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How To Clean Your Home After A Flood

The flood clean-up process must be initiated immediately in the event that water has accumulated in the home or office. What steps are essential to take immediately following the discovery of water?

The quicker the procedure is started, the better. It is important to remove existing water and dry out the area as quickly as possible to reduce the risk of mold and mildew, and stop further damage.

This involves pumping out the water, drying out the impacted area and its contents, and detecting hidden areas in which mold could potentially thrive. From the furniture to the subflooring, a complete assessment of the overall damage must be done. It is important to have knowledge on the best and safest way to do each and every step of the process.

Is this process one to be tackled alone, or is it more beneficial to hire a trained and experienced professional in the flood clean-up industry?

While many home and office owners may approach the situation as a DIY project for financial savings, their lack of experience and knowledge regarding such a problem may result in further damage to the structure and items inside it. Certified professionals have the knowledge, skills and equipment to work quickly and efficiently to solve this overwhelming problem.

From the removal of the water to the salvaging and restoration of the property, what can a professional in the industry offer that the typical home or business owner may not?

Companies specializing in this type of work will provide an adequate number of employees to address the situation promptly. They are equipped to evaluate the area and begin the clean-up process. While drying out the property is crucial, only a skilled professional will have the know-how to determine if disinfecting or other precautions are  necessary based on the source of the water and the extent of the damage. Assessing for structural damage is an aspect that only skilled contractors with the proper moisture sensing equipment can perform, and if this task is not completed properly it could result in future complications.

They are aware of the precautions that must be taken like shutting off the electricity and natural gas to the area, and protecting themselves against possible animals that may have come in with the water. Those not trained in such work may put themselves at risk if unaware of these safety measures. In addition, a reputable company will be able to work as a liaison between the property owner and their insurance company when working through the claims process.

Restoration Process

The water restoration process is an important one. Using the right procedures and materials can help people save cherished belongings and even prevent their homes from being condemned. Water restoration companies specialize in mitigating the effects of water, but the success for water damage restoration depends on the severity of the damage and the amount of water that caused the damage.

Water restoration companies may hire outside experts to assess a property and determine a water restoration and water removal plan. These water restoration companies typically use high-tech equipment and well-documented procedures to control water damage. Water in basement areas may only require a short cleanup process, but water in other areas of a property will require extensive remediation.

Health Hazards

It is important to hire one of these water damage restoration companies as soon as possible after water damage occurs. Moisture promotes the growth of mold and other organisms, increasing the risk for serious health problems.

Mold exposure may aggravate allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children and people with compromised immune systems. Exposure may also increase the risk for respiratory diseases and other medical problems. Cleaning up immediately can help mitigate the health effects of water damage on everyone in a home or commercial space.

Make sure you take immediate action against water damage when you notice it the first time. Prolonging the restoration of water damage could produce very permanent and sometimes dangerous results. 

See how Steamatic Canada is changing lives

Just a short note to say thank you for your good work at my favorite place in the world. It was much appreciated. Your staff were courteous and helpful at every turn. I have passed my remarks to the insurance company. Being out of my house for 3 months was very frustrating for me at the time and being 85 years old we seniors are not as flexible as we once were. Thanks to all involved.

Mrs Green - Steamatic Outaouais