The most important aspect of flood damage clean up is time. Water damage can quickly spread to more permanent problems, including black mold, that can be very severe to both the foundation of your home and the safety of residing in your home,
For this reason, flood damage clean up is best left to a certified flood damage clean up technician with the right training to successfully complete a flood damage clean up in a timely and efficient manner.
There are different methods that are used for different aspects of the flood damage clean up process.
Naturally, the first step taken is to quickly remove all excess water. After removing the water, it is advisable to disinfect anything that may have come in contact with the water. Begin the cleaning process immediately once all water has been removed from the home.
Protect your entire body from coming into contact with the water or chemicals. You’ll need full clothing, a face mask, rubber gloves and boots.
If the flood has occurred in a basement constructed of brick or concrete, inspect the mortar as the water damage may have weakened the foundation. (Again, it is advisable to have a professional check the foundation of your home for any potential damage.)
Remove any carpeting or padding from the floors. You will need to replace any floor covering that has been affected by a flood.
Any walls, especially walls made of sheet rock, will also need to be cut down and removed. Flood damage clean up involves the removal and replacement of anything that has or may has come in contact with the excess water.
Even though the excess water has (probably) not come in contact with the ceilings, these too must be checked for potential damage. If you press upwards on the ceiling and nail heads appear on the surface, there is damage to your ceiling and this too should be replaced.
Any cabinets, cupboards, or doors should be monitored for swelling or shrinking.
All duct work in your home should be flushed out and thoroughly disinfected. This is a very important part of flood damage clean up because any bacteria remaining in a duct work can spread illnesses into your house. Cleaning of a duct work system should be performed by experienced flood damage clean up professionals.
When water collects in gas lines, the pilot light can work improperly and gas can escape through faulty components. Your appliances should be checked to see if they are working properly, and the entire gas system should be fully inspected by a professional flood damage clean up technician.
Also, your entire electrical system should be fully inspected, especially if the water rose above any wall outlets. Safety precautions should be taken when inspecting for any electrical damage that may have been caused by a flood. Again, your safest option is to let a professional check for damage.
(A flood damage clean up professional has completed certified training to check for all of the potential damages caused by flooding. You won’t need to call an HVAC technician, and an electrician, and a foundation / construction worker, and an appliance repairman. The only technician you need will be a flood damage clean up professional.)
Use extreme precaution and safety measures when performing a flood damage clean up. If you have a flood related to a natural water source, such as a river, there may be dangerous creatures such as snakes that have made their way into your home. Again, you won’t need a pest control service if you use a flood damage control technician.
