Water damage caused by a flood can lead to losses amounting to thousands if not millions of dollars. The restoration procedure is often tedious and requires the hands of experts. This is because floods result in structural and electrical damages that a layman cannot restore.
You can follow the five steps below to restore your building after a flood.
1. Removing the water
This is the first step in damage restoration after a flood. Any stagnant water on the site must be removed to prevent further damage and to allow restoration works to continue smoothly. In the case of a flooded basement Toronto, it may be necessary to use a submersible pump to remove the floodwater. These pumps are very efficient and they make it easier to dry the areas.
2. Mapping the moisture
Moisture can cause a lot of damage even after excess water has been pumped out. That's why it’s advisable to access the moisture level and how much damage it has caused.
For this job, special moisture detection equipment is used. A licensed technician has advanced digital and infrared moisture mapping devices that make this work easier. The device is used to detect moisture in floors and walls to enable restoration work to begin.
3. Inspection and removal of mold
After mapping the moisture, the house has to get treated against mildew and mold. Any residual moisture or stagnant water provides an excellent breeding ground for mildew and mold which can further damage the building.
Water damage Toronto experts recommend the use of fungicide detergents in controlling mold and sterilizing areas where mold is likely to grow. Ventilation and deodorization can also help in removing unpleasant odors, mold spores, and airborne contaminants.
4. Drying the areas
Drying is the best way to reduce humidity to its normal level after a flood. There are many drying techniques that can be used. The one you choose will depend on the severity of the situation.
Flood restoration experts use air movers to control humidity and help in drying the houses. Air movers also improve air circulation in the premises. Air movers and dehumidifiers remove liquids and moisture from materials like wood and carpets.
5. Renovating damaged areas
This is perhaps the most important step in flood water damage restoration. It involves the inspection of the entire structure to determine the areas that have been damaged and the extent of the damage. There are special tools used to determine the structural stability of structures.
If any part of the structure needs repair, this should be done as soon as possible because the longer it is left, the worse the condition may become.
The interior and the exterior walls must be checked for damage together with the doors and windows. Also to be checked are the electrical and the plumbing systems of the building.
Conclusion
Water damage restoration after a flood should always be done as soon as the floods subside. This is because water, moisture, mold, and mildew when left to stay longer will further compromise the structural soundness of a building. The restoration process must be undertaken by an expert to prevent accidents.
I think you wrote a great thoughtful post. However, you have not described all the consequences of the flood. Something could be added. After all, some types of mold do not appear immediately, but over time.
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