Saving a Flooded Home
1/22/2020 (Permalink)
Can a flooded home be saved?
One of the most damaging and devastating things you can ever experience as a homeowner is a flood. A flood can cause lasting damage and how much damage determines if the home and contents are salvageable. No matter what caused the flood, taking care of the problem earlier will make clean-up and repair easier.
The first step in any major home disaster is to remain safe. You may need to leave your home and return when the home and surrounding area is clear of any hazards. Make sure the electricity and gas has been turned off before entering a flooded home. Flood water can be contaminated and protective clothing such as rubber boots and gloves should be worn to protect yourself from any contaminants.
If you have flood insurance, call your insurance agent to file a claim and report the damage as soon as possible. While you are waiting on an adjuster and it is safe, organize all important information you may need. Taking photos or videos will help when filing a claim. The aftermath of a house flood can typically take the longest amount of time and providing your adjuster with as much information up front can save time and money on processing your claim.
Every flooded part of your home will need to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. This will include walls, floors, contents and areas where food preparation takes place. Our SERVPRO team of Professionals are trained in structure and content water mitigation. Water extraction, drying of ceilings, walls and floors are a service we offer using our truck mounted extraction unit or our portable extraction unit. Our professionals are equipped with drying equipment that includes air movers, dehumidifiers and desiccants. Each piece of equipment plays an important role in drying out your home. Failure to completely clean up your home after a house flood can lead to severe and costly damage
Once the flood water has exceeded our team will determine what is salvageable and haul off any debris Mold can begin developing within the first 24 hours after a flood, and once it has started growing it can be difficult to fully remove. Due to the quick growth of Mold, removal of flooring, drywall and insulation may need to be performed. These procedures are all a way of returning your home back into a safe and non-contaminated environment. SERVPRO offers upholstery cleaning for your furniture as well as laundry and dry-cleaning service.
Our goal is to restore your home and get you back in as quickly as possible. Call your local SERVPRO if you have experienced a flood from any source, including storm, sewage, appliance leak or frozen pipes. SERVPRO works with all types of insurance carriers and provides inspection and estimates regarding your damage. We are a 24/7 service and in ensuring customer satisfaction we will be with you each step of mitigation and restoration answering all questions and meeting your expectations.