subject: Practical Tips - in Cleaning Water Damage and Saving Your Home [print this page] Practical Tips - in Cleaning Water Damage and Saving Your Home
Cleaning water damage is necessary to make it easier to find the main source of damage. It is also necessary to make sure that there will be no further risks and damage that can happen within the home. As much as water is a necessity for a fully functioning home,the damage it can cause can be detrimental to the safety of the home structure and the health of the family.
Damage could come in the form of a broken pipe, clogged toilet, ineffective waterproofing, broken roofs, ice dams, improper floor leveling, sewage issues and even more catastrophic hurricanes, snow storms and floods. Nowadays, there are several renovations as well as clean up services dedicated that homeowners can commission to clean the water damage. Nonetheless, there are immediate measures that you can do to salvage your home and protect it from further deterioration.
Act fast
Cleaning water damage should be your top priority when it happens. The rule is the faster you dry out the puddle of water, the better. Water, as we all know does not hold its own shape unless contained so any surface where it can run, any hole or crack it can fill, it will occupy. Use towels, heavy mops and steam cleaners to remove the water out. Flooding cases will be more different and intensive and will require professional tools. If the water comes from pipes or your water supply, shut down the supply so that water could not spread much further into the home, making the cleanup of the affected area much more manageable if not easier.
Keep the damage to one area only
The problem with cleaning water damage is that it will keep on finding other areas to hit. If the water damage is due to droplets of rain coming into the home, address the problem by putting absorbent pads on the affected area. You should also have buckets where you can easily contain the dripping water. If the water is spreading from the upper levels of the house, turn off your electric supply so that the water will not short the circuits, causing electrical damage and fires. The doors, windows and other openings should be blocked with absorbent barriers.
Cleaning water damage fast can prevent the spread of mold and mildew
Most especially in dark and stuffy areas like basements and attics, it is necessary to dry the area as fast as possible since the growth of mold and mildew can be fast. It could cause allergic reactions to kids and adults alike.
Disinfect the area after cleaning water damage
Especially with toilet or sewage issues, it is necessary to remove the risk of germs spreading across. Water is a potent carrier of grime, dirt and germs from the outside. Disinfecting the area will also prevent the spread of nasty smells that are nauseating.
Water is a magnet for anything
You will notice that once the water has dried up, there are dried up residues of dirt, muck and grime to remind you of the nasty situation. Continue cleaning the area until all residues have been eradicated.
Cleaning water damage is a pain but as long as you prepare with your basic emergency tools like buckets, absorbent materials and fast action, you will be able to mitigate the risks of further damage. Of course, it would be best to have the home checked by specialists prior to hurricane season, winter or for general home maintenance. Being prepared in advance will save you from the grueling task of cleaning the mess caused by water damage.
You can find more aboutWater damage cleaning tips on our website.
Copyright 2011 water-damage-guide.com, all rights reserved.
