Homeowners dread water damage. Regardless of the source – a burst pipe, flooding, or storm damage – the aftermath can be costly and time-consuming to restore.
Take heart if you’ve had water damage in your house; there are a few things you can do right now to get started on the road to recovery.
Here are five tips for restoring your home after water damage.
Notify Insurance Company:
Waiting for adjusters and contractors can take weeks, so getting the ball rolling as soon as possible is essential.
Contact your insurance company. Many policies cover water damage, but the specifics will vary depending on your plan. The insurance company will send an adjuster to assess the damage and determine what needs to be replaced or repaired.
If you have a flood insurance policy, it will likely cover the cost of repairs. If you don’t have flood insurance, you will be responsible for the cost of repairs.
You must also document water damage with photos or video. It will be helpful when submitting a claim to your insurance company.
Start the Cleanup Process:
Once the insurance company has given you the green light, it’s time to start the cleanup process.
If the water source is clean, such as a broken pipe, you can start cleaning up immediately.
If the water comes from an unclean source, such as a sewage line, you will need to wait for the water to be cleaned before starting the cleanup process.
Remove all wet items from home, including carpeting, furniture, and clothing. You will need to dry the wet items as soon as possible to prevent mold and mildew from growing. If possible, set up fans and dehumidifiers to speed up drying.
Drain Standing Water:
Standing water has health and safety risks associated with it. It might be a germination site for germs and insects and a source of structural damage.
You must pump out any standing water as soon as possible. Depending on the extent of the flooding, you may be able to do this yourself using buckets.
If there’s a lot of water, you can rent a water pump from a hardware store or hire a professional for the task. Professional water damage restoration companies have the equipment and expertise to quickly remove water from your home and dry out the area to prevent further damage.
Inspect Structural Damage:
The foundation and load-bearing walls of your home are a crucial part of the structure. If these areas are damaged, it can weaken the entire house and make it unsafe to live in.
Bent and wavy walls, sagging roofs, cracked or broken foundations, and floors no longer level, are all signs of structural damage. If you detect any of these signs, it’s time to call a professional for an examination and repair work.
A structural engineer or a water damage restoration business can assist you in determining the extent of water damage and what needs to be done to repair it.
Conclusion:
Water damage cleanup and restoration isn’t something you should tackle on your own. It’s a job for the professionals. At Leak Pros of Georgia, serving Lawrenceville, we have the experience and expertise to get your home back to its pre-flood condition. Get a free estimate today!
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