Water damage comes in almost any size and shape. Whether you are dealing with a damp paperback or a flood submerged home, speed is what is needed. Every hour spent wondering what to do is an hour that could cost you money.
If flood waters are still submerging your home, there is little you can do except talk with your agent. Planning what you might be able to do once you do get access is helpful.
Start by shoveling any mud that you can move. Every bit of debris that is not in the way when the professionals arrive means they work on what is important. If help is a long time in coming, then this is even more important. Remove what you able to.
If you have had an overflow of a tub or sink and debris is not an issue, then speed is again your best choice. Getting the standing water removed can be as easy as tossing every towel in the house on the floor and then wringing them out in the spin cycle of the washer. Or, if you have a shop vacuum then put it to work getting the water off the floor as fast as possible. The quicker you remove the water the greater the chance you can save the floor or surface involved.
Once the water is removed you have to determine what level of restoration is needed. If the floor was wet for a few minutes then a fan may very well dry out the mess entirely. If the flood waters were there for days then the pros will have to do the work.
If the damage is greater than a soaked paperback or single item and involves structures such as furniture or your home, then read your home owners policy and talk with your agent. If you are not a demolition expert or a remodeling specialist, then a licensed, bonded and insured restoration professional may be your best bet. But read your policy carefully. It may well cover many of your costs.
If the only water damage you are dealing with is a soaked paperback, then just start up the fan and begin putting paper towels between the pages. Be sure you keep the air circulating but not flapping the pages. Just a breeze will do the job. Once it has dried, press it flat with other books or bricks. Use whatever is handy and heavy. Just be sure to place something between the book and the weight that is smooth and will not stick. A cutting board should do.
Getting to the water damage as quickly as you can is the first step toward saving as much as possible. Extracting or drying as fast as you can is next if you can. If the damage is more than a few gallons you may need profession help. Using a professional when the damage is beyond your own skill can save your valuables when you cannot. The Better Business Bureau will give you information on companies you are considering.
If you are looking for the most professional water damage Miami experts available today, you will find them easily! Get rid of water for your flooded basement Chicago specialists can provide.
Tags: home improvement, home repairs, water damage