Flooding is one of the most devastating things that can happen to your property. Not only does the initial flooding disrupt your productivity and day-to-day life, but it also often leaves behind damage in several areas. Flooding must be dealt with immediately. Water needs to be extracted, and areas need to be thoroughly cleaned and dried to prevent the situation from worsening.
Even small amounts of water can lead to extensive damage. Mold can start growing as soon as 24 hours of flooding. Once it’s there, it can spread onto more surfaces and lead to unhealthy indoor conditions. If the source of the flooding is coming from within your home or office, it’s important to stop it first. Whether it’s a burst pipe or a backed-up drain line, addressing the cause of the flooding will go a long way in preventing more damage.
If your property has suffered water damage, there are three areas you may need flood restoration services for. This blog will cover each area, and what types of damage flooding can cause.
Flood Damage Repair Areas
Floors and Carpets
Whether you have hardwood floors or carpets, water can seep deep into your flooring and reach the subfloor. Soaked carpets may need to be immediately replaced to prevent mold growth. This is especially true if the source of water is contaminated. For example, if a broken sewer line leads to a sewage leak in your property, the situation is dangerous for your health and safety. It’s more practical to just replace the carpet in that situation, as it is unlikely to make it through the disinfection process. In almost all cases of carpet flooding, the padding must also be removed and replaced.
Wooden planks can buckle, gap, split, cup, or spur mold growth—all of which could mean you’ll need to replace your vinyl or hardwood flooring. It could be as easy as replacing one section of the flooring. However, if the damage is severe and the water is contaminated, you may be looking at a larger flood restoration project.
Walls
Flooding can come from sources within your walls, leading to rot, mold, and a deteriorating structure. The materials used in drywall can act as a sponge when wet, soaking up flood waters. If not addressed promptly, the water will weaken the structural integrity walls and could become a major safety hazard for people on your property.
Getting walls dried isn’t as simple as cleaning up the water and patting walls dry. If the water source is clean, you may need to cut a 4- to 12-inch portion from your walls to expedite the drying process and prevent further damage. Additionally, if insulation came into contact with water or has visible mold on it, you’ll likely need to replace it. Plaster that’s come in contact with water usually doesn’t need to be replaced, but it will likely take a long time to dry.
Furniture
Wood materials in furniture are susceptible to flood damage. When your furniture gets soaked, you may be tempted to take it outside to dry out. However, the sun can contribute to warping or cracking wood materials. In other words, you might end up doing more damage than good.
If possible, try to dry wood furniture inside. Use a series of fans to help circulate air around and within your wet wooden furniture. Ensure the furniture is in a well-ventilated area to allow it to dry out properly. Be patient with the drying process, as it can take weeks to months for some pieces to fully dry.
What Damage Can a Flood Cause
The extent of damage a flood can cause depends on the amount of water in your property, the length of time your property was flooded, and how quickly you contact a professional flood damage repair company.
Water can reach several parts of your home and damage several items beyond walls, furniture, and flooring. Personal items and valuables can be ruined, especially if they are made of porous materials. Some appliances may not work after a flood, which means they’ll need to be replaced.
In cases of severe flooding, you may have to vacate your home until the water and damage are removed. Flood waters can be contaminated, depending on the source. It’s sometimes safer to just leave your property temporarily. Rest assured, if you contact the right flood restoration company, they’ll prioritize getting you back into your property as quickly and safely as possible.
Emergency Flood Damage Repair Services
Whether it was an internal plumbing issue or a natural disaster that flooded your property, you can’t waste a moment addressing it. Water damage can worsen the longer it’s left untreated, resulting in more costly renovations. Before flood damage disrupts your productivity or home life, contact us for professional flood damage restoration services.
Same Day Restoration offers 24/7 emergency flood restoration services in San Diego, Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, & San Bernardino County, CA. Call us at (886) 302-0274 to have the flood damage removed and your property restored to its former glory.
