If you have ever had a basement flood, we know that water damage is one of the most stressful things that can happen to your home. Fortunately, the steps are relatively easy and you don’t have to be afraid of the aftermath. Here is our step by step guide on what exactly happens during a water damage cleanup process and what you should expect as a result.
Water has to be removed from the property
In order to begin the cleanup process, the water source must be located. Once this is figured out, a thorough inspection of the area should be made to determine which fixtures are clogged and where the water is coming from. After this is done, the water cleanup process can begin.
The property needs to be dried properly
The drying process starts with evaporation and ends with dehumidification and air circulation. The first step would be to open the windows and ventilate the space. Another necessary step is to use fans to push air around and dry out the property quickly.
Mold needs to be removed from the property
This is one of the most important steps in any water damage cleanup. Before you begin dehumidifying, ensure that the mold has been removed from every area where it was found in your property. Otherwise, the mold will begin to grow again and may be more resistant to future removal. This step should also be done with the assistance of a professional as we are sure that you do not want to breathe in mold spores while you sleep.
Drying should be done with utmost care
Until the property has been completely dried, you are likely to get sick from the mold and bacteria found in it. Fortunately, after the property is thoroughly dried, the dehumidifier should keep the area at a comfortable level. You may be recommended to dust the area and add fresh air after every several days to keep up with this humidity.
The property should be cleaned
Since the water damage cleanup process involves water, there is a probability that some of your personal belongings have been damaged. Make sure that you remove the belongings before they are destroyed and cleaned them with the help of a professional. You may also be warned not to use many cleaning products in the area as they may discolor or damage certain surfaces.
The property should be sanitized
While many personal items may have survived the water damage cleanup process, it is possible that your furniture may not have been so lucky. Since furniture is not as easy to replace, you may be recommended to sanitize the property to get rid of the mold and bacteria that may have been living in your mattress.
The property must be dried again
Even after the drying process has been completed, there is a possibility that some water has remained in the home. If this is the case, it should be removed before it starts building up again. This can happen from leaking pipes or from air conditioning units that are turned on when they are not needed.