Category: Flood Damage

Floods are a frustrating situation that can cause a lot of damage. The process usually begins with basement water removal, but there are so many other things to consider it can be hard to keep track of it all. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a recent basement flood, know that you are not alone. Many homeowners struggle with the cleanup and repair of a flooded basement, but there are ways to help mitigate the damages and frustrations.

Act Fast

The most important step in dealing with a flooded basement is to act fast. Water damages increase significantly the longer they are left to sit. Even a small flood can cause serious issues if not handled quickly. Removing the water from the basement and beginning the drying processes as soon as possible could help prevent mold, structural damages, and electrical issues. The longer you wait to act with a flood, the more damage your home could sustain.

As soon as you notice your basement is flooded, call the professionals to have the water removed and the drying process started. Floodwaters often carry high levels of bacteria and other toxins from outside, and it’s not a good idea to try and clean it up on your own. A trained, certified technician will be able to remove the water safely and inspect the area for any mold or other hazardous conditions.

Take Note of the Damages

Before you call your insurance company to file a claim, make a detailed report of the damages caused. Your technician will be able to provide you with a full, itemized inspection report detailing the severity of the damages and the cost estimate to fix them. Taking pictures or videos of the damages, where safe to do so, will also help your claim be processed faster. Finally, make a list of any insured items that were damaged in the flood.

Prevent Future Floods

Once the cleanup and restoration of a flood are finished, it’s easier to breathe again – but that doesn’t mean the work is over. If a basement floods once, it’s likely to flood again. Taking the steps to shore up your basement’s defenses after a flood can help prevent damage in the future. Sometimes the fix is as simple as adding additional sealant to your walls. Other times, you may need to install a new sub-pump to help control the flood damage. No matter the fix, always assume another flood is possible. Store all valuables in plastic tubs to prevent water damage in the future.

If your home has experienced a flood, you need professional help with basement water removal. Insight Restoration is available 24/7 at 208-427-2962 to respond to any emergency flooding, day or night. Don’t let a flood ruin your home or put your family’s health at risk. Act fast and let our trained and certified technicians clean and restore your basement and provide additional preventive services if needed.

Water may not initially seem like a big threat. But the truth is that water can cause more damage to your home than any other source. Water is what we need most to survive, but it can destroy our homes if not taken care of quickly and properly. Water damage is more than just wet books or stains on walls. It can be hazardous to your home and your health. Here is how water can damage your home in ways you might not have considered.

Structural Damage

Water is particularly harmful to wood, especially the longer the wood is submerged. As wood absorbs water, it becomes soft and easily broken apart. If you have water damage, you could face serious structural issues in any wooden supports found in the area. Even if the wood is dried out, the damages can continue to linger beneath the surface.

Water-logged wood is also a prime target for termites and other pests. Bugs eating away at the wood will only weaken the structure more. It’s always a good idea to have the structural integrity of your home inspected after discovering a leak or flood. You may need to have parts replaced or bugs exterminated to keep your home safe and sound.

Electrical Hazards

Water and electricity don’t mix. Usually, great care is taken to ensure that pipes and electrical cords are run apart from each other. However, leaks can still drip down onto wires and floods can reach up to electrical outlets. If there’s been a leak or flood in your home, any use of an electrical appliance could result in injury. Always have your home’s electrical system inspected and repaired to avoid any unwanted shocks or power surges.

Mold

As possibly the most dangerous side effect of water, mold can cause serious health issues for you and your family. Mold thrives in wet environments, and some types survive well in either cold or hot areas. When there’s water damage in your home, mold will likely follow, especially if the water isn’t extracted immediately.

Mold is usually easily identifiable. Most molds carry a musty scent and have visible fungus growths. If you continue to smell mustiness after an area has been restored, it’s a good idea to get your home inspected for mold. As much damage as water can leave behind, mold is even more dangerous to let sit around your home.

Even though water is usually harmless in most cases, when it leaks or floods into your home, it can cause serious damage. Water damages your home’s structure and electrics and can invite unwelcome guests such as mold and termites into your home. So if you’ve experienced water damage in your house, call Insight Restoration today at 208-427-2534. Our team of certified technicians is standing by 24/7 to respond immediately to any water crisis. We’ll get the water extracted and provide an inspection to assess any damage caused so we can get your home back to perfect working order.

Water can cause a lot of damage to your home if not taken care of quickly. Discovering flood damage in your home can cause chaos in your life, but taking care of it as soon as possible can save you time and money later on. Taking care of your house after a flood requires a few steps on your end before a restoration company gets there. Although it can be a lot to handle, taking the time to clean up after a flood is vital to keeping your home secure.

Water Extraction

Depending on the scale of the flood, extracting the water from the area is usually the first step. If there’s too much water in the room, any other kind of cleaning or restoration is nearly impossible to accomplish. Chances are, if your room floods, there’s already an issue with drainage, so it can take a while for the water to subside.

Most restoration companies offer water extraction as part of their flood clean-up packages. There are some tools you can purchase if you want to remove the water yourself. Installing a sump pump in your basement is also an excellent way to help remove water after a flood.

Flood Damage Identification

After the area is clear of water, the next thing you’ll want to do is go through and identify what was damaged in the flood. Most homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers flood damage in their policies. In order to get reimbursement, you’ll need to know exactly what was damaged and how much it will cost to replace.

Take stock of valuables that were damaged in the flood. You’ll also want to have an inspection done to see if there was any structural damage to your home. Most insurance policies will cover the cost of repairs as long as the damage can be linked to the flood. Keep any receipts from water extraction or repairs as well.

Restoration Preparation

After you’ve made note of what’s been damaged, it’s time to get the area ready for restoration. Airing out the room, if possible, and running fans can help dry out excess water and prepare the space for repair. Keeping the room quarantined from the rest of the house will stop any damage from spreading to other areas.

Cleaning the room out can also help the restoration process. Move furniture and boxes to another area (or let them sit outside if it’s not raining). This is especially important if you have carpets. Carpets need to have the space to dry out properly. Giving your restoration company more room to work ensures the work goes quickly and effectively.

When your home floods, you need to act fast to prevent further damage. Removing water from the area and cleaning out the room can help restoration go smoothly. Insight Restoration’s certified technicians are ready to help you 24/7. If your home recently experienced flood damage, call us today at 208-427-3042. We’ll get your home back in perfect condition quickly and efficiently.