Water Damage Restoration - Before, During And After Tips

A free article on Home and Family

By: Wendi Watson

Water damage restoration is a daunting task especially if you are unaware of its procedure. The whole process for water damage restoration requires not just a keen and snappy eye but also a cautious mindset which will keep you safe throughout the whole process. Below are a few things to keep in mind before, during and after the water damage restoration process.

Before proceeding to water damage restoration:
1. Switch off all electricity sources. Setting your foot in water and electricity can be very risky. The main switch should be turned off all the time.
2. Be ready with your tools. Aside from your household cleaning products, keep your paddles, portable dehumidifiers, dust pans, steel brushes and cameras at your reach. You will need your cameras in taking pictures of damaged properties. This will facilitate a convenient filing of your insurance claim.
3. Asking for help is necessary. You cannot do this on your own. Water damage restoration is a detailed and laborious process. Asking help from professional conservator and electrician will definitely make the whole process safe and effective.

During water damage restoration
1. Use protection gears for your eyes and hands. Wearing a respirator will ensure added safety as well. Bear in mind to always wash your hands with a good disinfectant soap after the cleanup especially before preparing food or eating.
2. Take pictures of all damaged properties. If taking videos would be possible, do so. This documentation will make your negotiation with your adjuster easier and faster.
3. Do temporary repairs when necessary to keep water from entering your home.
4. Keep your attic dry. Wet insulation should be properly attended to as soon as possible. Heavy insulation in the attic can cause your ceilings to crack.
5. Keep windows and doors open as often as possible. A newly flooded home is the perfect environment for mold and mildew. Mold contamination is made possible because of excessive moisture. Allowing air to circulate properly inside your home will definitely lessen the risks for mold accumulation.
6. A newly flooded home is prone to rusting as well. Keep your rust removers ready. Upon detection of rust spots, apply your trusted rust remover then scrub off until the spots are visibly gone.
7. Evaluate the damage done on your stuffed furniture like couches, pillows and beddings. As mentioned above, these materials are prone to mold and mildew. If the damage is severe, you might need to consider giving up these items for good. Otherwise, allow them to dry out right away, vacuum off excessive water then disinfect.
8. Take out all photographs and paper documents out of the remaining flood water. Rinse immediately using clear running water. You can also use blotting paper to absorb excess water. Air dry to finish off. Just bear in mind: photographs should never be dried out under the direct heat of the sun as this can cause your pictures to quickly curl up

After the water damage restoration
1. Throw everything which needs to be thrown. Damp couches and other damaged appliances need to be thrown away right after the cleanup. Keeping these items inside your home will bring in further health hazards.
2. Be cautious. Be careful about news in expected downpour or storms. If you have a flood-prone home, make sure that you keep all your properties safe before the rain starts to pour the water starts to rise up again.