How To Tackle Water Damage

Witnessing damage to one’s beloved home is distressing in all scenarios. No matter how many warnings are issued by the government for an incoming storm or the plumber was already called in for a repair, nothing prepares anyone for the heartbreak felt by experiencing water damage. In all that chaos, it is difficult to comprehend what to do next to tackle it. Below is a rundown on taking care of water damage Atlanta GA.

Causes of water damage

When water damage strikes, the problem is not limited to just water, but it brings a whole package of concerns with it. Water damage can be the result of various situations. It could be an aftereffect of a flood, hurricanes, tornadoes, or storms. Another prominent cause of water damage is through frozen or leaky pipes or appliances. At times, water damage may not be the first sign of damage. It could be preceded by mold damage hinting to more severe trouble hiding in plain sight requiring attention. Professionals are exposed to these situations daily. Hence, they can recognize the cause and problem more quickly than the residents themselves. Therefore, it is advisable to seek professional intervention at the first sign of water damage or mold damage.

What action to take for water damage?

The first and foremost step to combat water damage is to stop the source of water. The early and faster response is the key. The challenge with water damage is that once the water starts to spread, it generates new complications. There may be residual problems still thriving that could worsen the situation.

Step 1. Seek professional help

Contacting a professional team to take care of the issue at the earliest can drastically speed up the recovery process. Many restoration service providers are offering 24/7 service for water damage Atlanta GA.

Step 2. Contact insurance provider

Reaching out to insurance service providers is crucial. Depending on the coverage one opted for, the homeowners’ insurance will differ. The insurance provider will dispatch an adjuster to inspect and assess the damage to decide whether it is a covered loss. Many insurance providers do not cover flood damage. However, it is subjected to their terms and conditions and must be checked before buying the policy.

Step 3. Take safety measures

Basic personal safety measures should be taken care of meanwhile the restoration teams reach the damaged property. Primary steps like turning off the electricity, wearing protective gloves, and securing the valuables are some of the eminent measures that one should take care of even before any other damage repair is done. However, these measures should be taken with a pinch of salt. If turning off power requires exposing oneself to water, it is best to leave it as is. Instead, seek safe grounds till an electrician reaches to take the necessary steps. Another need is to protect one’s family members from coming in contact with the water as it is home to many bacteria and viruses that may cause infections.

Step 4. Start the restoration

Once the restoration teams arrive, they start with their job aggressively. As part of the water damage restoration, they take care of drying out the water, dehumidifying the property, and salvaging as much as possible. The restoration teams use air movers and dehumidifiers to remove as much moisture as possible. If left untreated, the water may further develop into mold and mildew, causing further complications. If required, the restoration also proposes repairs and reconstruction to extend their services that could have resulted from the primary cause of water damage.

Step 5. Disinfect the property

Though restoration has been taken care of, disinfection is still significantly crucial as pathogens may still manifest in the items that were exposed to the infested water.

Conclusion

Once all the steps are performed, it is safe for the homeowners to move back into the property. However, for the next six months, special attention should be paid to the state of the house just in case any unattended damage resurfaces. Professional restoration service providers have the best interest of their clients and deliver commendable service. Yet, being aware of the steps to look forward to can give the homeowners the right direction to reach out to appropriate service providers and negotiate their needs.