13 Tips For Water Damage Repair

Water damage repair can take time, patience and diligence. Although it may seem like water damage repair shouldn’t be all that complicated, water damage can cause extensive and ongoing damage. Proper water damage repair requires mitigation and restoration. If water damage repair isn’t completed correctly, it can lead to more trouble including rot and mold.

Here we will discuss 13 tips for water damage repair that will help you get back to normal after you have had a flood or other water damage claims.

1. Safety comes first in water damage repair

If you have water damage in your home, be sure to put safety first during water damage repair. If your water damage stems from a major flood event think about the structural integrity of the home before you enter it. Also, make sure the electricity is turned off. Safety is the priority with water damage repairs, so don’t enter the home until it is safe to do so.

2. Water damage repair can come with mold

Mold spores can multiply when there is water in a home. If your water damage repair comes after there has been water in the house for more than 24 hours, be sure to wear a protective mask to protect yourself from mold spores that are already forming.

3. Start with the small things during water damage repair

The earliest efforts of water damage repair should be focused on the little things. Look for items you can safely move out of the damaged areas. Rugs, furnishings, books, and other personal items should be moved to a dry area to prevent further damage.

4. Locate the source of the leak to assess water damage repairs

If possible, locate the source of the leak to begin water damage repairs. The first step is to prevent more water from intruding. If you aren’t sure where the leak is coming from, consult with a professional for help.

5. Remove excess water to start water damage repair

One of the most important early steps for repair is to remove excess water as quickly as possible Use mops, towels, and a wet vacuum if available to get as much excess water out of the home as possible. Also, open doors and windows to circulate air and help dry out the house.

6. Major water damage repair steps

If you have water damage from a major catastrophe such as a windstorm or flooding event, do your best to ensure no more water enters the home. This includes using tarps of there is roof damage, and boarding up damaged windows and doors.

7. Protect yourself during water damage repair

Take measures to protect yourself when you are beginning water damage repairs. It is best to wear protective clothing such as boots, gloves, and masks. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands as you may contact contaminated water and mold.

8. Consider a restoration company for water damage repair

You may wish to use a restoration company to help you with the first steps of your water damage repair. Restoration companies act as first responders to your emergency. They will take the first steps to help salvage your property and prevent further damage. If you use a restoration company be sure to select one that is fully licensed and insured.

9. Making an insurance claim for your water damage repair

Water damage is the leading cause of home insurance claims. They can also be complicated and may take a long time to settle. Get your claim started as soon as possible to get your water damage repair started quickly.

10. Seek professional help with water damage repair

If you have extensive water damage and are going to pursue a claim with your insurance company, it may help to have a public adjuster on your side. A public adjuster is a claims professional that works for you. They can help file the claim and make sure it is settled quickly and fairly.

11. Know what type of water damage repair you are dealing with

Your water damage repair will depend on what kind of water caused the damage. It is helpful to know the three different types of water that causes problems for homeowners:

Clean water:

This is fresh water that comes from a leaky kitchen pipe or rain.

Gray water:

Gray water is mildly dirty water and usually comes from appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines.

Blackwater:

Blackwater is the most serious when it comes to water damage repair. It may contain harmful bacteria or sewage. It may come from flooding rivers or lakes.

12. Know what to keep and what to toss for water damage repair

If you are starting your water damage repair, it may be hard to know what to throw away and what to keep. It is always best to consult with your insurance company before getting rid of anything or making any structural repairs. But generally, household items that are porous cannot be salvaged because they warp, shrink and grow mold. Area rugs and textiles, for example, may have to be discarded. However, most hard furniture can be dried out and salvaged.

13. Water damage repair to roofs and ceiling should be the priority

If you have water damage to your ceiling due to a roof leak, that repair should take priority. Ceilings with water damage may collapse, so focus your efforts there first. Roof leaks may be difficult to detect as they often have a source point that is far from the visible ceiling damage. You may wish to consult with a professional to help locate a roof leak.

Completing water damage repair on your home can seem overwhelming and stressful. Remember to be safe, salvage what you can and mop up and dry out. These early efforts will make the long term repairs much easier.

If you have water damage and aren’t sure what to do, contact Bulldog Adjusters. We can conduct a free inspection and help you with your insurance options.