How to Recover Your Home After Flood Damage

5/13/2021 (Permalink)

If your property experiences storm damage, call SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville.

When floods cause havoc in your home, there're some recommended immediate practices to reclaim your property. Whether the flood damage results from groundwater, a leak, or rainwater, you need a fast, professional water cleanup. You surely don't want floodwater in your business. In any case, SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville is here to help.

Water Cleanup and Mitigation

Issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), home and commercial premises owners should inspect their buildings for signs of structural damage immediately after severe flooding. With qualified water damage and mitigation inspector, you need to do a water cleanup and check for cracked or loose foundations, cracked walls, fractured floors, holes on floors, or wobbly warping.

You should consult the utility companies to inspect the water in the home, electric, gas, and sewer lines. According to Dr. Maurice A. Ramirez in "The Complete Idiot's Guide to Disaster Preparedness," a combination of water in a business, floodwater, and electricity means disaster.

Your Safety

Before entering a flooded home, you should wear protective clothing, a dust mask, gloves, and hard headgear. Don't get into the flooded building unless you are sure that the structural integrity is intact. Never risk your life when floodwater fills the place all over.

Assessing the Water Damage

If flood water fills your home, the type of water cleanup and repairs required depends on the extent of the damage. First, check how deep the water is and how far it has soaked the household items and the internal structures. A resistance meter is ideal for measuring moisture levels. Sometimes, the person assessing the floods may drill exploratory holes and slot in a humidity probe gadget.

There is apparent flood damage, while other injuries may require some special water cleanup and inspection. Your unwanted water in the home involves drying and an assessment of these damages:

• Wet plaster, wallboard, insulation, or paneling
• Distorted warping and floorboards due to flood damage
• Severe wood rot in the lumber structures
• Termite damage for termites infest wet wood
• Weak home foundation or an eroded ground surrounding the home
• Roof damage in the form of cracked or missing shingles, faulty flashing, or holes

Further checking may include the walls and ceilings for any discoloration. Additionally, you should observe the premises for any signs of textured growth, primarily black or green, musty smells, or foul odors.

Reputable water in a business company can assist in ascertaining the flood damage to the important installations. The following equipment will need drying and cleaning:

• The air ducts
• Heating and air conditioning
• Sewage system
• Electrical systems

Contact SERVPRO of Germantown / Collierville at (901) 755-3705 for water and flood damage assistance.