How to Fix Flood Damage in Your Home
If you are in the process of repairing flood damage in your home, here are some tips: First, prepare your home for the flood. Take note of the following: remove water as quickly as possible, dry out the affected areas, and document the damage. These tips will help you save time and money on repairs.
Prepare for a flood.
If you reside in a region prone to flooding, take precautions to avoid flood damage Brunswick. Check local building codes and seal basement walls with waterproof compounds. Stock up on canned goods and first aid supplies.
In addition to your insurance policy, you should be familiar with the warning signs of a flood so that you can act quickly.
Depending on the area and severity of flooding, floods can occur at any time of the year. For example, coastal regions tend to experience flooding between June and November because of hurricane activity, while midwestern areas tend to experience flooding in the spring and summer because of heavy rains. In addition, ice jams on rivers and streams also cause flooding in these regions. Finally, monsoons can cause flooding in the southwesterly areas in the late summer and fall.
Remove water quickly
Fortunately, there are many methods for removing water quickly from flood damage. You can try buckets or plastic tubs to remove moisture from your home and use a wet-dry vacuum cleaner. After removing the water, it’s essential to let the area dry. If possible, use a dehumidifier to speed up the process.
If your basement has flooded, remove everything affected by the water, including carpets and furniture. Getting rid of the flooring is also a good idea because water damage can quickly cause mold. A shop vacuum can be beneficial for cleaning up water-damaged carpets and low-lying areas. You can also use a squeegee to move standing water toward drains.
Dry out affected areas
During the emergency response and cleanup process, it is imperative to dry out the affected areas of your home as quickly as possible. By doing this, you can stop dangerous germs and microbes from spreading. For example, mold and dust mites thrive in damp structures and furniture. Allergies and respiratory problems may result from this. In addition, flood water is frequently polluted with home cleaners and gasoline, which needs to be cleaned before re-entry.
Replace damaged materials
Floods can cause extensive damage to your home. While you can repair some materials, others need to be replaced entirely. The amount you spend to clean up flood damage will depend on the materials in your home, their condition, and how long they’ve been exposed to water. For example, some materials are water-resistant, such as vinyl and linoleum flooring. Other materials, like subfloors, will need to be replaced entirely.
Books are some of the most delicate items you can salvage from flood damage. Paper is weak when it becomes damp, and books are no exception. Wet objects can grow mold in as little as 72 hours. The best way to prevent this problem is to thoroughly clean and dry the affected areas before tackling repairs. A mold inspection will help ensure that no mold is missed.
