Water damage can devastate your home and cause a wide range of problems, from dry rot to mold growth. When faced with water damage, it’s essential to act quickly and safely to limit the damage and get your home back to normal. However, if you don’t know what you’re doing, you may make costly mistakes while trying to restore your home.
Here are nine water damage restoration mistakes you should never make.
Not Turning Off the Power
The first and most important mistake to avoid is not turning off the power to any affected areas before beginning any restoration work. Water and electricity are a deadly combination, so always shut off the force before starting any water damage restoration work.
Not Assessing the Damage
Before beginning any restoration work, you should assess the damage and determine what needs to be done. This includes figuring out what areas are affected and what materials need removal or replacement.
Not Taking the Necessary Safety Precautions
When dealing with water damage, you should always wear protective clothing and safety gear to protect yourself from potential hazards or contaminants. This includes gloves, goggles, and a mask to prevent inhaling mold spores or other contaminants.
Not Removing Mold
Mold can quickly spread throughout a home and can be hazardous to your health. If you discover mold in the water damage area, it’s essential to remove it immediately.
Not Acting Right Away
Another mistake is to respond more quickly to water damage. The sooner you react to the water damage, the better. Standing water can quickly cause mold and mildew growth, and it can also lead to structural damage. The quicker you can get a professional to assess and begin the restoration process, the less damage there will be.
Not Removing All Moisture
When dealing with water damage, removing all the moisture in the area is essential. This means using fans, dehumidifiers, and other methods to dry out the area. If moisture is left behind, it can lead to mold growth and other issues.
Not Cleaning Up the Area
After the area is dry, it’s essential to clean it thoroughly. This means removing residual dirt and debris and sanitizing the area to prevent mold growth and other contaminants.
Not Replacing Damaged Materials
If the water damage has caused any materials to be damaged, such as drywall, insulation, or flooring, it’s crucial to replace them. Trying to repair or restore these materials can lead to further damage and waste time and money.
Not Testing for Contaminants
Finally, it’s essential to test the area for any contaminants, such as lead, asbestos, or mold. If these contaminants are present, they must be removed or treated before you can begin any restoration work.
Conclusion
These are the nine water damage restoration mistakes that you must never commit. It is vital to address the source of the water damage; using the wrong cleaning products, using too much heat, using faulty equipment, attempting a DIY restoration, and delaying the process can all lead to further damage and more costly repairs. Additionally, it’s essential to properly restore the area and test for any contaminants that may be present. By avoiding these mistakes, you can help ensure your water damage restoration is successful.
Best Option Restoration is the premier disaster restoration company in the Cherry Hills Village and Highlands Ranch, Colorado area. We specialize in water damage repair, fire, storm restoration, and mold damage remediation. Our experienced professionals have the expertise to handle any size disaster and restore your home or business to its former glory. We provide 24/7 emergency services. Contact us today, and let us fix your water damage today.