Water damage can affect many areas of your house and property. Whether the water damage comes from broken pipes, leaky pipes, backed-up drains, or a natural disaster, knowing what restoration steps to take first can make a stressful situation more bearable.
Before you begin the clean-up process, stopping the water is paramount. Turning off the water main or clearing out your drain are a little easier than waiting out a natural disaster. Since Georgia and the greater Atlanta area are no strangers to natural disasters, preparing for clean-up ahead of time can save you time and money.
Once the damage is done, getting started on clean-up can be a daunting task. Whether you do it yourself, or call a professional, addressing these critical issues will give you peace of mind when returning to your house, home, or property.
If weather permits, open windows to help with ventilation. Using water pumps, water extractors, and fans to dry out the rooms as soon as possible is the first step. Industrial dehumidifiers and air scrubbers can quickly move the air to remove excess water and moisture. Making sure all leaks are remedied and the humidity is gone, allows you to move on to the next step.
Mold can grow and spread throughout your house after the water has been removed as quickly as 24-48 hours. If you smell a hint of mold in the air around the area with water damage, you will need to address the mold issue promptly before it becomes a more significant issue. Many products on the market are available for small-scale mold problems; however, if the mold growth is substantial, contacting a specialist to reduce and eliminate the mold might be the best answer. If mold is not treated correctly and in a timely manner, it can lead to health issues and weaken your home’s integrity through rot.
Plywood, drywall, insulation, carpets, and padding can all become casualties of water damage. If these materials are severely damaged by water, they may become weak or rotten, unstable, and may need to be replaced to maintain the integrity of your property. Water damage on the second floor of a building can lead to problems on the first floor as well. Make sure to inspect the entire property as you consider replacing water-damaged building materials.
Besides mold, bacteria can thrive in moisture-damaged areas. After following the steps listed above, make sure to disinfect all areas affected by water damage for a complete restoration.
Our team at Serenity Restoration specializes in analyzing and cleaning properties that have been impacted by water, fire, smoke, mold, and pathogens in the greater Atlanta area. Our certified and professional team is on-call 24/7 to provide emergency service. If you’re ever in need of advice or assistance with a restoration project, don’t hesitate to contact Serenity Restoration. Our team is available to help you get your home back to normal with the results you deserve.
If this is an emergency, please call 678-648-1294 for 24/7 service.
