DIY or “do-it-yourself” home repairs have become an increasingly common means of dealing with water damage. By effectively implementing DIY water damage restoration techniques, you can greatly reduce the overall damage from a flood saving yourself major repair costs in the long run. However, there are limitations to the usefulness of DIY home repair.
Water Damage Restoration Kalispell
Large water damage disasters and those with serious safety threats should only be handled by trained water damage restoration professionals like our team at Xtreme Carpet Cleaning & Restoration. Here are five things you can do for effective DIY water damage restoration.
Disconnect Outlets
Water is known for its electrical conductivity. Because water damage could compromise the electrical systems in your home, it’s wise to shut off your electrical power or disconnect your outlets for a time after a flood. Even if the amount of damage or flooding is relatively small, it’s still always a good idea to do this until you are sure you’re safe.
Search For Mold
Mold is one of the most common consequences of water damage. As soon as a day, mold can begin to grow and spread throughout your home after a flood. It’s recommended that you closely inspect your home for signs of mold growth after a flood. Even small amounts of water that get left behind can lead to serious mold problems in the long run.
Remove Damaged Materials
Any porous materials in your home like upholstery or furniture should be removed from your home as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. Some items like carpet or insulation may need to be replaced entirely due to their sensitivity to moisture.
Dry Water Out
Once the standing floodwater has been removed, the final step is to take care of any moisture remaining in the home. Even small damp pockets of moisture in your walls or carpet can cause serious damage and mold problems in the long run. Professional water damage restoration companies come equipped with commercial equipment designed just for this purpose. You can speed up the drying process by using any fanes you have available and opening up your doors and windows.
Disinfect Affected Areas
Depending on the type of water you are dealing with, it can contain a lot of bacteria and other hazards that can cause health problems. The water could also encourage the growth of mold, so it is important to sanitize immediately. Once the damaged materials have been removed, you will want to disinfect the entire area before you begin the restoration process. Spray and wipe down the surfaces with bleach so the mold spores don’t grow before you continue with the repairs.
We hope you find these tips helpful for mitigating the effects of a flood. Nonetheless, for the harder, more dangerous, parts of the job don’t hesitate to give us a call at Xtreme Carpet Cleaning & Restoration for help. Our team of dedicated restoration professionals will get your home back into top shape quickly, safely, and effectively.
