
Lastly, it’s a good idea to keep your insurance policies in a safe place during water damage restoration. This will make it easier for you to take care of the claim after the mess has been cleared up.
What Should I Throw Away During Water Damage Restoration?
While many people may be tempted to hold onto everything in hopes of restoring them, some items are simply not worth the effort. Here are a few things that should be thrown away during water damage restoration.
Firstly, any porous materials such as carpeting or upholstered furniture should be discarded. These materials absorb water easily and cannot be completely dried out after being soaked through. Additionally, mold can quickly grow in these materials if they aren’t promptly removed and properly disposed of.
Secondly, food that has come into contact with contaminated water should also be thrown away immediately. This includes all perishable foods stored in your refrigerator or pantry as well as canned goods with damaged packaging that may have allowed water inside the container.
Lastly, throw away any medications that have been exposed to flood waters. These medications may be ineffective and could even pose a health risk if taken.
Overall, keep these water damage tips in mind to help your restoration project!