Everything You Need to Know About Water Damage Remediation
Water damage is one of the most common and worst side effects of water leakage or flooding in a basement. Water damage is also one of the leading causes of home insurance claims and it is responsible for millions of dollars in damages every year.
In addition to contributing to structural and foundation problems, basement water damage can completely destroy your personal belongings and interior decorative finishes and it also has the power to create the perfect environment for toxic mold growth.
Most homeowners who are lucky enough to have a basement will experience some form of water damage at some point or another.
This can be in the form of a small water leak, broken plumbing, failed sump pumps, leaky walls and windows or a weak foundation. The first step in remedying basement water damage is to turn off the electricity in the area as well as the gas supply to any appliances whose pilot lights and systems are under water.
Once that is done you need to find out where the flooding or leaking is coming from. There are various other steps to follow to fix water damage and to get your home and basement back to their natural and comfortable dry state.
Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about water damage remediation !
Water Damage Remediation Tips
First: Remove the Water
After you have cut off the electricity and gas to the water damaged are it’s time to find the source of the leak, patch it up temporarily so no more water leaks into your home and then begin the cleanup process.
This process is one of the most important steps in water damage remediation and it can take some time. How long it takes depends on the length of time the water was present in your home and how well you patch up the leak. Before you begin the full cleanup and begin repairing damaged furniture and flooring all standing water must be completely removed.
Once the water has been pumped out completely then you will need to dry out the wet area and get rid of all damaged materials such as drywall, carpeting and furniture.
The best way to remove water from your home or basement depends on how much water accumulated in the space. You can either use a bucket to scoop out the water or a professional wet/dry vacuum that will pump the water outside and away from your property.
Second: Water Damage Remediation
Once the standing water has been expelled from inside your home and you have located and patched the leak temporarily it is time for fixing the damage caused by the water.
Make sure that the area is well-ventilated by opening windows and bringing in fans. It’s important to dry out the area and to make sure that there is no mold growth.
If you do locate mold growth then you need to get rid of it right away and sanitize the area, because continued mold growth releases spores into the air, which can be very harmful if inhaled.
Basement water damage remediation can be as easy as patching a few cracks in the walls and insulating the windows or it can get as complicated as replacing bad pipes, wrapping them with insulation, replacing drywall and interior finishes or fixing a weak foundation.
If your home is suffering from water damage it’s best to bring in a professional who can evaluate the overall damage and help you prioritize what needs to be fixed right away.
Mold growth should be cleaned out as soon as possible, soaked drywall and carpeting needs to be removed and replaced as soon as possible and fixing leaks and cracks should also be prioritized.
Third: Invest in Basement Waterproofing
If you have experienced basement water damage once then you know that you will surely do everything you can to avoid similar problems in the future.
Once a basement has undergone water damage remediation one time it should be periodically inspected to make sure it continues to stay dry and you should consider investing in preventive measures such as basement waterproofing.
There are various methods of basement waterproofing to choose from including exterior drainage systems, sump pumps, waterproof coatings and more. Make sure to watch out for telltale signs of excessive moisture such as condensation around pipes and windows and water stains on the ceiling or walls.
Get Water Damage Remediation Assistance
If you need assistance with water damage remediation or if you are interested in preventing future water damage to your home connect with the expert team at Triad Basement Waterproofing today.
With more than 27 years of experience in the basement waterproofing industry, you can rest assured knowing you are safe in the hands of experienced professionals. Connect today to inquire about pricing, services and more information about how to deal with water damage remediation.