How to Handle Water Damage

Flood damage in your home can stem from a variety of places. Wherever it comes from, it can result in severe problems for the structure and fixtures inside. Floors, walls and other surfaces are prone to harboring mold and mildew if untreated after flood damage. Our specialists at Paul Davis are the ones to call when your home or business experiences water damage.

Getting Ready for the Experts

Before a Paul Davis technician arrives, there are a few easy steps you can do to make the process speed up. From the floors, walls, ceiling, and your favorite possessions, it's crucial to work quickly to prevent water damage in your home. The first step to take is to evaluate the safety of your home. We all know that water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so inspect the area for electrical hazards nearby before you start cleanup. Even if they appear safe, stay away from items like TVs, toasters or other household appliances. We suggest shutting off all breakers and circuits to ensure total safety.

Saving Items and your Home

A severe flood in your home can leave all your possessions damaged. As soon as your house is safe to enter, move all your possessions. Level, flat areas are ideal for airing out books, magazines and other paper materials. Do not forget light fixtures and other tabletop things either. The big work begins when you've removed magazines and other small items. Move air throughout your house with fans or air conditioning to dry the floors, walls and other surfaces. Leave the larger messes for the pros, but you can wipe or mop smaller messes. Though you may want to try, you should never use a standard home vacuum cleaner to remove water. This can damage the appliance or endanger you if incorrectly handled. When you're ready to move furniture, stack seating like sofas onto wooden or cement blocks to elevate them away from the wet areas. Water adds weight to surfaces, carpets, and fabrics. This extra weight makes fur, rugs and leather goods difficult to move. This means when you need to move a rug, proceed with caution. Hang draperies, clothing and other fabrics away from the affected area to dry correctly. Keep in mind that water damage can affect such items permanently, so you might not be able to save them. Your house's framework and floors aren't impervious to water weight either. Because of this, stay away from sagging ceilings or warped floors. Areas like these have likely absorbed the most water and could crumble around you.

Paul Davis Restoration

Professionals from Paul Davis are experienced with flooding. But with a some assistance from homeowners, we can begin working immediately. We work hard to get your property back to normal safely and quickly. Our experts are experienced and have worked with severe, moderate and small amounts of water damage in all types of residential and business spaces. Additionally, Paul Davis will work with your insurance company to settle your claims quickly, so you can get life back to normal.