Water damage is one of the biggest nightmares of every homeowner. If your house has suffered from water damage because of a leaking pipe, flood, faulty ceiling, or any other reason, it can become much more dangerous if you don’t act strategically. If your house is flooded with water for too long, it will damage the structure of your house. Mold will begin to form, leading to health problems, and the floor, furniture, and appliances will get damaged. Thus, it will put your and your family’s life at risk.

If you live in an area where natural disasters like flooding are very common, like Sarasota, you must have a strategic plan to revive your home from water damage. Restoring and recovering your house after water damage is not only related to decorating it once again; you need to do a deep dive and make sure that there are no structural damages. Otherwise, it can turn into much more dangerous and more costly problems later on.

So here are five steps to restoration and recovery after your house has faced water damage.

Hire Professionals:

In the journey of reviving your home after water damage, hiring professionals play a pivotal role. The expertise and experience of these specialists are indispensable in the restoration and recovery process. Water damage restoration experts possess the necessary skills and equipment to efficiently assess the extent of damage and implement effective recovery strategies. They are adept at handling various aspects of water damage, from initial water removal to repairing affected structures and preventing mold growth. Their thorough approach ensures not just the restoration of your home’s aesthetic appeal but also its safety and structural integrity. 

By hiring experts from a reputable Sarasota water damage restoration company, you benefit from their knowledge of the latest restoration techniques and their ability to identify and address hidden issues like moisture in walls or under floors. This comprehensive care is crucial for a complete recovery, making your home safe and comfortable once again. Engaging professional services for water damage restoration is a wise investment in the long-term health and resilience of your home.

Get Rid of Standing Water to Prevent Further Damage

Removing standing water is paramount to prevent further damage to your home. It’s a race against time, as prolonged exposure to water can lead to more severe structural issues and promote mold growth, which poses health risks. Quick action to eliminate this water is essential in safeguarding your home’s integrity. Employing effective water extraction methods and tools can minimize the damage, setting a solid foundation for the subsequent restoration process. This step is not just about damage control; it’s about preserving your home’s future health and ensuring a safe, dry environment for the restoration efforts to follow.

Clean Up the Debris and Thoroughly Assess the Damages Incurred

If there was water overflowing from a toilet, sewage water, or flood water in your house, either way, you need to properly clean up the mess the dirty water has left behind. After the water is extracted, deeply clean, disinfect, and sanitize the place. 

A flood or water due to heavy rain brings a lot of debris with it. The water will bring tree branches, leaves, sediments, and even garbage into your house. Such debris also damages furniture, rugs, carpets, and drapes. So after cleaning the debris from everywhere and everything in the house, see which items are salvageable. If there are such things that are luckily still salvageable, make sure to keep them in a dry room separately, or if you can store them away from the house till everything settles, that is even better.

After cleaning the clutter and debris, you will be able to see how much damage your house has incurred. Thoroughly check the floors, walls, and plumbing systems for possible damage. This way, you will get a clear picture of how many things are damaged and how much time and money it will require to fix these damages.

Carefully Analyze the Electricity Outlets and HVAC Systems

If the water level was too high, it might have gotten into electricity outlets, switches, appliances, and fixtures. And it goes without saying how dangerous this situation can turn out to be. So hire an electrician to carefully inspect all electricity outlets and appliances and fix any damages. Do not turn on your house’s main power without making sure there are no problems with any electricity outlet.

Similarly, there is a high chance that water may have gone into the heat registers and ducts of your HVAC system, so get it examined by an HVAC expert as well.

Start Repairing the House with Smarter Choices This Time

Now that the damage has been done, it is time to start the repair process. This time, make smart choices. First of all, check for any structural damages to the walls, foundation, and support, and use the highest quality products and services to get these things repaired.

Next up, replace the flooring. It is a no-brainer that the floor would have incurred the most damage, so it is necessary to replace it. Choose water-resistant flooring, like vinyl or tile. Make sure the installation process is top quality to avoid any future problems. After ensuring the ceiling and walls are fully dry, repaint them with mold-resistant paint. Replace any and every damaged wooden cabinet or door. Wood is an excellent retainer of moisture, so once it has contacted water for a very long time, it will show signs of rot sooner or later.

Repair damaged windows and install new insulators. It is also the right time to focus on the landscaping of your house to help prevent flooding in the future. 

Conclusion

If your house was damaged by water due to a leak or flood, it can be challenging to revive your house after that damage. Restoring your house to its pre-damaged condition requires a thorough inspection and strategic planning. If you don’t thoroughly inspect the structural, electrical, and plumbing damages, they can turn into much bigger and more dangerous problems later on.