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Water Damage Repair Techniques

In the event of water damage, you will first need to shut off all utilities to the damaged area and then remove as many loose items and as much furniture from the area as possible.  They will need to be cleaned and disinfected, but that can be done elsewhere.

You should then remove as much excess water as possible either by using mops and towels to soak it up, or in more extreme cases, using a submersible pump or wet-dry vac to pull the water up.  Be sure to drain it as far away from your home as possible, preferably through a sink or drainage vent.

After that, bring in several high velocity fans (the more, the better) and place them throughout the area.  Let them run on high for several days to facilitate drying and removal of moisture from the air. Carpets will need to be taken up and professionally cleaned and disinfected, and the flooring beneath them dried out and similarly cleaned.   A digital moisture meter will let you know when acceptable levels have been restored.

The key word in this process is “dry”.  All surfaces should be completely dry to ward off the propagation of mold, which can establish itself in an area within 48 hours of water damage, spread like wildfire, and pose a health hazard to persons in the residence.  Mold removal is best done by a professional.

In fact, with very small exceptions, all water damage should be tended to by a certified professional. Call one today for a free estimate, and make sure they are certified by the IICRC.