Water Damage & Flooded Basement Restoration Services

A Guide to Fixing Water Damage

By the RestorationSOS Educational Staff

There are many ways that water damage can wreck a property. There is also no telling when a house will be affected. Even the sturdiest of structures and the most innocuous of rainfalls can bring about problems with water damage. In order to get a better bearing on the concept of water damage, read through this comprehensive guide.

Prevention Through Property Maintenance

What most property owners should consider about water damage is that, in most cases, it is preventable. At the very least, the impact can be minimized by proper home maintenance. Properties that are routinely inspected and repaired not only have good value, but they are also more capable of protecting against the elements.

Moisture can ruin parts of the house by staining the walls or soaking the carpets. It can also destroy electrical systems and other utility lines by rendering them unsafe. Once moisture starts to seep in through cracks in the home, it can signal the beginning of depreciation in the property value.

Smart homeowners know that the business of water damage restoration begins with prevention. A well-designed house can handle snow and rain. It should also take consideration the humidity levels by having effective ventilation controls.

First Response Methods

In some situations, maintenance cannot do anything against water damage. Earthquakes and hurricanes will do damage to properties if they are strong enough. In these cases, there is a need to be aware of what to do in order to deal with the water damage that ensues after.

The first and most important thing to do is to deem whether or not the house is safe enough to enter or inhabit. When uncertain, it is best to err on the side of caution and make arrangements for alternative lodging. After this is done, call the insurance company to inform them of the situation. Take note of the insurance claim number that the company provides you. This will be a vital reference in facilitating claims later on.

If the structure of the property has been assessed as sound, turn off the power by switching off the main circuit breaker. Do not skip this step even if the entire neighborhood is without power. There is a possibility that the electricity can turn on at any time and cause accidents to those caught unaware. Also, shut down the gas supply and the water lines.

Do a thorough inspection of the entire property, taking note of the surrounding area as well as the exterior of the house. Some things to watch out for are broken appliances and exposed wiring. Take note of damage to trees and neighboring buildings.

The Restoration Process

The best kinds of repairs are those that are done swiftly and as an immediate response to damage. After assessing the property, make the necessary repairs. Insurance companies often make recommendations of reputable contractors that can conduct the restoration. The best contractors are those that are certified, thoroughly trained, have good attention to detail and can be trusted.

Recommended Reading
Identifying Water Damage
Asset Protection after Water Damage