How to Deal with Water Damage at Home
Water is essential for survival. However, it can cause death and destruction. From leaky faucets to floods, water damage can cause considerable safety and health issues. You can follow this guide to repair, prevent, and stop water damage.
Fixing up after damage
If flooding is being caused by water heater failure or a burst pipe, ensure you shut off the main water line. It is advisable to contact an expert if you are not sure where the water is coming from. Another thing to do is to cut off the power line and gas at the source. If the leaks are small, this is not necessary. However, to be safe, you can put them off. Moreover, do not handle electric appliances if you are not well insulated.
Before you start the cleanup process, you should determine whether the cleanups are worth it. Remember to take photos and documentation to present to your insurance company. Rescuing your valuable possessions is necessary. These items include jewelry, money, heirlooms, and pictures. Do not spend most of your time cleaning individual items.
Vanquishing mildew and mold
Mold is visible when it grows in open places. However, it can also grow in rafters, between walls, crawl spaces, and air ducts. If you cannot see the mold, you are likely to have mold growth, which you cannot see. As soon as you discover water damage, you should act quickly. Usually, mold and mildew start to develop within 24 hours after the exposure to moisture.
It is necessary to clean out the wet area and mold quickly. This is necessary to prevent the spread of mold. When you leave an area wet, you are likely to give room for mold to grow. If mold is yet to grow, you can use fans to get rid of moisture. Remember that fans can spread the mold spores to various parts of the house. Also, discard any food products that are contaminated.
Prevent future problems
It is advisable to refit the home with building materials that are water-resistant. You can replace the material in flood-prone areas with various materials such as tile, sealed concrete, stone, and waterproof wallboard. Moreover, use glues that are water-resistant. Check whether each window or door has seals that are watertight.
