Want to restore your home from flood water damage as quickly as possible?
Every year thousands of homeowners have to deal with the nightmare that is flooding. The effects are catastrophic, not just for your sanity but for your home itself. And if that wasn’t bad enough…
Time is of the essence.
Mold can begin growing in as little as 24 to 48 hours after water exposure according to the EPA. That is, if it is left undisturbed. It’s not a window of time many people can work with. But it has to be if things are going to get back to normal as soon as possible.
Here’s the good news:
Restoring your home from flood water damage doesn’t have to destroy your home (or your finances).
Inside this definitive guide you will discover:
- Why most people underestimate the effects of flood damage
- The all-important first 48 hours
- Why professional water damage restoration is always best
- The complete flood damage recovery process
- How to prevent flood damage from happening again
Understanding The True Impact Of Flood Damage
Flood water damage is not something to take lightly.
Water damage, especially when caused by flooding, is one of the worst things that can happen to your home.
Here’s the reason why:
It’s not just the top layer of surfaces that flood water damages. Water seeps its way into the walls, flooring, insulation, and any other porous materials your home may have. The longer the water sits in one place, the more the damage multiplies.
The worse thing is that one inch of water in an average size home can lead to up to $25,000 worth of damage. As every hour passes, this number starts to increase at a very fast rate. If homeowners start to face significant flood water damage, working with this Lancaster water damage specialist will do wonders for minimizing loss and restoring their home properly.
But there is more to the issue than just financial losses…
Flood waters are dangerous and they carry health risks with them. Flood waters often contain bacteria, sewage, and other contaminants. When this type of water seeps into your home, it can create serious health risks to you and your family.
The Critical First 48 Hours
Time is of the essence when it comes to flood water damage restoration.
The first 48 hours is the most crucial part. If a home owner takes too long to start on the recovery process, a bad situation can easily become a catastrophic one.
During the first 24 hours:
- Water penetrates deep into porous materials
- Mold spores are on the hunt for a place to call home
- Furniture and personal belongings soak up the contaminated water
- Electrical systems become at risk of corrosion
Between the 24th and the 48th hour:
- Mold colonies are beginning to form
- Wood starts warping and swelling
- Drywall loses integrity
- Odours are becoming more permanent
Restoration costs increase exponentially with each day that a home owner delays. Professional restoration teams are aware of this timeline and that is the main reason why they prioritize rapid responses.
Professional Restoration Vs DIY Cleanup
Homeowners often have the question: “Can I handle this cleanup on my own?”
In cases where the water has not penetrated very deep or far, maybe that is an option. However, in the case of more extreme flood water damage, professional assistance is always the way to go.
And there is a reason why:
Professional water damage restoration companies have industrial-grade equipment that most homeowners simply do not have access to. Commercial dehumidifiers, water extractors, and moisture meters make all the difference when it comes to how well the job is done.
Water will travel. It flows behind walls, underneath flooring and in other places that might seem to be completely dry. Without the proper equipment to detect this, the moisture will stay trapped inside the home.
Water damage professionals also know how to properly handle contaminated water. Flood waters are often considered “Category 3” water. Water of this category contains harmful bacteria that can put the safety of those working on the cleanup at risk.
Step By Step Recovery Process
Recovering from flood water damage is a process. There is a certain order that has to be followed. If a home owner skips steps, or does things out of order, they are more likely to have issues down the road.
Safety Assessment
Before a home owner does anything, the first thing that has to be done is to make sure that the property is safe to enter.
If there is structural damage, gas leaks, or electrical hazards it would be best to wait for the professionals to give the green light.
Water Extraction
If the property is clear, the next thing to do is to get the standing water out as quickly as possible.
Pumps and wet-dry vacs are used to handle the bulk of the job. Every gallon that is removed reduces the drying time and the overall damage.
Drying And Dehumidification
This process takes time.
Long before standing water will be visible on the floors, there is still moisture trapped in walls, floors, and even the air. Industrial air movers and dehumidifiers are set up and run until the moisture readings return to normal levels.
Note: This process can take anywhere from several days to two weeks, depending on how bad the flood water damage is. If this step is rushed, mold issues will certainly be experienced later on.
Cleaning And Sanitizing
Cleaning and sanitizing should be done on every surface and item that was touched by the flood waters.
Salvageable items can be cleaned with antimicrobial solutions. Items that were contaminated and cannot be saved must be disposed of properly.
Restoration And Repairs
The final step in the flood water damage recovery process is the actual rebuilding that needs to take place.
Replacing drywall, flooring, and damaged fixtures are just a few of the ways in which a home can be restored back to its pre-flood condition.
Preventing Future Flood Damage
Once the recovery process is over, it’s time to take precautions.
It is the smart homeowner who takes the necessary steps to prevent future flood damage. Not only can this save a home owner both money and time, it can also save them a lot of headache for the next time a storm hits.
These are some of the things that should be taken into consideration:
- Install sump pumps and add a battery backup
- Waterproof basement walls
- Keep gutters clean and pointed in the right direction
- Grade the landscaping away from the foundation
Wrapping Things Up
Flood water damage restoration is something that has to be dealt with quickly. It also needs to be taken care of by someone who has the speed, expertise and knowledge about the right approach to use.
It is the first 48 hours that matter the most. The quicker action is taken, the less mold growth that will occur.
The home owner should always remember these things:
- Water damage spreads to places that cannot be seen by the naked eye
- Mold growth begins 24 to 48 hours after water exposure
- Industrial equipment is what makes sure that every inch of a place is dried properly
- Flood waters are dangerous and need to be handled by a professional
- Preventative measures will keep future floods at bay
The clock starts ticking the minute a flood has occurred. It does not matter if the flooding is minimal or major, as long as the home owner is educated on how the flood water damage recovery process should go, it is certain that they will make the right decisions.
