Few things are more devastating to a homeowner then to see standing water covering the floor, leaking through the ceiling, or rising up from the basement. Flood damage can come from a variety of sources at any time of year, including heavy summer rains, water pipes broken by freezing weather, and blocked drains that cause sewage to back up into the home. Homes flooded by water usually require assistance by a general contractor who can make repairs and conduct mold removal and remediation.
Whatever the source of the water in your home, act quickly to minimize the damage.
Move Your Possessions
Just because the water has stopped rising, doesn’t mean your furniture, curtains, and other possessions are safe. Get them off of a soaking-wet carpet as quickly as possible to prevent them from absorbing too much moisture. This will make mold removal and mold remediation easier in the future.
Pay Attention to Where the Water Goes
You should also be sure to pay close attention to where the water is in your home. As the water dries up or is removed, you will need to remember how close the water has been to the walls, so that a general contractor or mold removal specialist will know where to look for hidden damage or sprouting mold.
Call Professional Help Immediately
The most important thing you can do if your home is flooded is to make two immediate phone calls. One should be to your insurance company to find out whether or not they will cover the damage. The other should be to a general contractor that specializes in emergency water removal, mold removal and remediation, and that will inspect your home for structural damage.
If you act quickly, a flood doesn’t have to result in permanent damage to your goods or home. Know the steps you should take to protect yourself against rising water.