Water damage in your home can be a nightmare, and the consequences can be devastating, whether from a burst pipe, a leaking roof, or a flooded basement. It can compromise the structural integrity of your home and even lead to mold growth and other health hazards.
If it does happen to you, know that you’re not alone. According to data by Allstate, water damage is the leading cause of property damage in Canada, costing approximately $2 billion annually. Here are the first steps (keeping safety in mind) you should take if you face water damage in your home.
Assess the Situation
The first step when dealing with water damage is to assess the extent of the damage. Determine where the water comes from and whether entering the affected areas is safe. If the water damage is extensive or there is a risk of electrical hazards, it's best to turn off power to the area, evacuate the premises and call a professional restoration company.
Stop the Water Source
If the water damage is caused by a burst pipe or a leaking appliance, turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further flooding. If you're unable to locate the source of the water or if the damage is caused by external factors such as heavy rain, focus on evacuating the water and protecting your belongings.
Document the Damage
Before cleaning up, take photos or videos of the water damage for insurance. Documenting the extent of the damage will help support your claim and ensure that you receive proper compensation for repairs and renovations.
Remove Wet Items
Once you've stopped the water source, and have a record of the damage, your next step is to remove any wet items from the affected areas as quickly as possible. Some items may be salvageable if dried promptly, but others, like soaked carpets, should be discarded to prevent further damage and mold growth. However, leave large appliances in place and seek advice from an electrician before attempting to use them again.
Remove Standing Water
Once it's safe, begin removing standing water from your home. Soak the water with a wet vacuum, buckets, or towels. If the damage is extensive, definitely call a water damage restoration company. If you’re not sure who to call, contact a renovation contractor like 1364 Services. Most construction and renovation contractors will be familiar with local vendors and be able to make a recommendation.
Call Your Insurance Company
Putting in an insurance claim for water damage might not be the first thing on your mind when you’ve got a foot of liquid in your home. But once things are stabilized and you’ve documented the damage, you should contact your home insurance company as soon as possible. Have your policy handy when you contact the insurance company and make your claim. Your insurance company can also make contractor recommendations for mold remediation specialists or water damage repair professionals in your area since they are used to handling such cases.
Dry Out Affected Areas
Now you’re ready to start the drying process to prevent mold growth and further damage. Open windows and doors to promote air circulation, and use fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process. If the weather permits, you can also use natural ventilation to help dry out your home. You may have to pull up floors that absorb water such as vinyl flooring, so the sub-floor can dry. A restoration company will be able to help here with special equipment aimed at removing water from surfaces and floors.
Inspect for Mold and Mildew
Even after drying out the affected areas, hidden moisture pockets may still exist where mold and mildew thrive. Inspect your home carefully for signs of mold growth, including musty odors, discolored walls or ceilings, and visible mold growth. If you discover mold, it's essential to address it promptly to prevent it from spreading and causing health problems. You can use a bleach mixture or other mold preventative solution. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using commercial products.
Repair and Renovate
Once your home is dry and mold-free, you can start to repair and renovate the damaged areas. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace your home's drywall, insulation, flooring, or even structural components. If that’s the case, you’ll want to hire a professional home renovation contractor with experience in water damage restoration to ensure the repairs are done correctly and to code. Here’s a bonus: if you don’t want to simply replace the damaged pieces with the identical items, now might be a good time to consider a design renovation, rather than simply a repair job.
Prevent Future Water Damage
After dealing with water damage in your home, take steps to prevent it from happening again. You can do this by regularly inspecting your plumbing, roof, and appliances for signs of leaks or damage and addressing any issues promptly. If it’s appropriate, consider installing a sump pump to protect your home from flooding during heavy rainstorms. A back-up generator is also a great idea in case of power outages.
Conclusion
Dealing with water damage in your home can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can minimize the damage and restore or even renovate your home. You can confidently navigate the restoration by assessing the situation, stopping the water source, documenting the damage, removing standing water, drying out the affected areas, inspecting for mold, repairing and renovating, and preventing future water damage. Remember, if the damage is extensive or you are unsure how to proceed, don't hesitate to call us for advice or assistance at 604-690-1364.
