Severe water damage poses several challenges to homeowners. Due to how time-sensitive water damage can be, it is always recommended to work with professional Seattle’s top water damage repair experts. These experts know what to do and not do after water damage and can help salvage your already damaged home. However, before getting a water damage restoration expert, you need to make sure they are reputable. Do adequate research on them and the type of services and perks they offer before finally agreeing to hire them.
Are you looking to hire a water damage restoration company? Here’s everything you need to know;
Factors to Consider When Hiring a Water Damage Restoration Expert
When you need a water damage restoration expert, there are a few things you should be looking for. These things include certification, referrals, and a team of licensed and trained professionals.
- Get a Team Of Licensed And Trained Professionals
Before hiring a restoration expert, you want to make sure they are licensed. It is important to have a team of licensed and trained professionals to help you clean up. This helps to ensure that you get the best service possible. You can check the licensing of a company online or call the state licensing division.
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Insurance
A good water damage restoration company will have several types of liability coverage, workers’ compensation, and property insurance. Importantly, you’ll need to make sure your insurance provider is willing to work with your chosen restoration company.
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Experience
It would be best if you also looked for a company that has years of experience. A company with more than 20 years in the business has a solid reputation in the community and likely has satisfied clients.
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The Equipment
Another factor you should consider is what equipment they’ll be using for the project. A good restoration company should have the right equipment and tools for the job. If a company uses a truck-mounted dehumidifier or an industrial-grade fan for drying, you’ll have peace of mind.
You may also want to ask them if they’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What to Do After Water Damage
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Assess the Level of Damage to Your Property
Assessing the level of damage to your property would help you know what you’re up against and determine how to tackle the problem. During water damage, water can seep through your attic to your walls, drywall, and floors, even your basement. It can also damage your electrical wiring and insulation system. You may need some expert help from water damage restoration experts to conduct a thorough inspection. These experts would help you carry out a full house assessment from your rooftop down to your foundation.
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Clean Up
Depending on the cause of your water damage, your house may look like a mess. While the experts will carry out professional cleaning, you can try cleaning up where you can. If there is a pool of water, you can dry it up with a mop. Also, remove wet carpets, rugs, furniture, and whatever personal property you have out of the way.
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Ventilate Your House
Most homeowners who deal with water damage often experience mold and mildew issues as a result of the increased moisture in the house. Ventilating your house would allow fresh air and the warmth from the sun to dry out your house a little bit. Also, you can use dehumidifiers or heaters to reduce the amount of moisture in your walls and floor.
What Not to do After Water Damage
While many homeowners are concerned about what to do after water damage, they pay less attention to what they shouldn’t do to ensure their safety. Here are some top things experts say you shouldn’t do after water damage;
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Never Use Electrical Appliances on Wet Floors
Using electrical appliances on wet floors puts you at risk of electrocution. Also, avoid using electrical appliances completely until you have an electrician assess your home and certify they are safe for use.
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Never Stand in Rooms with Damaged Ceilings
If you notice a damaged ceiling, it’s a sign that it may collapse soon, and as such, it is not safe for you to stay under it. Also, a damaged roof can be a sign that the water has compromised the structural integrity of your building. In such cases, it’s advised to look for a temporary place to stay as your home is restored.
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Never Leave Wet Rugs
If you use rugs for your flooring, it’s best to take them out after water damage. The moisture in the rugs provides a suitable environment for the growth of mold. In the same vein, never leave wet fabrics together because they encourage the growth of mold and mildew as well. Separate wet items and leave them under the sun or in an airy space to dry.
When to Seek Expert Help
Most homeowners can handle minor water damage but more severe cases are best left to the experts. Either way, you must know when you need to seek expert help. So, you should seek help when you encounter any of the following.
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When You’re Unsure of The Level of Damage Done
It’s often difficult for homeowners to assess the level of damage done to their homes themselves. Hence, they would not fully be able to tackle all the problems. Experts in water damage restoration would be able to know how much damage has been done. Beyond that, they would also know the best ways to mitigate the effect of the damage.
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The Drying Process is Beyond What You Can Handle
The drying process is a major part of water damage restoration, and experts always have the right equipment to do the job. It is even more dangerous to attempt this step yourself if your water damage is caused by water from the sewage system or black water. Such water contains harmful pathogens that can be harmful to you if the right measures are not taken.
Water damage is never easy to deal with. A water damage restoration company helps you save time and does a more thorough job than a DIY project.
