Water Damage

Water DamageWater is a powerful element and it can cause considerable damage to your home. It can weaken structures, cause mold and mildew to grow and it can completely destroy certain elements of your home. While water damage can be devastating in some instances, there are steps that you can take to reverse the damage. Some of these will be DIY steps while others will require a contractor but familiarizing yourself with what needs to be done will ensure you are prepared. Read on to find out what to do if water damage happens in your home.

Know the Different Types of Water

There are three different types of water that can damage your home. The first type is clean water that comes from rain, condensation, leaky pipes and more. If this type of water has done minimal damage in your home, you may be able to clean it up yourself.

Gray water is slightly dirty water that comes from toilets, dishwasher and other appliances. This type of water may have some contaminants, but you may be able to clean it yourself if you have the right safety gear.

Black water is water that comes from nearby bodies of water and sewage. This type of water will have serious contaminants and you will need to call an expert in if it is present in your home.

Inspect for Mold and Mildew

If water damage has occurred, mold and mildew may be present. If damage is minimal, you may be able to cut out the material and discard it. If the damage is more extensive, you should leave the premises and call an expert in as soon as possible.

Dry Out the Area

Drying out the area will keep the moisture, and damage from spreading. In most cases, a fan will do the trick but if damage is more extensive, you may need a dehumidifier.

Focus on Ceilings First

When ceilings are water damaged, they are at risk of collapsing. It is important to start by focusing on them first to reduce the risk of hazard. Removing ceiling panels and boards may also enable you to find the source of the water damage if it has not yet been determined.

Work on the Floors

Wet carpets and swollen floorboards will be definite signs water damage has occurred. But if you’re not sure, it’s a good idea if check if moisture is trapped underneath. You may have to remove the flooring to check for damage, but this will be a good opportunity to replace your flooring with sealed, waterproof floors.

Replace Drywall

If walls are extensively damaged, you may have to replace the entire sheet of drywall. In other cases, you can cut out the water damaged spot and repair that portion of the wall.

Inspect and Replace External Damage

Water can damage the outside of your house as well. Inspect your siding to see if damage has been done. If this is the case, you will need to remove or replace the siding before rot sets in.

Caulk and Paint

Once all materials are replaced, you can start anew with a fresh coat of paint or stain. Be careful to seal and caulk the new material to prevent water damage from occurring in the future. Repairing water damage is a huge job but the right contractor can help you get your home back to new. We wish you luck keeping your home safe and sound.

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1 Comment
  1. Thanks for helping me understand what should I do if ever there’s extensive water damage within my home. What you said about how I should look out for mold and mildew scared me. I believe they pose health risks that might cause unwanted diseases. I’ll share this with my wife so that we’ll be prepared if ever a flood could happen. I wonder if there’s a professional that can help us when this happens though?

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