According to the Joint Economic Committee, flooding costs the U.S. up to nearly $500 billion each year.
And when floodwaters invade your home, acting fast can make the difference between saving or losing your property. Effective flood restoration techniques can help you tackle water damage, avoid mold growth, and repair structural issues.
Let’s look into the expert methods used for flood damage repair!
Initial Emergency Flood Cleanup
When floodwaters enter your home, quick action is the most important step to prevent further damage. Once it’s safe to return, you’ll need to address several key issues right away. Acting fast can reduce the long-term damage to your home and belongings.
The first thing you should do when reentering your home after a flood is turn off the electricity and gas if you haven’t already. Floodwaters can create dangerous situations, such as electrical shorts or gas leaks. Make sure it’s safe before touching any appliances or attempting further cleanup.
Once the utilities are shut off, begin by removing any standing water with buckets, mops, or towels.
Floodwater Extraction and Drying Techniques
The first step in floodwater extraction is using pumps to remove large amounts of water. They’re often high-powered and can quickly drain basements and other flooded areas.
Once the bulk of the water is removed, industrial fans and dehumidifiers are used to dry out the remaining moisture. This process can take some time, but it’s necessary to prevent further damage to walls, floors, and personal belongings.
Speed is important here, as moisture trapped in the structure can lead to long-term problems. Professionals will often monitor humidity levels throughout the process to ensure the drying is effective.
Flood Restoration: Post-Flood Treatment and Sanitization
Once the floodwater has been removed and the drying process is underway, post-flood treatment is the next important step. It involves thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing the affected areas to prevent bacteria, mold, and other harmful contaminants.
Floodwater often brings in dirt, debris, and harmful substances, making proper sanitization a must. Professionals typically use specialized cleaning agents to disinfect surfaces.
Repairing Flood Damage
After the floodwater has been removed and the area has been sanitized, the final step is repairing the damage caused by the flood. It often includes fixing structural issues, replacing damaged walls or flooring, and repairing any electrical systems that may have been compromised.
Professionals typically start by inspecting the building’s structure to identify any areas that have weakened or deteriorated. Drywall and insulation may need to be replaced if they were soaked through.
Floors, especially those made of wood, can also warp or crack due to water damage and will likely need to be repaired or replaced. Electrical wiring should also be carefully examined to prevent future hazards.
Water Damage Restoration
Flood restoration is a critical process to save your home after water damage. From emergency cleanup to repairs, acting quickly can make all the difference.
At Steam Wave Carpet, we proudly serve customers in the Dallas area with all their carpet cleaning and water restoration needs. We’ve been in the business for a decade, and our truck-mounted equipment is state-of-the-art.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help with your restoration needs!