Water Damage Restoration Tips

After a flood or other cause for water damage, you need to stop the moisture to prevent any further damage. Mold growth and electrical malfunctions are just two problems associated with water damage. For some aspects of water removal, you may need to hire a restoration company to bring extractors and large fans.

Electric Devices

Do not use your television, computer or other electrical devices. These items saturate with water, making them a serious shock hazard. If you plan to remove them from your home, turn off the electric to the entire house via the circuit breaker or fuse box first.

Paper Items

Books, newspapers and other paper items eventually smell and grow mold. To save these items from the garbage can, dry them with a towel. Place the books or other documents near a fan to dry. To ensure they dry, stand them up and place the towel inside of them. If you are worried about warping, stack the books on top of each other with the heaviest books on the top of the piles.

Carpet and Rugs

Carpets and rugs are the best hiding spots for mold growth. Remove all of the rugs from the water. Wash the rugs as soon as you remove them from the dampness. You may either use your dryer or hang these items up to ensure they dry completely. Place a fan or fans in the room(s) where water saturated the carpeting. Allow them to dry via the use of the fan. You may also situate a dehumidifier in the room.

Clothing

Wash your clothes in the washer immediately. If not, your clothing grows mold and the smell accrued from the moisture makes your clothes unable for you to wear. Dry your clothing either in the dryer or hang them up to air dry.

Hard Wood Floors and Tiling

Water causes damage to wood, and may trigger tiles to peel or warp. Mop up all the water in the rooms where you have tiling or hard wood floors. Place a fan in the room and a dehumidifier. You may turn your heat on or your air conditioning to remove the moisture.