When your home suffers water damage, it can be difficult to know exactly which elements could potentially suffer the most. From your hardwood floors to furniture and electronics, a flood can ruin all these items, along with the long-term issues different types of water conditions may cause. Knowing how to protect your home directly after a flood can help you defend your property and reduce repair costs as well.
1. Know the Flood Category Types
Flooding can stem from a variety of sources, such as overflowing creeks and canals after strong storms or a pipe or water line break inside your home. Floodwater categories are rated from 1 to 3, with a Category 3 flood being the most contaminated. A Category 1 flood usually has a clean water source, while Category 2 floods may contain some bacteria, such as greywater drained from sinks and washing machines. Despite the cleanliness of the water, however, each type can cause significant water damage.
2. Learn To Identify Secondary Damage
Flooding can cause several types of secondary damage, such as mold growth and weakened building materials. Mold can grow quickly, even with a Category 1 flood, as standing water turns stagnant within less than 24 hours. Water can also weaken drywall, rot insulation and weaken your home’s foundation, so having it drained by an experienced flood removal company as soon as possible can help prevent serious water damage.
3. Avoid Do-It-Yourself Solutions
Because flood damage can cause so many different problems, employing DIY tactics for the repair phase of flood restoration may not be the wisest course of action. Not all flood damage is immediately noticeable, so calling in a crew that can drain away water, inspect building materials and restore flooded areas correctly can help prevent having to second-guess the repair process.
Taking immediate action after your home experiences water damage can help you minimize repair costs. It can also reduce the odds of mold growth and other types of secondary damage that may have far-reaching effects on your property.