Hurricane can bring lots of water into your house and damage the structure along with the contents. The muddy water which is contaminated will damage the wall, flooring, and your furniture. By the next day, the house will have serious mold infestation. However, all these damages done by the flood water does not mean that you have to abandon the house. The following are 3 water damage restoration tips you should know.
1. Remove the Standing Water
The first thing you must do when you enter into a flooded basement is to disconnect all power to prevent electrocution. The next step is to remove big objects like furniture and appliances from the room. There is a higher chance to save your appliances and furniture if you remove them quickly. All rugs, tapestries, and mats should also be removed as they can be saved by sending to the carpet cleaning company.
There are several options to remove the water including using a pump, wet/dry vacuum, and bucket. If it is just puddles on the floor, you can use towels to soak them up. When the standing water is eliminated, you can use fans and dehumidifier to air dry the area. When the basement is flooded, the drywall and the paper backing usually will be soaked and contaminated with dirty water. Drywall made from compressed wood may not be recoverable but those that are made from solid wood can be saved.
2. Remove Mold and Mildew
Once the area is dried, you can look for signs of mold. You may notice a small amount of mildew which you can eliminate by wiping with a cloth dampened with alcohol. Mold growth that is not eliminate properly can lead to regrowth. If you suspect there is a more serious mold growth problem, you can contact a water damage restoration professional to inspect and remove all traces of mold.
You can use a store bought disinfectant cleaner to disinfect the area. Before using, read the directions on the cleaner as different cleaners need to be diluted at different level. You can also make a disinfectant cleaner by combining bleach and water. After disinfecting the furniture, you can apply a product that inhibit mold growth. To reduce mold growth, you can open your windows to let more air in to reduce humidity.
3. Repair Damages in Household Structures
After you take care of the mold problem, you can get a professional to inspect your house for places that need repair. Ceilings that have been water damaged should be given priority as they can collapse at any moment. If the roof has hole, get a roofing contractor to repair it promptly. Hiring a professional is best if there is an extensive water damage. They have high powered equipment that makes it possible to repair the water damage within a short period of time.