Cleaning Water Damage

The clean up after water damage is somewhat of an exact science.   In order to prevent further damage to your home or business, there are a number of steps that must be taken, in a certain order, and preferably done right the first time.

The first word you should think of when cleaning flood damage is “safety”.  Water and flood damage scenarios can be dangerous.  Be sure to shut off all electricity and gas, and don’t forget to wear protective clothing, waterproof boots, rubber gloves, and eye wear when working in and around flood waters.

The second word you should think of is “dry”.  Water damage restoration is only accomplished when everything has been dried out.  The excess water will need to be pumped out of your home, and then doors and windows opened to circulate as much air as possible.  You can also bring in fans, blowers, and dehumidifiers to help remove residual moisture from the air and surrounding surfaces.

Carpets will need to be taken up and cleaned, likewise for the floors; make sure they are not cracked or warped.  Water damaged drywall will typically swell or stain, or possibly both.  Drywall will need to be cut, removed at the stud, and replaced.

Be sure to check out basements and crawlspaces, as water loves to collect there.   The dark and amp nature of these areas make them a perfect breeding ground for mold, which can establish in as little as 48 hours and prove extremely difficult to eradicate.

For best results, contact your local water damage restoration service.