Wednesday 11 February 2015

Water damage - What you should do first?



Water damage may come in many forms; as a failure in an appliance or a roof leak after heavy rains. In other cases, it may be a result of plumbing issues or in rare occasion of a disaster.

There is more to the story then letting the water dry on its own. Water damage can easily become a starting point for bigger problems. If not handled properly it will impose risks for your health, for the building and the items in it. Water will soak into the material, increasing the chances of mould and mildew development. Cleaning the pests will turn into a real nightmare. A humid environment will decrease the indoor air quality. Here is what you should do to protect your property and the people inside:


Save what you can

Reduce the hazards of damages in the electric system by disconnecting the power. Be sure that the area is secured. Check for loose wires. Remove all electrical appliances and furniture, as well as rugs, carpets and other items. The floor should be completely clear. The faster you do this, the more you will be able to save.

Get rid of the water

Don’t prolong the task. You have several options. Depending on the extent of damage, you can do it on your own or hire a professional cleaning service. Your primary task is to soak as much as water as possible. Dispose the water excess in your backyard or pour it in the drain. Don’t use any electrical appliance while there is standing water. Soak the water from carpet and furniture.

 Hiring a professional service

For major damages, you should turn to the experts. The specialist will make sure that any issues related to pests will be solved. Before hiring, check if the service provider is insured, licensed and experienced in the field. In this way if they make a mistake you will be compensated. Compare the prices of different water damage restoration services.

Get the right equipment

If you are doing it solo, be sure you have the proper tools. They will help you deal with the water more effectively. Using simply towels, cloths and buckets will bring you nowhere. These are helpful to remove the water, but they will not prevent the pests’ evolvement. Get products that are particularly designed to kill mould and mildew. Speed up the drying process with fans or heaters directed towards the damaged area.

Disinfect

After everything is dried, you should perform a thorough domestic cleaning. Pay special attention to the areas that were affected by the water.

Dispose wisely

When cleaning your home, you might stumble on items that are severely damaged. Don’t just throw them in the dumpster. You can sort them and bring them to a recycling centre.

Additional prevention

If you need to make home improvements or repair, here are few things you should consider: if you are repainting the walls at your home, use a mould-stopping paint. Inspect your home regularly for pests and potential sources of water damage. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier.


Article provided by: Spring Cleaning Company Kentish Town
Photo by Art of Clean: read article here




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