It doesn’t matter if the flooding in your home was due to a broken pipe, heavy rains, or groundwater. Household flooding is never a pleasant experience. Water damage can cause several problems, and taking care of the issue fast and early is the best way to mitigate the costs of repair. For example, mold can be a great issue after a flooding incident. Calling in professionals who specialize in mold remediation in Denver, Colorado can help you prevent the problem from turning into an even bigger issue.
Do you need help after a flooding incident, or do you know someone who’s under the same dilemma? Here are five of the best practices to keep in mind when repairing a flooded home:
Keep your family safe
There are times when flooding can cause families to evacuate their homes. Before returning to your home, make sure that it is secure. Wear boots and rubber gloves before entering your home. If the cause of the flooding is due to a burst pipe or broken sump pump, that is the first thing you need to take care of to stop the flooding. Keep a handy flashlight and turn off the power source. Watch out for any signs of damage, such as a cracked foundation, warping, and structural damage. Take pictures for documentation purposes.
Don’t forget to call your insurance company
Your insurance company will help you cover the expenses, depending on the type of policy you have. Call your insurance agent as soon as your home is safe and tell them about your situation. They can send in an adjuster who will be responsible for assessing the damage caused by the flooding. They will also let you know if your insurance can cover the loss or damage.
Dry up the place
Now is the time to dry it up as your home is still probably wet. Use your air conditioning to help dry up the area. If you have portable fans, you can also use them. Dehumidifiers are also an excellent tool in helping dry out your home, especially basements and other closed-off areas.
Start with the post-flood care
You can choose to clean up your home yourself or hire a professional cleanup crew to do it for you. It will be best to throw any food that came in contact with flooded water. Check which items are no longer safe to use, and throw those that you can no longer repair.
Dry up furniture you can still use and disinfect everything. Cleanup may involve removing insulation, flooring, and drywall as mold can start spreading within the first 24 to 48 hours of flooding. Calling a mold remediation expert is always a good idea as it can help make sure your home safe against mold.
Go for the repairs
After the cleanup, it’s not time to start repairing the damage. You might need to repair the flooring or replace broken windows. After knowing what loss or damage your insurance can cover, you can hire a contractor as required. Have professionals check your electronics before plugging them into a power source.
To prevent costly repairs, deal with the flooding problem as soon as possible. If, unfortunately, you had a flooding incident in your home, you now know what to do to mitigate the costs and consequences.
