Water damage is one of the most common and devastating emergencies you can encounter. It can be caused by leaking or busted pipes, blocked sewers, leaking roofs, storms, or flooding.
If your home has water damage, these are the steps you need to take:
Find the Source
Shut off the main source of water and determine where the water is coming out from and causing damage.
Call Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company and inform them about the water damage. It will depend on your insurance policy whether they cover the damage or not. Document the claim number and adjuster as this information is critical for the water damage restoration service to work with insurance. If your insurance covers water damage, they will send an insurance inspector to assess the damage. Don’t forget to document lost valuables and take pictures of the damage.
Call the Restoration Company
Water damage can get worse the longer you ignore it. You need to call a water damage restoration service the minute you suspect something is wrong. They have the equipment to control and reverse water damage and return your property to pristine condition.
Remove Valuables
Make sure to turn off the main electricity, unplug all appliances, and collect and secure all of your valuable belongings. You might need to stay elsewhere until the issue is resolved. because living in a home with water damage is unsafe.
Inspect the Property
The water damage restoration company will send a home inspector to inspect the water damage to your property. Your house may appear fine after you mop up the water, but the signs of water damage are usually hidden in the walls and basement. So, it’s important to have an expert inspect your property.
Clean the Property
You need to mop up the water to prevent further water damage. It would be best to call a cleaning company as they have the resources and protective gear to properly clean water-damaged property. If you’re cleaning out the property on your own, make sure to remove flooring, drywall, and insulation to prevent mold and mildew from spreading. Water can quickly damage furniture and hardwood flooring, so you need to clean up the water in under 48 hours.
Dry Out the House and Remove Humidity
Even after cleaning up the water, your house will be damp, which attracts mold. If the electricity is back on, use fans, central air conditioning, and dehumidifiers to dry out the dampness from the house. Avoid rushing back into the place and give a minimum of 4 days for moisture to dry out. You can also contact a water damage restoration service to speed up the process.
Check for Mold
Mold grows in houses very quickly. It starts spreading after 24 hours of water exposure, so you need to be vigilant in checking for moldy surfaces.
Moreover, if the mold spreads, it can be tricky to get rid of, and you might even have to remove entire walls to fix the affected area. It’s better to be proactive and check for mold signs. If you don’t know the first signs of mold, use a mold remediation service to check the property.
Call Us Today
It’s best to get an inspection as soon as you suspect water damage. Being proactive will save your property from permanent damage and Haven Cleaning and Restoration is here to help. Call us at 1-844-944-0369 or contact us on our website to book your home inspection today.
The post Here’s What You Need to Do If Your Home Has Water Damage first appeared on Haven Cleaning & Restoration.