Water damage to a home or business is harder to repair nowadays. Unfortunately, floods are a common occurrence. They are common in areas with heavy levels of rain. Water infiltration into home building materials such as wood, steel, and other similar materials is the primary source of water damage, causing them to rot and cause damage.
Depending on the amount of moisture and the damaged area, this method can be slow or fast. For example, residential water damage is mainly caused by the basement sump pump failing, leading to water flooding the basement. Failed water mains or broken pipes can cause significant water damage. Therefore, water damage restoration is based on the type of water problem that has taken place.
Water Damage Cleanup Process
Any property owner should watch for their home’s condition. Water damage can cause mold growth and structural damage, which will cost a lot to fix. Therefore, your number one priority must be to drain the water from the damaged area. Here are some guidelines for how to do water damage cleanup.
1. Identify the resource.
Finding the source of the problem is one of the most important water damage cleaning processes. For example, do you have a roof crack? Is there a leak in the pipe or a problem with the drainage system?
Knowing the source can help in determining the next step. For example, if there is flooding, you don’t have many choices but to drive as much water as possible out. However, it’s also crucial to act immediately and determine the source of the leak. Click here to find the specialists that can help you.
2. Determine the extent of the damage.
You can now check the area affected by the water damage once the leak has been slowed down or quit. Trace the extent of the damage horizontally and vertically to do this.
If it comes from the roof, look for discolorations on the ceiling and adjacent wall and the walls and flooring. Next, check to see if the water has entered into any close-by rooms. Lastly, check to see if the water has settled in any specific places, like the basement. Learn more about water damage restoration here.
3. Circulate air.
Maintaining airflow is another important part of the water damage cleanup process. For example, if you’re in the basement, you’ll need to let air flow to prevent mold and mildew from developing.
If you successfully removed the water, you can use an air blower to immediately dry out the surface. If the damage is in the attic or on a higher level of your house, the air should be directed to the top floor and the ceiling from below. This will make sure that the sub-floor and ceiling are totally dry.
4. Keep humidity levels in check.
Water damage to wood is bad because this material expands when wet. Remove several panels if you have hardwood flooring to make sure that the wood may breathe without being damaged. This will also let the ventilation of the sub-layer, which may otherwise act as a perfect breeding place for molds.
Mold and other fungi develop in humidity levels ranging from 40 to 100°C. Control the humidity levels with a dehumidifier, removing the extra water and making the area much drier. Remember to maintain the percentages balanced because too dry or too wet can harm the room’s structures. To learn more about water and fire damage cleaning services, check this out.
Conclusion
Cleaning up water damage may be a time-consuming and challenging task. However, you may protect your loved ones by starting the cleanup process immediately. After all, the most important part is to protect your family. These water damage cleanup guidelines are just a few of the many options for keeping your property dry immediately after the damage is discovered. Take care of the process if you are capable of doing so. However, if you lack the necessary skills and equipment, look for professional assistance to properly dry the area and prevent future damage.