When house catastrophes like flash floods or roof leaks occur, it can be harsh. But that’s why this flood damage cleaning guide explains everything, from what to do after a flood to critical cleanup methods.
You must act quickly if your home has flooded or standing water. Mould and mildew can form within 24 to 48 hours of water contact, according to Reztor Restoration experts. If you require help, contact a local water cleanup firm.
Whether you have a leaking pipe or a flooded basement, the first step is to find the cause and stop any further water from escaping. Mould growth and damage to floors, walls, and electrics can occur shortly after a leak or flood. Contact a water cleanup expert near you for a free estimate and repair.
When should the cleaning begin?
Cleaning should begin as soon as it is safe to return to the building. You must clean up your property promptly. In floodwaters, microorganisms, raw sewage, dead animals, and other rubbish can all be found. Removing garbage and damaged items from your home is critical.
Air quality might occur if materials are properly cleaned or removed on time. Mould can pollute indoor air, causing lung issues and allergies. They can cause lasting damage to building materials even after the flood waters have receded.
What steps may homeowners take to avoid problems?
Remove the water:
Pump, sweep, or drain the building’s water. Remove any tree branches, trash, and sludge. It’s important to eliminate furniture, carpets, and other home objects. Microorganisms contaminate indoor air. Prevent leaks by patching roofs and repairing windows.
Dry out your property completely:
Dry the building thoroughly within 24 to 48 hours after water enters the structure if it’s safe to use electricity and fans. Increase airflow and ventilation by opening windows. Use dehumidifiers with windows and doors closed.
Removing pieces of the walls, ceilings, and flooring may be necessary to dry out the house properly. Wallboard, fibreglass, insulation, and wall-to-wall carpeting that have just been drenched in clean rainwater may be salvageable if properly and completely drained. If the drying process does not commence within 48 hours, consider removing and replacing those materials to avoid future indoor air quality issues.
Continue drying for several days or weeks or until the materials are completely drier (not simply comfortable to the touch) and humidity levels return to normal (35-55%). Microorganisms thrive in humid areas, so monitor humidity levels. If the house is clean and properly ventilated, there should be no musty odour.
Make sure everything is clean:
Thoroughly clean and disinfect the walls, floors, studs, closets, shelves, contents, and every flooded area of your home. Use bleach, mildew removers, and disinfectants based on quaternary, phenolic, or pine oil.
Read the label on each cleaner and follow the safety requirements, such as wearing gloves and eye protection, allowing adequate ventilation, and avoiding combining different household cleaning chemicals. When some materials, such as bleach and ammonia, are mixed, hazardous vapours are produced, which can cause harm and even death. Because household cleaning products might be abrasive, use caution when cleaning items.
Things that can’t be dried and cleaned should be thrown away:
Water-damaged household goods can be tough to discard, especially if they have sentimental value. Keeping certain objects that have been soaked in water, on the other hand, may be damaging to your health because they are a source of microbial development. Wet materials that cannot be fully cleaned and dried should be discarded.
If your heating and cooling system has been exposed to water, replace the fiberboard, fibrous insulation, and disposable filters. If the heating and cooling ducts come into contact with water, they will also need to be cleaned.
When Does Water Damage Happen?
Water is necessary for life, but not for the various materials in your home. In other words, you don’t need a lot of water to cause harm, although this heavily depends on the affected areas. Pooled water left to rest for a day or two can damage hardwood floors, for example. It results in buckling boards and other repair concerns. The drywall fared slightly better because there are techniques to dry it out, but replacement is required if the components retain more than 1% moisture. Mould grows within 24 hours of moisture being put into the air, even with minor water damage.
Hiring a Professional for Water Damage
Once you’ve determined that it’s safe to return home, the sooner any cleansing and water damage restoration can begin, the better. Contact a water damage restoration professional within 24 to 48 hours to reduce the spread of mould and the risk of catastrophic structural damage.
It is common for water damage to hide behind walls and under floorboards, so the magnitude of the problem is typically more than it appears. In other words, it’s essential to use a reliable restoration company. They will estimate the extent of the water damage and the work required to make your home habitable again. Water damage restoration requires a significant amount of labour, such as drying and replacing flooring, drywall, and insulation.
Furthermore, only some of your water-damaged possessions are salvageable, and professionals such as Reztor Restoration will also examine this damage. Depending on the level of water damage, expect to spend a few days to a few weeks drying out the home and making the necessary repairs. Give us a call at 1800 739 867!
