subject: Every Day Occurrence Of Water Damage [print this page] Water damage can happen in many waysWater damage can happen in many ways. The incident is generally chaotic and horrible. Cleaning up the damaged areas can feel very overwhelming and there are sometimes repairs and renovations that need to be done.
The kids left the tap running in the tub on the second floor. The water filled the tub and started running down the hallway and worst of it created a leak down through the walls. Finally the bathtub was emptied and there is a really big mess to clean up.
In order to remove the water from the carpet a dry wet vacuum was used. After the excess is removed it must be dried thoroughly. If this is not done the result will be the growth of mold and mildew. It grows very quickly on moist surfaces.
After removal of the excess water remove the carpet completely from the floor. Take out the tacks that hold it down and pick it up. If you see that the padding is also wet then you must get rid of that too. This material is very fragile when it gets wet and may fall apart. If your padding is attached to the floor with glue then a scraper will lift it off.
Once removed you can place your carpet in the sun out of doors. If it must be dried indoors then lift it from the floor and use dehumidifiers, fans and air conditioners to dry it. Once it is dried it should be inspected for mold and mildew and then cleaned. The padding is replaced and then the dried carpet can be replaced.
If your wall is damaged from the leak then this is more work. Instant reaction to the event to avoid the growth of mold is vital. It should be cleaned with a water and bleach solution. This removes the possibility of mold growing in the area. Then leave it to dry thoroughly.
The damaged area is repaired with a paste then left to dry followed by sanding it to a flat plain surface. The repaired area is now perfectly dry and it is time to paint. If you have not kept any paint from the last time you painted this wall you may have to paint the entire wall and not only the repair.
If the damage seems worse and a part should be replaced then remove the area. Fit a panel into the area where you removed the damage. The new panel should fit snugly and then screw the new panel into the studs.
Once you have covered the seams to a smooth finish you can apply the primer. This action will prevent any stains that water may have created. It will also help the compound to adhere better. Compound is applied in many layers and sanded after each application. Once completed you can then paint the area.
This was not a worst-case scenario about water damage, however it is always upsetting. Doing it yourself will certainly give you a sense of satisfaction. What you will remember is the fine job you did and not the kids filling the tub. The average homeowner can handle this type of damage.
