5 Crucial Steps in the Water Damage Cleanup Process by SERVPRO in St Augustine / St Augustine Beach (904) 429-4457

7/7/2020 (Permalink)

Proper Water Damage Restoration can save you more headache and money in the long run! Make sure it gets done right the first time! Call (904) 429-4457

Flooded homes create many headaches for homeowners, from the expensive damage that occurs to the likelihood of mold growth and bacteria incubation afterward. To restore your home to its previous state and ensure there’s no lasting water damage, it’s vital to hire professionals who are experienced in assessing and repairing flooded properties. While every restoration job is different, below is a brief guide to the essential steps of the process.

5 Steps in the Water Damage Cleanup Process

1. Inspection

First, experts will look over your entire house and determine the extent of the damage, what needs to be done to fix it, and how long the process will take. They’ll provide you with an estimate that includes the price and timeframe, allowing you to plan accordingly. You should have experts come out to make this assessment as quickly as possible.

2. Water Removal

The most immediate need is getting the standing water out of your home. Specialized vacuums are the primary tool experts use for this; they’ll suck the water away and pump it outside, leaving your home ready for cleanup.

3. House Drying

Even once the standing water is gone, many of the surfaces will remain waterlogged. To facilitate drying, experts will circulate air using specialized fans, often removing carpeting, furniture, and sections of the wall to let the air reach in. This process may take several weeks, depending on the severity of the damage.

4. Sterilization

To make sure your home is still habitable, it needs to be sterilized. This will help prevent mold growth and the spread of bacteria. The removal team will treat the carpet and other soft materials with antimicrobial products.  Any possessions that had contact with the water are potentially infected and will need to be cleaned. If mold has penetrated deep into the fibers of some soft materials — such as couches and rugs — they might need to be replaced entirely.

5. Repairs

Finally, a contractor can start to deal with any parts of your home that were damaged. They’ll typically need to replace drywall and hardwood flooring, both of which often swell and warp after contact with water.

If you’ve been the victim of water damage and are searching for a team of experts to assist with water damage restoration, the professionals at SERVPRO of Greater St. Augustine/St. Augustine Beach can help. With more than 50 years of experience, they serve clients throughout St. Johns County, FL, by assisting with storm damage restoration, fire damage repair, and other services to repair properties after emergencies. Call (904) 429-4457 today to schedule an inspection or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.