The Risks



In order to better understand how to restore a home that went through flood damage, one must first be aware of the risks involved. After, a flood, there's just too much unwanted water all around.

This includes water in the air (vapor form), which promotes the growth of molds and mildew, which may in turn lead to immune diseases, pathogenic disorders, and various allergic reactions.

Floodwaters may also contain viruses and bacteria or chemicals that can be dangerous to humans.

Too much water can also lead to structural instability. This doesn't even include the structural damage the flood itself might have already caused.

The more common structural damages are the weakening of concrete; warping, swelling, and eventual rotting of wood; twisting and tilting of support columns; and bulging ceilings, floors and walls.

Flood damage can also be manifested in household possessions. Mud and silt can be all over possessions and valuables. Paint and wall coverings may peel off. Textiles and furnishings might be stained. Paper products might be rendered too delicate to handle.

Flood Damage Solutions: Safety Measures

After pointing out the risks, we can now discuss how we can eradicate or bring the risks due to flood damage down to a manageable minimum.

Top priority should go to ensuring the safety of the environment. It would be foolhardy to get into a house that has just been damaged by a flood.

Before doing any salvaging, make sure that the house is structurally stable. Sagging ceilings, standing waters, or collapsing walls are sure signs of a very unstable house. Unless this has been dealt with, tasks to be done inside have to be postponed.

All power sources should be turned off. Needless to say, the main switch should be turned off first. This should eliminate the possibility of anybody getting an electrical shock. This will also eliminate the risk of a fire due to a short circuit.

Water sources must likewise be turned off. This is to prevent accidental use of water for cooking, washing or drinking since these sources might be contaminated.

Reptiles and rodents might have been carried by the floodwaters. One must therefore be wary of their possible presence in the water.

As an additional precautionary measure, wearing of gloves, head gear, goggles and boots are necessary.

Flood Damage Solutions

After carrying out the safety measures, one can then proceed with the restoration proper. First and foremost, the quantity of water should be brought down drastically. This should require the diversion of water from one's property.

When the water level finally recedes to a workable level, mud and debris should be removed. This might require the use of shovels and a pressurized hose.

Damaged wall coverings must be removed to allow the interior to dry. Repairs will have to wait until the building is completely dry.

Paper products should be handled with care and dried using various drying techniques such as air drying, dehumidification, or vacuum freeze drying.

Walls and floors should be cleaned, dried and then disinfected using block salt, or more preferably, bleach solution.