For some parts of the country, particularly coastal regions, flooding is a constant worry and something that you always need to be prepared for. Scientists estimate that the number of days of flooding a year could be between 7 and 15 by 2030, and that doesn't even take into account non-coastal regions that are affected by wild weather patterns and river systems. The problem is that many people underestimate flooding damage because they assume that all it takes is a few days for everything to air out and dry off, and life will be back to normal. That is certainly not the case, as being immersed in water for any period of time can cause lasting damage to all areas of your home. Here are a few reasons why you should always call for professional water damage restoration if your home is affected by flooding.
Pumping The Water Out
Letting water evaporate on its own is not an effective way to begin your home restoration process after flooding. Water will seep into the wooden wall frames and foundations of your home and begin to weaken and damage the porous nature of these materials. It can get under concrete slabs and cause holes that put a lot of stress on these structures to the point where they crack and fall. It can even start making your steel construction elements start to rust quite quickly. Professional water damage restorers have extremely quick-working pumps that will empty out every last ounce of water that is remaining in your home before they begin drying everything as best they can with special equipment specifically designed for this. You won't have to go over every square inch with a hairdryer to dry it out; they will have it done in no time and then the next stage of the process can begin.
Doing Anti-Bacteria Treatments
Water, especially floodwater that comes into contact with so many different types of materials and germs, is a breeding ground for bacteria. As soon as floodwater gets into your home, you should consider it a contaminated area that needs to be thoroughly and precisely cleaned with special anti-bacterial chemicals. These chemicals are not your average kitchen dishwashing soap but rather specially made so that they do not have a lasting smell or impact on the materials they are applied to. They will still do a very good job at removing any and all bacteria that are looking to latch onto your house, which will prevent you from getting sick and stop the growth of mold and mildew. The sooner you get these treatments applied, the better chance you have at preventing bacteria from gaining a foothold.
Removing Damaged Belongings
Sometimes, flooding damage will be too much, and some items in your home may need to be condemned. No one is fully prepared for flooding to happen, and it is common to lose quite a few pieces of furniture, electronics, and other common household goods to water damage. However, some people will waste a lot of time trying to save these items that are too far gone to save, while ignoring other parts of their house that need immediate attention. Professional water damage restoration is all about recognizing when a problem cannot be fixed and maximizing those first few hours saving the most important materials and parts of your house. That is why it is so important to have an expert eye on-site as soon as the flooding has subsided. Don't let the emotions of the day rule your decision-making process; take that burden away and give it to someone who knows what they are doing and has experience in this area.
Contact a company like 1-800 BusyDog Basement Technologies to learn more.
Share17 June 2021
When my home was flooded last year, I was nearly in tears after surveying the damage. The carpets were soaked, the furniture was filthy and the house had a terrible odor. I didn't know how I was ever going to clean up the mess good enough so my home would be livable again. After speaking with my neighbor, whose home was also flooded, I found out about damage contractors. My name is Arlene Bell and I am here to sing the praises of the restoration crew that cleaned up my home. They worked tirelessly for days until every drop of water was gone. My home looks terrific and there are no signs that it was ever flooded. Read my blog to learn what you should and shouldn't do if you ever have emergency damage to your home.