A home is always built to last to protect its inhabitants until the time comes when it isn't. Many things can damage a home, but one of the more devastating examples is water, especially in big amounts. After all, water flows throughout a home's pipe and drainage system, meaning it will always spread if something goes wrong.
Water damage is a serious thing. It can do a lot of damage, including ruining parts of the house, ruining personal belongings, and causing mold and mildew. It can also render a home uninhabitable, which would mean the homeowner would have to find another place to live until the issue is fixed, which can be a massive headache. To add insult to injury, repairs for water damage can be pretty expensive.
The good news is that there are many ways for you to save your home from water damage. We've listed some of these measures in this article, so read on below to get started.
#1 - Get the Water Out of the Source
When water enters a house, it's usually the roof that is to blame. Debris can enter the roof, like leaves, branches, and twigs, which can cause water to leak into the interior of the home. The first thing you need to do is make sure that there's no way for water to enter the house. A leak-free home is impossible to achieve if you don't have a roof that can keep water out.
You should also pay attention to vent pipes because they must be clear. If they're blocked by debris or leaves, water will be pushed into the walls, which is undoubtedly something you want to avoid.
#2 - Evaluate the Damage Done by the Moisture
Once you get rid of the water that's entered your house, you'll want to get out of the way as much moisture as you can. You don't want mold to grow because it'll only worsen the situation. If you're going to save yourself the trouble, you must get rid of the excess water as soon as possible. You can do that by using a dehumidifier, which can be bought for as low as $50.
#3 - Hire a Professional Mold Inspector
You should also hire a professional mold inspector if possible. Mold is dangerous, so you don't want to mess around with it. Mold spores can cause serious illnesses, like asthma. A professional inspector will be able to look for contaminated areas of the home, allowing you to address the problem with all the necessary precautions.
Additionally, you may have some electrical components on your home that have been damaged. You'll need an electrical professional to check those out to ensure that electricity works properly in your home.
#4 - Dry Out the Water-Damaged Areas
You'll want to work quickly to dry out the water-damaged areas of your home. To do this, you'll want to follow the instructions on the dehumidifier, which will involve emptying the machine frequently. If you want to avoid emptying the device manually, you can use a central vacuum system, which is an excellent investment if you have a large home.
#5 - Fix Areas That Need Attention
Some areas will need to be repaired to prevent further water damage. You'll want to dry out the floor, the walls, and the ceiling before repairing those areas. The walls and the ceiling should be repaired at a minimum if you want your home to be water-free and mold-free. You can do that by using a drywall or plaster repair kit.
#6 - Work with a Professional Restoration Company
If you aren't confident in your repair work, you should work with a professional restoration company. They'll have the tools and the experience to deal with a water-damaged home. They'll have a protocol they follow to be much easier for you.
Conclusion
Water damage is never good news. It's something you should always be on the lookout for, especially if you see water dripping from the ceiling of your home. You'll have to act fast if you notice it dripping because it could lead to further widespread water damage in your home. The soonest you see signs of water entering your home, act on it immediately.
Swift Restoration provides top-quality water damage restoration services in Miami, Florida. Our team of professionals will ensure that issues in your home will be addressed from the root cause, all for fair prices depending on what must be done. Reach out today to get a quote!