Flood Damage Restoration – How to Protect Your Home and Belongings
When water seeps into your home, the chances of structural damage increase dramatically. It also compromises the health of your home by encouraging the growth of mold, a potentially dangerous condition for your family. Therefore, a proactive flood damage restoration approach is essential for the protection of your home and belongings. Learn more about flood damage restoration and how to protect yourself and your home.
IICRC-certified experts
If you are dealing with a flood-damaged home, the best option is to hire a company that has been certified by the IICRC. This certification ensures that the professionals are trained to provide the highest quality flood damage restoration services. Additionally, IICRC-certified restoration experts will be able to speak with insurance companies and explain the entire restoration process. In addition, the technicians at IICRC-certified companies undergo regular trainings to stay current with the latest industry practices and techniques.
To become IICRC-certified, restoration experts must meet certain criteria. These include maintaining insurance coverage, having a written complaint policy, providing ongoing education and training leading to certification, and abiding by a Code of Ethics. A company that is IICRC-certified will be able to provide a wide range of services, including removing water, restoring electrical damage, and repairing structural damage.
Cost of flood damage restoration
The cost of flood damage restoration can vary greatly depending on the type of structure and water damage. A single-family home may require between $10,000 and $25,000 in repairs and additional costs. Restaurants, retail stores, and other commercial buildings can incur costs of over $25,000. To accurately estimate the cost of flood damage restoration, it is important to include the cost of all necessary repairs, materials, and labor.
The first step in the restoration process involves removing the water. This usually takes less than an hour, though it may take longer if the area is large or floods more than once. Next, the area needs to dry out. This process can take anywhere from one to three days, and professionals monitor equipment to ensure the quickest possible drying time.
Time frame
The time frame for flood damage restoration depends on several factors, including how much water is in the house and how quickly it dries. A small room that experiences only minor water damage will be dry within 48 hours, while a large basement or flooded attic could take as long as a month to repair. The length of time will also depend on the extent of the damage, as water tends to spread very quickly and can damage floors, walls, and furnishings.
First of all, you must remove any damaged items, which can be a challenge, and may require professional help. Drywall and insulation, which can be hazardous when soaked in water, must be removed from the property. Some companies offer junk removal services and specialize in debris removal, and some will even perform full demolition and rebuilding.
Personal belongings affected by flood damage
Flood damage can cause substantial damage to your home and personal belongings. This is why prompt action is imperative for flood damage restoration. Make sure you and your family are safe by wearing protective clothing, rubber gloves, boots, and goggles. If you are in a flood zone, turn off your utilities, including gas and electricity. If you aren’t able to turn off the utilities yourself, call the utility company.
Personal belongings affected by flood damage restoration may be salvageable, but cleaning the belongings thoroughly is essential. The best way to save high-quality furnishings is to wash and disinfect them. Then, rinse and air-dry them in a dry room away from direct sunlight. Avoid over-drying furniture because it can warp. Clean clothes can also be salvaged, but heavy dirt needs to be scraped off. Make sure that you have inspected the water supply and cleaned every room that was affected by flooding.
Precautions to take after a flood
The first step in flood damage restoration is evaluating the level of damage to your property. Check for visible structural damage and contact your utility companies to determine the extent of damage. Floodwater can contain harmful chemicals and waterborne diseases. Regardless of how small the damage may be, the health risks involved are too great to ignore.
Flood water can be contaminated with household chemicals and sewage. To minimize exposure to these toxins, make sure to wear rubber gloves and rubber-soled shoes when entering the home or working at a construction site. Also, be sure to wash your hands with disinfected water before touching any contaminated materials.
