Water Damage Cleanup Process

5/1/2020 (Permalink)

When cleaning up water damage, the first step is to remove the water with a specialized vacuum

Water Damage Cleanup Process

Water damage to your Sleepy Hollow, IL, home can lead to mold growth within 24 hours, so it is important to act quickly to prevent further damage. The following steps outline the cleanup process:

1. Contact your insurance company. They are likely to have specific instructions regarding how to document the damage, recommendations for contractors, and other helpful information. Follow any instructions that they give you to avoid having your claim denied.
2. Remove standing water. When cleaning up water damage, the first step is to remove the water. There are pumps and specialized vacuums available for this purpose. If necessary, you can also use buckets to scoop out the water.
3. Dry out remaining water. After the standing water has been removed, there will still be moisture in porous items. You can use fans and dehumidifiers to help dry them out. If the humidity outside is low enough, you can also open windows and doors to increase the airflow. Some items can be taken outside and left in the sunshine to dry.
4. Clean affected areas. Depending on the source, there may be bacteria lurking in the floodwater. Therefore, it is important to properly sanitize all affected items. The source of the water will determine the type of cleaner you should use. Anything that cannot be fully cleaned and dried should be thrown away to prevent mold growth.
5. Repair and replace damaged items. Some repairs you may be able to do yourself. However, for delicate items, such as electronics and antiques, it may be best to hire a specialist who has the tools and training to restore the item properly.
When your home suffers water damage, mold growth is likely to follow if the water is not removed quickly. However, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the cleanup process, especially if the damage is serious. Fortunately, an experienced restoration company can help you get your home back to normal quickly and safely.