If your home has experienced flooding, you know how stressful it can be. Water damage cleanup professionals understand that the damage is a time-sensitive matter and must act quickly to prevent further problems. Water damage cleanup must start immediately, as wet materials can develop health risks after 24 hours. Learn how water damage restoration professionals can help you recover from flood damage. We have compiled some of the essential tips for water damage restoration. Here are a few of them:
Costs of water damage cleanup
If you’re looking to hire a water damage repair company, you need to know the different factors that affect the cost of the job. These factors include the area of the damage, the plumbing, and the class of water damage. For example, clean water is generally safer to clean and contains minimal bacteria. On the other hand, greywater has contaminants that make it more challenging to clean and may cost more than clean water. For the first four stages of the job, you can expect to pay about $7.75 per square foot.
Water damage is classified based on the source and the severity. Only licensed professionals can classify water damage. Once you’ve determined what kind of water damage you’ve got, you’ll have to determine how much it will cost to clean up. Even if you’re a competent do-it-yourselfer, you should still call in a professional for an assessment. You may also need a professional evaluation if your insurance company requires it.
Steps of water damage restoration
Water damage restoration is a process that involves removing and replacing structural elements damaged by floodwater. During the water damage cleanup process, extra insulation is added where needed to prevent future flooding. This process also involves cleaning up porous building materials, including carpeting, laminate flooring, and drywall. Some materials may require a second cleaning to remove any remaining water. In some cases, extra insulation will need to be replaced, too.
After assessing the damage, water restoration professionals will begin the cleaning process. First, they will use antimicrobial treatments to kill bacteria and prevent mold from growing. The cleaning process can be performed by yourself or with the help of specialized products. Cleaning hardwood flooring, for example, may be simple enough with standard household cleaning supplies. In contrast, vinyl flooring will require technical cleaning solutions. After cleaning the flooring, the next step is to apply ozone or disinfectants to the area.
Health hazards of water damage
There are several potential health hazards associated with water damage cleanup. Water can attract various kinds of pests, including rats. Rats love moist environments, and if there’s any standing water in your home, they may move in. Moths and earwigs may also make their homes inside your home. Water-damaged carpets and insulation will likely smell bad, and some stains on floors and walls will be permanent. These stains are unsightly and can reduce the value of your home.
In addition to causing structural damage, water damage can cause various health risks. Untreated water damage will result in mold, fungus, and bacteria growth. These can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, headaches, and other conditions. Those with allergies and asthma should seek immediate medical attention after experiencing water damage. Moreover, untreated water damage can cause several odors and fungus growth. All these odors and fungi can harm your health, so you must find a professional company to take care of the cleanup process.
Equipment used by water damage restoration professionals
Water damage restoration professionals use several pieces of equipment to help restore a home after a flood. Large dehumidifiers pull moisture from the air, removing it with filters. Desiccant dehumidifiers use silica gel beads to absorb excess humidity, keeping homes dry and mold-free. Vacuum cleaners also collect liquid water, transporting it through a hose and removing it from the area.
B-Air is an example of water damage restoration equipment. Its RA 650 HEPA air scrubber offers an attractive blend of power and HEPA filtration while efficiently transporting to the job site. The water damage restoration industry has classified each type of water damage based on its severity, making it easier to assess the scope of a remediation project. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) also provides guidelines for the industry. The S500 Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Water Damage Restoration address these regulations.
Mold prevention measures after water damage cleanup
After a flood, the first thing you should do is take mold prevention measures. While mold doesn’t necessarily develop due to a flood, wet conditions can foster mold growth. If you don’t take action immediately, mold growth may be exacerbated and cause more damage to your property. To prevent mold, take action immediately and dry out the water-damaged area to reduce the risk of further injury.
Mold can take many forms and colors and usually grows in damp areas. It typically appears as tiny black or white spots. Often, you will smell a strong, musty odor when it starts to grow. It also grows in areas with high humidity and high moisture levels. Luckily, there are many steps you can take to minimize your risk of mold. Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to protecting your home from further damage.