Have you ever been stuck in water up to your ankles at home, desperately trying to save what you can while the carpet squishes under your feet?
Water damage is every homeowner's worst nightmare, but the chaos that follows can make people make hasty choices and common mistakes that can be avoided during the restoration process.
Let's go over the dos and don'ts of fixing water damage. This will help you feel a little more confident if you ever find yourself in a wet situation.
Not Having A Plan Before Rushing Into Cleanup
The strange thing is, that most people's first thought is to go straight into cleaning mode. Although it is important to act quickly, starting without a well-thought-out plan can cause more harm and mistakes.
The problem is this:
- Putting off safety measures: Electrical threats and contaminated water are real dangers.
- Missing secret moisture: Water can get into cracks and crevices and cause mold to grow.
Water Damage Not Considered Enough
Further, water is without a doubt a powerful force. Therefore, not recognizing how bad it is can cause problems in the future.
Here are some major mistakes:
- Not fixing damage to the structure: Water weakens the structure. Always evaluate and deal with.
- Forgetting about the long-term effects: Mold and rot grow in wet places. Aside from drying, it's also important to make sure it's done completely.
Putting Off The Answer
The worst thing you can do is delay fixing water damage. This is why:
- After being wet for 24 to 48 hours, mold can start to grow.
- It's dangerous to wait because secondary damage gets worse over time.
Using Do-It-Yourself Over Hiring
Kudos for the can-do attitude but know when you're out of your depth. Water damage is complex, and while small patches might be manageable, overwhelming repairs often necessitate professional intervention.
There's no shame in calling for backup rather than bungling the job. This is what usually happens when you try to do it yourself:
- Professional dryers and dehumidifiers are made for business use. Unfortunately, your home fan isn't strong enough.
- They know where to look for signs of water damage that you might be missing.
And naturally, we're talking costs. Panic often leads to throwing money at the quickest solution, not necessarily the correct or most cost-effective one.
Hence, budget considerations shouldn't be tossed aside. It's about the smart allocation of your hard-earned dollars.
Not Calling Insurance Right Away
Also, it is interesting that a lot of people wait too long to call their insurance business. This can make it harder to file claims and get paid.
However, there are some important steps to follow:
- Keep track of everything: When you make a claim, photos and thorough notes are your best friends.
- Understand your policy: Know what is covered and do what it says.
Picking the Wrong Repair Service
A lot of the time, people are in a hurry to hire a repair service without doing enough research first. This hurry can cause bad service and problems that aren't fixed.
Here's how to pick wisely:
- Look for businesses that have a good reputation and good reviews.
- Choose pros who are certified and know a lot about Water Damage Restoration Services in Acworth, GA.
Forgetting Why the Water Damage Happened
Even though some people clean up the mess, they forget to fix the problem that caused the water damage, which means the problem will happen again.
- Find the main cause: Whatever the problem is—a roof that's leaking or a pipe that has burst—find it and fix it.
- Regular checks: You won't be caught by surprise. For example, regular home care can keep you from having a lot of water damage.
Not Taking Care of Mold Removal
Last but not least, getting rid of mold is often an afterthought, even though it should be a top concern. Mold is bad for your health and can damage your house.
Key things to think about are:
- To find hidden mold, you need to get a professional review.
- Bleach is not the right tool for this job; a professional needs to help.
Wrap Up
Therefore, bringing out fans and dehumidifiers is an excellent idea, but don't expect a quick fix. It's a process – a thorough one. When it comes to drying out your home, it's not just about removing visible moisture; moisture can be found in walls, floors, and even the air.
Being alert and well-informed about Water Damage Restoration Atlanta goes a long way toward handling the fallout quickly and effectively.
So, don't just focus on cleaning up the mess you've already made, but also on protecting your home against future intruders.
To get through the confusing process of fixing water damage, take a deep breath, make a plan, and rely on the help of pros.
