How Do I Restore My House After Water Damage?
It’s a nightmare scenario: Your basement has flooded, and your home is covered in inches of standing water.
The good news is that with the right tools and the know-how, you can restore your house after water damage. Follow these simple steps to help dry out your home, clean up the mess and prevent further moisture damage.
Action 1: Reduce the Damage
Your house’s drywall, flooring, baseboards, and insulation often absorb small amounts of water. However, standing water destroys these materials. The longer your home stays wet, the more damage it will incur and the harder it is to clean up and restore your house after water damage. Here’s how:
Use a pump or squeegee to remove as much water as possible from each room. Concentrate on removing any puddles in low areas like under appliances and furniture. Also, gather soaked towels and mop up as much moisture as possible to help prevent mold growth (which can begin within 24 hours).
Action 2: Shut off Your Main Water Supply
If you don’t know where your main shut-off valve is, go to Shut Off Your Water. Once you turn off your main water supply, it’s time to assess the damage and call a restoration company like SERVPRO of Tacoma-Pierce County (253.564.7663). A professional can test for hidden moisture and make sure your house is dry before tearing out any wet materials.
Action 3: Dry Out Your Home
You are drying out your home after water damage is essential to preventing mold growth. Remember that standing water doesn’t only cause structural damage; it promotes microbial growth as well. To help prevent further damage, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture from hard surfaces like floors, walls, and countertops. If you don’t have enough fans or dehumidifiers, ask a friend or family member for help.
It’s important to note that fans and dehumidifiers won’t be able to dry out your home on their own completely. You may need to remove wet materials like carpets, furniture, and insulation. If you have any questions about what needs to be removed, contact a restoration company.
Action 4: Clean Up the Mess
Cleaning up your home after water damage can seem daunting, but it’s crucial for preventing mold growth. Remember to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up wet materials. Here are some tips:
Remove all wet items from the affected area and place them in front of a fan for 24 hours.
Wipe off appliances, sinks, and countertops with disinfectant cleaner. Don’t forget to wipe doors and doorframes as well.
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