There is no doubt that water is critical to the survival of human beings. However, damage resulting from water can spell death for our homes. It can cause all kinds of stress to a homeowner, not only immediately after it strikes, but also long afterward. From leaky faucets to floods, water damage can be a real pain. Left unchecked, it can even lead to health and safety issues in the home. Below are tips for dealing with water damage the right way.
- Turn Off the Water Supply
If the flooding in the home has been brought about by a water heater failure or a burst pipe, the first thing you want to do is to shut off the supply line of your home. This ensures that at least no more damage continues as you try to fix the problem.
- Switch Off Power
Next, make sure the electricity and gas have been cut off from the main source. While not necessary in the case of puddles or slight leaks, turning them off ensures your safety and that of your family.
Before handling electric appliances, make sure you are thoroughly insulated. It is dangerous to turn off the power source while standing in water. If that is the case, call your electrician or ask them for direction.
- Save Your Most Prized Possessions
Locate and cart away your most valuable items from the flooded area. However, don’t spend too much time cleaning the rescued items as the damage is still going on.
- Remove Standing Water
Water usually causes more damage if it is left to sit for longer. Immediately it is safe to go out, remove any standing water by pumping. In case it is a natural flood, only start pumping after the floods recede below your house. All the while, make sure you have worn protective gear, including rubber boots, respirators or masks, and gloves.
- Deal with Ceiling Water Damage First
Even as you wait for professional help in water damage repair Fort in Lauderdale to arrive, there are some things you can do, and one of them is repairing the ceiling. Ceilings damaged by water are at a greater risk because of gravity. They can easily sag or collapse. Therefore, start by removing the affected ceiling boards of panels. If the damage to the ceilings has been occasioned by a roof problem, find the source of that leak.
- Have Damaged Wood Replaced
All the critically warped wood, wood with mildew, and rotting wood will have to be replaced. And where the wood is part of your home’s structural component, you need to exercise great caution to ensure that the house retains the right support not only during but also after the water repair damage.
- Installing new, sealed floors
It is easy to see that your floor has been damaged by water and some things to look out for include swollen floorboards and wet carpets. Where you unsure, check to see if some moisture has been trapped underneath. This is also your chance to replace your flooring with a new, waterproof one. To ensure there is no future water damage to your floor, install high-end vinyl, ceramic tile or engineered wood materials.
When you suspect water damage, the best thing is to do is call in a professional water damage repair in Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Weston, or Deerfield Beach areasto check it out for you. However, as you wait for help to arrive, you need to stop the water flow by turning off the main tap, switching off power sources, and draining away still water. This will prevent more damage to your house and some of your most prized properties in Deerfield Beach.