Water Damage And Your Home
The most obvious causes of water damage, are those that cannot be avoided, like hurricanes or floods. Water damage can also occur due to an extinguished fire, leaking pipes, malfunctioning washing machines and heaters, as well as leaks in your roofing and siding.
The Parts Of Your Property That Are Likely To Be Damaged:
Water damage can occur in every area of your home and property, but there are certain areas that, if damaged, are more troublesome and should be watched closely. Check the plumbing pipes and connections in your home’s bathrooms and kitchen, as well as any pipelines in your basement or for standing water and leaks.
Hidden Signs of Water Damage:
- peeling paint and wallpaper
- a musty smell
- patches of mold moisture and condensation
- moisture in your carpet
Water Damage And Mold:
Water damage has the potential to cause the growth of mildew and mold. Mold thrives in moist, warm environments, so any wet places is perfect for it to grow.
Preparing For A Storm:
The most important thing you can do is to cut-off the power supply (electrical supply) to your home, as an excess of water and electricity is a deadly combination.
Tools That Can Detect And Handle Water Damage:
- moisture detectors - to detect mold growth and poor air quality.
- Leak detectors - find hidden water leaks in walls and crawl spaces
- dehumidifiers and water extractors - help take moisture out of your home
Take Action When You Notice Water Damage!
- Call your insurance company to inform them of the damage.
- Determine whether the your home is safe to stay in, or enter.
- If your home is badly damaged, make arrangements to stay elsewhere.
- CALL A PROFESSIONAL!
Steps You Can Take to Minimize The Damage:
If your home is safe, and before the professionals arrive…
- Turn off all the power and gas supply.
- Cover the damaged areas: doors windows, walls, roof with plastic sheeting to protect you from the elements.
Ways To Help Speed Up The Repair Of Your Home:
Remove standing water
- sweep it outdoors
- soak up the remaining water in the carpet with a wet-vac
Make notes of your property’s damage and relay the information to your restoration professional…
- Check your roofing structure for any missing shingles, or chimney and flashing problems.
- Check the siding for lost boards
- Check for any water intrusion through the windows and doors
The Water Removal Process By Professionals:
- The water is removed from your property.
- A dehumidification process begins to dry the wet areas.
- Evaporation occurs.
- The air is tested to ensure that all water and moisture is gone from your property.
Hiring a Professional Restoration Company:
Hiring a professional restoration company is important to ensure proper care for your home and property. Your insurance carrier should specify a list of restoration companies, while some might allow you to choose a company from your own research.
Professional restoration companies should show you..
- a list of industry organizations that they belong to
- any certifications they have
- examples of their past work
- the exact procedure they plan to take to remove the water
