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When buying a house or building a home, a lot of factors are taken into consideration. However, water damage is a factor that isn’t paid a lot of attention to. Due to this, a lot of homes face water damage issues a few years into existence. So the only solution is to be prepared with adequate water damage restoration methods.
But before we mention the methods, it’s time to know about the different kinds of water damage.
3 Types of Water Damages
Clean Water Damage
Know that clean water damage refers to the kind of water leak which doesn’t pose any health risks to the people living in the house. You will find that this kind of leak occurs as a result of burst bathroom pipes, broken kitchen pipes, etc.
However, if you don’t take care of the damage quickly, then there will be mold issues as a result of stagnant water. Now, this can cause serious health problems. So, it would be best if you didn’t overlook clean water leaks.
Gray Water Damages
Gray water refers to that water that is contaminated. Know that this water contains bacteria and other substances which can harm the people who come in contact with it. You will find such water coming from sources like washing machines, overflowing dishwashers, and more.
Note that you should try to get gray water leaks fixed as fast as possible to avoid serious health concerns.
Black Water Damages
Blackwater leaks are the most hazardous leaks. Know that this kind of water is hugely contaminated and has the potential to pose serious health risks. It can contain fungi, feces, and bacteria in it. Keep in mind that you should never consume this toxic water.
It’s advised that you avoid any contact with it. Note that black water damage generally results due to flooding. After all, lake water or sewage water isn’t sanitary at all. It’s advised that you call any of the water damage restoration Miami, FL professional services to help clean up after black water damage.
How Can You Carry Out Water Damage Restoration?
Note that there are multiple ways you will be able to carry out water damage restoration. Here are some tips that will help you out.
Dry The Water Affected Area
The first thing that you need to do if there are water leaks is to dry the area thoroughly. Know that the more you allow water to stagnate in one place, the more water damage there will be. If this isn’t taken care of immediately, then there can be serious structural issues as well. So if you find that the water leak is small, use fans and dry towels to mop up the excess water.
For medium-sized areas, try using a humidifier. Know that this will dry up the soaked carpet, wood, and other similar materials. Of course, if the water leak covers a large area like your entire bathroom, then it’s time to call in professionals. Know that you can call any water damage restoration Miami, FL service providers to fix this issue.
Look Out For Mold
You should always check for mold irrespective of how your house was damaged. Make sure that you look under hard-to-reach areas like inside walls, underneath low sinks, under floors, etc. After all, mold grows easily in dark and damp places. Know that mold can easily take hold within 24 hours, so you need to be vigilant. Keep in mind that some types of mold can be harmful and toxic to humans.
So if you are checking for mold, it’s advised that you wear a face mask. Also, note that mold damages anything it grows in. So whether it is your walls or furniture, once mold gets a hold of it, you will have to engage in repairs. If you find that the mold is small, then you can cut it out and throw it away. But before that, you should also put it in a bag and wear gloves while doing so.
Get Rid Of Porous Materials
Sometimes the water damage might be so bad that some fabrics become unsalvageable. You will find that porous materials like carpets, wool, and other such heavy materials suffer such fate. After all, these materials can hold water well, so prolonged exposure can warp them or cause mildew to grow on them.
If you find mildew growing on any cloth, then it’s advised that you throw it out. Also do note that it’s not just clothes and fabrics that are porous. Drywall, wood, and unsealed cement are also porous and get damaged after continuous contact with stagnated water over long periods. In such cases, you will need professional help to fix these issues.
Disinfect Whatever Is Left
After you have inspected the damaged areas and thrown out the unsalvageable things, it’s time to disinfect whatever is left. The most common disinfectant that you can use in such a situation is bleach. Of course, you should add water and dilute it before spraying it on the needed furniture.
But once you lightly spray it, it’s time to wipe it down. Doing this will begin your water damage repair process. After all, this bleach solution will ensure that there are no lingering toxic mold spores.
Repair Your Ceiling First
If your ceiling has been exposed to even a little water damage, then it will be hard to dry. But it is possible to do so. However, if the water damage is widespread, then your ceiling poses a huge risk. After all, it will get waterlogged, become heavy, and due to gravity, it can fall on your head. So you and your family might be in harm’s way with a water-damaged ceiling.
As such, you need to work fast. Get rid of all the affected ceiling boards or panels first. If you find that your ceiling is leaking, try to find the source of it. Know that this will take time since the source is most often far removed from the stain. However, while you are searching for it, make sure that you check for other kinds of structural damage.
Know this is the limit till which you alone would be able to carry out any repairs. For further repairs involving walls or to fix the water leak at its source, you will have to call in professional help. They will help fix the issue so that you can continue living in your house safely.