Flooding or long-term wetness in the home can wreak havoc on properties and interior finishes. If you want to avoid the high cost of water damage removal, then you should act fast and clean up the affected area as quickly as possible. Delay structural damage repair works until the property is thoroughly dry. This means waiting for days or even weeks. How much time it requires to dry out the space depends on the drying equipment and weather conditions. Here are some quick steps to take to prevent costly repair works:
Subfloors
Check the subfloors for swelling or warping. If this happens, you will need to replace the affected area with a new floor covering. However, before replacing with new ones, be sure to allow the affected area to dry out. Ventilate the area and get dehumidifiers to quicken the drying process.
Wood floors
Remove affected wooden areas carefully. If boards prove stubborn to remove, don’t force it. Call on water damage removal experts for help. Once the boards are off, clean and dry the floor. The drying process might take longer than expected without professional tools.
Whatever the case, ensure the area is completely dry before replacing boards and fixing damages.
Furniture
Take affected furniture outdoor to clean and air dry. Clean off the dirt and mud. Remove all components of your furniture. Flooded padding should be disposed of, as they are now useless. Use only specified cleaning agents to clean your furniture. There are different commercial furniture cleaning products available on the market, so choose the one that’s designed for your type of furniture material. Before waxing, ensure the furniture is dry thoroughly. Do not leave your furniture under direct sunlight for too long to prevent warping.
Without the right cleaning tools and equipment, it might take weeks or months for your furniture to dry.
Mold Growth
Long-term water damage causes mold growth in the home. You don’t need to handle this with levity. Take every necessary action required to get rid of mold in the home. This process is not a day’s job; it can take weeks or months, depending on the size of the infestation.
Here are some useful tips to follow to prevent mold growth in the home
- Use your air conditioning to control mold growth. This will help maintain the temperature in the home and reduce excess moisture. Use dehumidifiers to control humidity levels. Doing so clips the wings of mold from spreading to other areas.
- If your HVAC malfunctions, ventilate the affected areas by opening the windows and doors. Use fans to circulate air.
- Install lights in dark spaces like closets, and open the doors for proper ventilation.
- Reduce any activity that causes moisture buildup.
- When cooking, turn on your exhaust fans.
Getting rid of mold is not an easy task. It requires the expertise of a water damage removal company. These experts will first clean and dry out the affected areas completely. Any item that has been badly contaminated by mold will be discarded.
