Water damage can have a devastating effect on your home. If not properly addressed, it can result in the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria, exacerbating conditions such as asthma as well as causing other potential health issues. This is why it is worth knowing how much you should address yourself and when it is time to call in the professionals to deal with your water damage.
Acting quickly.
It is estimated that after severe water damage (such as flooding) you have around 48 to 72 hours before harmful black mold begins to form. During this time, there are a few things that you can do yourself.
In the event of flooding, the first thing you should do is shut off the water supply (you should always know where the shut-off valve in your home is in order to do this.) Shutting off electricity is also important for the safety of those in your home.
In any instance of water damage, it is worth calling your insurance company as soon as possible while also documenting all of the items in your home and protecting undamaged items as much as possible. Taking early steps like this can help you prevent insurable losses from water damage, which is essential for ensuring you get the coverage you need.
In terms of reducing the effects of water damage, you can take actions such as removing drywall and flooring, drying out furniture, and repairing or replacing damaged hardwood floors.
Bringing in the professionals
While black mold takes 48 to 72 hours to emerge, mold can occur as soon as 24 hours after a property has suffered water damage. A professional can remove this more effectively than any DIY method.
Clearing out the water should also be a job handled by a professional. Believe it or not, over-drying is also possible, and this is something that they will be aware of during the process of removing the water from your home to make it more habitable for you.
A final reason to bring in a professional as soon as possible is that a number of insurance firms will insist on this as a condition of processing a claim. This is why contacting them should be your priority so that you can ascertain what you can or can’t do.
The Importance of Professional Water Damage Restoration Contractors
Of course, you don’t need to wait for a disaster to happen in order to have this conversation with your insurer. By discussing this with them, you can have a plan ready should the worst situation occur. There will also be the added benefit of being less likely to panic when you have already thought through the possible scenarios before they happen. Rest assured that once involved, a restoration company will be able to do their work to get your home back in the best possible condition. There are numerous benefits for hiring a professional water damage company, including faster response times, expertise in handling complex water damage situations, and the use of advanced equipment to ensure your home is thoroughly dried and restored. By hiring professionals, you can minimize long-term risks and ensure the job is done right.
Rest assured that once involved, a restoration company like First Call Restoration will be able to do their work to get your home back in the best possible condition. Their professional team is equipped to handle all aspects of water damage restoration, ensuring your home is safe, dry, and restored to its original state.
