When you have experienced water damage to your property, you’ll want to take action to get your house back into shape. Fortunately, you’ll find that there are many steps you can take to clean up the mess, restore your property and prevent further damages. This article will walk you through a few of the key steps that can help you to quickly and effectively restore your home.
Class One
If your home has suffered water damage, it is important to know the type of water that caused the loss. This will help you mitigate the damage and keep your property safe and healthy.
The IICRC has developed a classification system that will help you determine what type of water damage your property has suffered. Water losses can be categorized into three categories based on the amount of contamination in the water. Depending on the nature of the water, it can have a significant impact on the restoration process.
One of the most common types of water damage is Class One. This includes minimal water leakage, such as an overflowed toilet in a tile floor. It may also include a burst hot water tank on a sealed concrete floor.
Another category of water damage is Category Two. This is usually found in areas where the water has come from sources with significant contamination. Examples include a broken pipe or a seepage into a gypsum board wall.
These types of water losses can become more serious if the damaged area has not been treated for two days. To remove the water, you will need special water damage restoration equipment.
Class Four water damage is the worst of the bunch. It involves highly porous surfaces, such as drywall or carpets, and water that has become trapped in confined spaces.
Remove wet and damaged materials
One of the best things you can do after a flood is to remove wet and damaged materials from the scene. This will help prevent any further damage.
There are many ways to do this. You can choose to take on the task yourself or hire a professional service provider. The first step is to assess the situation. Once you know the extent of the damage, you can decide how you will proceed.
The most obvious solution is to move out of the affected area. If possible, relocate your staff to a separate work space. Also, make sure that you take measures to block access to the impacted area.
A good way to do this is to place a barrier around the soaked area. For instance, if you have carpeting, you might want to remove a few pieces of it and replace it with a non-water resistant material.
For larger amounts of water, you might need to remove some drywall. In this case, you might be able to cut the drywall with a utility knife.
It’s also possible to freeze the wet materials, which can prevent mold growth from taking hold. But keep in mind that this will involve a lot of space and effort.
Check for mold
When you have water damage in your home, it is important to look for mold. Mold can be a serious health hazard. It can cause a variety of symptoms, including allergic reactions, asthma, and congestion. In addition, it can produce a pungent, earthy odor.
There are several ways to test for mold. One way is with a simple diluted bleach solution. Another is to check the air in your room for spore counts. These tests are not very reliable, however.
A certified professional can do the right testing for you. They can tell you what types of fungi are in your home and how to remove them. You can get these services from a professional affiliated with the National Environmental Health Association, the American Council for Accredited Certification, or the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.
Before you call a company to help you with your water damage restoration Denver, you should be sure to make a list of any damaged items. Make notes of the type of materials and the extent of the damage. Don’t throw these away until you have seen a representative from your insurance company.
It’s also a good idea to take photos and videos of the damage. While you may not be able to replace all of the building materials, you can make temporary repairs to keep the area from getting damp again.