Water Damage Repair for Basements, Ceilings And Hardwood Floors
Damage from water can have devastating effects on property in both residential and commercial settings. Knowing a few things about water damage repair or what to look for when professional repair is needed can help a property get through an ordeal after a pipe unexpectedly bursts or flooding finds its way into the home. For instance, are there different repairs needed for basement water damage as opposed to ceiling water damage? What must you do when your hardwood floor suffers from water damage?
The First Step Of Action
When you discover damage from water leaking into your home or business, you should contact your insurance company right away, even if the damage appears minimal or inconsequential. There are issues beyond the aesthetics and stability of a structure that call for immediate water damage repair. Flooding can damage the components of the electrical system of a building, creating the danger of a fire hazard. The added moisture promotes the growth of mold, a particularly sinister health risk.
Dangers of Water Damage In A Home
Over the past twenty years, it has become known that moisture in sheetrock and other building materials provides the perfect environment for toxic black mold. Even short-term exposure to this mold carries a high risk of permanent consequences to health, and inflicting varying degrees of debilitation. As if that is not disturbing enough, populations living in areas where the average relative humidity reaches 55% should take measures to control indoor humidity and to have regular inspections for dangerous mold, even in the absence of leaky pipes or faulty drainage.
Basement Water Damage Repair
Basement water damage will likely be a recurring problem after the first incident unless additional measures are taken to solve the problem. A sump pump placed in the lowest depression can be effective. But it is better to reroute the drainage from coming in and use a sump pump for backup, reserved for the heaviest of rains or other rare circumstances. Depending on a sump pump as a routine measure indicates a routine presence of moisture, an invitation for the growth of mold.
Constructing a French drain will save money in the end. A French drain is a project that can be accomplished by most homeowners. There are informative videos and “How To” instructions available on the Internet.
Ceiling Water Damage Repair
A leaky roof often requires ceiling water damage repair in addition to repairs to the roof. Noticing a small discoloration in a sheetrock ceiling can present the opportunity to avoid a large expense. Some homes have part of the heating/cooling system located in the attic over a large water pan of galvanized metal. The drains from these pans, especially in warmer climates, can get clogged with mold. It is not uncommon for the float switch to malfunction or be kicked out of place during a rummage through the attic. That small discoloration in the ceiling should prompt a check by the homeowner. The attic should be inspected for leaks from water pans and the roof as insurance against costly and disruptive repairs.
Internal Ceiling Repair
For internal ceiling repair, you may need to be prepared to fix drywall or plaster, so you will need the tools best suited to perform repairs on ceilings constructed of these materials. You will need the materials that can cut through drywall or plaster so that a ceiling joist on each side of the damage is exposed. This way, you can clean the joists of any old nails or screws.
Once this area is cleared, the damaged areas need to be dried. This can be done with a box fan left to dry the area overnight or however long it takes for the moisture to completely dry. If the ceiling is constructed of drywall, a new piece can be attached to the joists or a self-adhesive drywall piece can be attached to the seams and cemented with joint compounds. After the compounds have dried, the drywall can be sanded smooth. The process may be slightly different with a plaster ceiling.
Hardwood Floor Water Damage Repair
Hardwood floors are an attractive element of many homes and can represent a substantial investment, so be aware of their vulnerability to flood damage. These floors often buckle under the feet of homeowners confident that they have removed the water from a flood, having tried to save on the expensive water damage repair needed. Water is easily trapped and sometimes effectively hidden from view between the floor and the underlayment.
It is wise to contact a professional sooner than later after flooding of any kind. After these specialists have checked for electrical system damage and other health hazards, hardwood flooring should be thoroughly dried with the techniques and equipment in the inventory of professionals who regularly deal with flood damage prevention and repair. They can effectively position fans and dehumidifiers, apply absorbent fabrics and materials and employ other methods of water removal for the necessary period of time in the necessary places.
Specialists: Getting It Done Right
As well as replacing unsalvageable sheetrock, water damage repair specialists apply an oxidizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide to kill mold, followed by the application of a biocide to prevent mold from growing after the peroxide has evaporated. Take advantage of the experience and heed the advice of reputable water damage professionals. They can help you protect your property and guard your health from the specific perils that accompany water damage.