What happens after the flood water recedes?

9/16/2019 (Permalink)

Nobody expected that the creek could rise that far. It never had before. Now, the house is a muddy mess of debris, water and extensive damage. For some people, moving would be the first thought that came to mind. However, others want to stay in their homes, repair the water damage, and live on in the house they love.

Flood damage is more than just the standing water left after the creek recedes. It's ruined carpets and furniture, wet plaster and more. Water in the home or business is just the start of the problems. Without proper clean-up and sanitizing, mold can grow, floor damage can be permanent and drywall can be ruined. It is imperative to immediately start the restoration process to help limit the damage and mounting costs. A call to a professional water mitigation company should be the first step taken by a home owner after flooding occurs.

Water cleanup begins with bringing in equipment to extract the water in the home. Pumps and specialized vacuums are used to suck up the water. Restoration is a process. Once the puddles have been cleared, the next step will begin. The water damage will be in the walls, floors and furnishings. Drying is imperative to help stop the damage and to prevent mold from growing.

Air movers, dehumidifiers and other equipment will be brought in to help dry out the water in walls and moisture from furnishings and floors. Thoroughly drying water in the home will save thousands of dollars worth of damage later.

Restoration from the devastation of flood damage is not an easy process. A professional service should be called to handle the process so that it is done correctly. For instance, not many individuals would know that after the water in their business is removed or the water in their home is dried, more steps are still necessary. Sanitizing the surfaces, furnishings and anything else the water touched should be done.

Water in the business or home could have left a foul odor. Professionals can remove the lingering odors left even after the water cleanup. Mitigation professionals know how to use fogging equipment and industrial air scrubbers to help remove the last traces of the water damage.

After the restoration process of water cleanup, drying, sanitizing and odor elimination, there is still one last step in the water damage mitigation process - repairs. Water in a business can damage walls, carpeting and flooring. Drywall may need to be replaced. Electrical outlets and wiring should be checked for damage. Water in a business may have warped sub-flooring, damaged floor joists and wrecked major appliances. Time is money, so flood damage needs to be taken care of as quickly as possible. Quick yet thorough mitigation will get a business back up and running after flood damage has occurred.

Storms, floods and even appliance malfunctions like a dishwasher overflow can cause homes and businesses the headaches of having to deal with the water cleanup process. Nobody wants to go through it, but when it happens a person shouldn't go through it alone. Professionals who know how to deal with the devastation left behind are the best option for a quick, safe restoration. Since professional water damage restoration companies have the equipment and training to handle cleaning, drying and even rebuilding homes and businesses, they should be the first choice for mitigation.

Sure, the damage is devastating and overwhelming. Of course, nobody wants to go through flooding and the after-effects. The reality is that these occurrences can and do happen every day. The good news is that there are people specifically trained to restore homes and businesses to their pre-flood conditions. Call SERVPRO of DeSoto, Tate, & Tunica Counties today at 662-349-6500.