Floods can happen in any part of the US. Plus, when they ravage your home, they can do a lot of damage to the home's structure and your belongings. If you would like to know more, check out these three steps you should take after a house flood.
1. Dry Out Your Home
After the flood, start drying your house out as soon as possible. Start by moving any objects out of the flooded area, especially objects that are big and sodden with floodwater. Next, you want to make sure there is lots of moving air in the house to help boost drying time.
You can help the air circulate by opening windows and doors, but you may need special fans to help better circulate air. If your HVAC ducts were exposed to water, don't use your furnace or air conditioner to help circulate air. If there is a lot of humidity in the air, you may also need a dehumidifier.
If there is still standing water in the house, you can use a wet/dry vac or a sump pump. A wet/dry vac is great if there is just a little water, but a sump pump can relocate larger amounts of water. In fact, some people install sump pumps in their crawlspace, basement, or yard to help with drainage to prevent flooding.
2. Repair or Toss Items
Gather any items that were exposed to floodwater and decide if they should be repaired or tossed. Typically, any food that has come in contact with floodwater should be tossed. You can keep sealed, undamaged canned foods, but you should remove the labels and wash the cans in clean water.
It's also a good idea to toss out any porous items, such as couches, mattresses, etc. These absorb a lot of water, so it takes longer to dry, increasing the risk of mold. Plus, it's not possible to fully clean these types of items, so they may continue to carry contaminates. Hard surface items like hardwood can typically be cleaned and repaired because they don't absorb the water.
3. Replace Drywall and Flooring
Finally, you may need to replace drywall and flooring that came in contact with the floodwater. This is especially true if you have carpeted floors, but other types of flooring can harbor mold growth. Similarly, drywall is a great medium for mold to grow and thrive. In some cases, you can see the mold start to grow, but it often grows inside the wall or under the carpet, so you don't even know it's there until it starts to make you sick.
Floods can be devastating, and they can leave your home in shambles. Luckily, flood damage experts are available to help you recover after a home flood. If you would like to know more, contact a flood cleaning service in your area today.
Moving forward and repairing your home can be really difficult, especially if you aren't exactly a DIY enthusiast. However, the fact of the matter is that there are all kinds of repairs that you can take care of on your own, helping you to design a home that truly feels custom. From adding crown molding to your house to repairing an old water leak, restoring your home is as easy as taking a look around and knowing which projects to undertake. From repainting the interior of your home to knowing what to do about issues with your plumbing, taking the opportunity to completely transform your home is easier with a repair and restoration contractor.