What To Do When Your House Floods

Whether you evacuate or stay in your house during a flood damage event, you may not be sure what to do about standing water. Primary and secondary damage will intensify the longer water lingers in a residence. Within a matter of days, building materials may begin to corrode or rot, and mold growth will become likely.

These five steps will walk you through the flood damage mitigation, cleanup, and restoration process starting with a call for house flooding help at the first indication of water damage.

1. Contact United Water Restoration Group

As soon as you see signs of flooding, call United Water Restoration Group. A certified technician will call you back to set up an appointment and connect you with nearby professionals who specialize in restoring flood damage. Floodwater is contaminated and may result in more severe property damage than other types of water damage. The extent of damage will depend on how many floors of a residence are inundated.

Flooding can be one of the most devastating events for a homeowner, with rapid water intrusion causing extensive damage to property and possessions. However, swift action can make a significant difference in mitigating the impact. At the earliest indication of flooding, it’s imperative to reach out to experts like the United Water Restoration Group.

Upon contacting them, you’ll be promptly connected with a certified technician who will discuss your situation and schedule an appointment. This immediate response ensures that you’re not left waiting during a crisis. The technician will then link you with local professionals who have specialized expertise in flood damage restoration.

It’s crucial to understand that floodwater is not just regular water. It often carries contaminants, ranging from sewage to chemicals, making it particularly hazardous. This contamination can exacerbate the damage to your property, making the restoration process more complex. Moreover, the level of damage escalates based on the extent of the flooding. For instance, if multiple floors of a residence are submerged, the restoration needs will be considerably more extensive than if only a single floor is affected.

 

2. Schedule a Water Damage Inspection

Our network of water damage restoration professionals includes specialists in your state, region, or province. Expect a call back as soon as possible and set up a time for inspection of flood damage. Specialists should arrive on-site within hours and assess the quantity of standing water, contamination level, and duration of damage to provide the most accurate estimate of cleanup costs possible. It may also be possible to provide preliminary estimates of costs for cleaning contents and tearing out and replacing ruined building materials.

Water damage, especially from flooding, can be both immediate and insidious, causing both visible and hidden harm to your property. To address this effectively, a thorough inspection is paramount. By scheduling a water damage inspection with our network, you’re taking the crucial first step towards restoring your property to its former state.

Our extensive network comprises water damage restoration professionals spread across various states, regions, and provinces, ensuring that wherever you are, expert help is within reach. Once you reach out, you can anticipate a prompt callback to discuss your situation and arrange an inspection time that suits you.

Time is of the essence when dealing with water damage. Our specialists are trained to respond swiftly, aiming to be on-site within hours of your call. Their primary objective during the inspection is to gauge the extent of the damage. This includes assessing the volume of standing water, determining the contamination level, and understanding the duration and depth of the damage. Such a comprehensive evaluation ensures that you receive the most accurate estimate for the cleanup costs.

Beyond just assessing the structural damage, our specialists also evaluate the contents of your property. They can provide preliminary estimates for cleaning personal belongings affected by the floodwaters. Additionally, they can offer insights into the costs associated with removing damaged building materials and replacing them.

3. Arrange for Flood Damage Mitigation

Flood damage mitigation is a critical step in the aftermath of any flooding event. The term “mitigation” encompasses a range of actions aimed at reducing the immediate and long-term impacts of flood damage. The goal is not just to address the visible aftermath but to prevent further deterioration that can have lasting consequences on a property.

The primary and most urgent mitigation measure is the removal of standing water. This action is paramount as stagnant water can rapidly escalate damage, leading to issues like mold growth, structural weakening, and contamination. Depending on the extent and location of the flooding, experts might employ various tools. For minor flooding, a commercial-grade wet vac might suffice. However, for more extensive inundation, especially in larger spaces or multiple levels of a home, more robust pumping systems may be necessary.

Basements, given their below-ground location, pose unique challenges. Pumping out water too quickly from a flooded basement can create an imbalance in pressure between the interior and exterior walls. This imbalance can jeopardize the structural integrity of the basement walls. Professionals, with their expertise, ensure that the water removal process is both swift and safe, preventing potential structural issues.

In essence, flood damage mitigation is a delicate balance between rapid response and careful execution. The expertise of professionals, honed through training and real-world experience, is indispensable during these crucial early stages of flood recovery. Their knowledge ensures that homes are not only cleared of immediate threats but are also safeguarded against potential future damages.

4. Have Your Home Cleaned and Disinfected

The aftermath of a flood is more than just visible water damage. Floodwaters often bring with them a host of contaminants, turning homes into potential health hazards. Restoration professionals categorize the impact of such floodwaters as Category Three water damage, the most severe classification, indicating high levels of contamination.

Given the nature of this contamination, it’s imperative to not only remove the water but also to thoroughly clean and disinfect affected areas. Hard surfaces, such as tiles, countertops, and concrete floors, will need rigorous treatment with disinfectants to eliminate any pathogens or harmful agents brought in by the floodwaters.

However, the challenge intensifies when dealing with porous materials. Items like carpets, upholstery, and certain types of wall materials can absorb and retain contaminants. In many cases, specialized treatments might salvage these items. But in severe situations, replacement might be the only safe option. It’s crucial to understand that the risk doesn’t end once the water is gone. The lingering moisture and contaminants can continue to cause damage, potentially leading to mold growth and further degradation of materials.

5. Rebuild and Restore After Flood Damage

The aftermath of a flood is a challenging period for homeowners. Once the immediate threat of water is addressed, the focus shifts to rebuilding and restoration. This phase is not just about repairing the visible damage but ensuring the home is safe, functional, and resilient against future flooding events.

Reconstruction and Refinement: The drying process is only the beginning. Damaged materials that are beyond repair, such as warped floorboards or waterlogged insulation, need replacement. Surfaces stained or eroded by floodwaters might require refinishing to restore their original appearance. Additionally, the lurking threat of mold necessitates thorough remediation, ensuring that no spores remain to pose health risks or further damage.

Investing in Flood Prevention: Homes in flood-prone areas benefit immensely from proactive flood prevention measures. Installing flood vents in the foundation, sump pumps, back-flow prevention valves, and overhead drains can significantly reduce the risk of future flood damage. These installations, while requiring an initial investment, can save homeowners significant costs in the long run by preventing extensive damage during subsequent floods.

Navigating Insurance Complexities: A critical aspect of flood recovery is understanding insurance coverage. Many homeowners are unaware that standard insurance policies often exclude flood damage. To safeguard against the financial implications of flooding, homeowners might need separate flood insurance policies or specific endorsements for mold coverage. Being informed about your coverage can prevent unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.

The Value of Professional Expertise: While the initial costs of hiring experienced professionals for flood damage cleanup might seem high, the long-term benefits are undeniable. Expert restoration ensures comprehensive damage assessment and repair, reducing the risk of lingering issues like structural damage or mold growth. Moreover, professional restoration can potentially limit the amount claimed on flood insurance or reduce out-of-pocket expenses, offering both immediate and long-term financial benefits.

The cost of flood damage cleanup will depend on how many floors of a residence are inundated with floodwater and the duration of time that passes between a flood event and the arrival of house flooding help. Contact United Water Restoration Group and arrange for local flood damage cleanup specialists to arrive on-site within hours.

Check out our video below for what to expect during the restoration process!

 

We provide services in Ormond Beach, Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, Daytona Beach, Florida, Orlando, Florida, Tampa, Florida, Melbourne, Florida, and many other locations around Florida!