Flood Damage Dilemmas

If you've ever experienced any type of flooding you know what a nightmare it can be. Even a small flood like a leaking washing machine or bathtub can cause significant damage and a whole lot of mess. But what happens when the flooding is more severe? There is a definite protocol that needs to be followedin order to get your propertyback to its normal condition.

Wait Until The Coast Is Clear

You should never go back to your home or commercial property until the source of the flooding has passed or has been taken care of. If the flooding occurred due to adverse weather conditions, it is recommended that you wait until emergency services have given the all-clear. Flood waters are usually pretty filthy and harbor all sorts of bacteria and parasites. As much as you want to get back to your building, it is safer to wait.

Clean Up And Damage Control

The clean-up process after a flooding can be quite daunting. Some things can be salvaged and re-used after they've been cleaned and dried out, but for other items, you may be faced with the heartbreaking decision of whether or not to throw them out. As an example, the kitchen, carpets and much of your furniture are very rarely re-usable after sitting in floodwater. This is due to the contaminants in the water that can cause illness and mold development. It is therefore generally best to throw these items out. Drywall is another aspect that will probably need to be removed, as the integrity of the panels will most likely be completelydestroyed.

Cleaning, Disinfecting And Drying

Once all the flood affected items have been removed, it's time to give the structure a good scrubbing. All the dirt and debris will need to be removed and all the water cleared out. Then it will be necessary to decontaminate the walls and the floors with industrial strength disinfectants and detergents. The most important aspect here is to make sure the building has completely dried before any restoration work can begin. Otherwise, you will never be able to get rid of the mold. The best way to ensure your structure has thoroughly dried is with the use of an industrial high-powered fans. Once your property has been given the all clear and has been deemed inhabitable again, you can start the process of restoring the interior walls and floors and making sure no mold or mildew starts to develop. Our experts at Drywall Repair & Remodeling Los Angeles will be happy to help you clear the water out and deal with the extent of the damage.