You may not know what to do if you suffer water damage. Your home and property may be damaged by water. There could also be other problems, including potential health risks. Before you start the reconstruction or repair process, it is important to ensure that the structure has been dry. Although a burst or flood can cause immediate damage, drying takes a lot longer.
First, let’s mention that the drying out occurs in the middle of the water damage process, not at the beginning. To reduce the risk of mold growth and remove standing water, it is important to first dry your property using dehumidifiers. It could be a health hazard and make it unsafe for water damage technicians or you to work in the area. You should also be aware of potential safety concerns like:
- Make sure that power is off to your home or building
- Verify for gas leakage or odors
- Structural soundness of the building
This applies only to major flooding situations. You can skip this step if you have water damage to a single room or an area. You can also take photographs of your home to help you with insurance.
It is important to do thorough drying. There are many other things that could retain water, which can make drying difficult. The attic is a good example. Insulation can quickly get wet and lose its effectiveness. Potential cracks in the ceiling can be caused by damp storage or boxes.
To promote natural airflow in any room in the house, open all windows. Professionals will also bring additional equipment. If you need to get in contact with a water damage restoration Los Angeles professional, you can reach out to 911 Restoration of San Fernando Valley. Airmovers are large fans that circulate air throughout the room. The same dehumidifiers that were used to prevent mold growth after initial cleanup will also serve the dry-out phase. Additionally, drying the environment reduces the risk of furniture and floors becoming swollen or warped.
The most important thing to do to speed up the drying process is to inspect every area. While insulation was mentioned, molding, backboards and wallpaper will all need to be removed to remove trapped moisture. It may seem a little odd that wallpaper is used to cover walls. However, it acts as a seal that traps moisture. Drilling holes in the drywall to speed up drying may be another option.
The final step in the dry-out process is containment. To ensure heat and suction get to the most important rooms, we will tape off any damp areas. To check how drying progresses, the dry-out crew will inspect the surfaces and take readings. Once the drying is complete, you can begin to re-design the room. It is important to properly dry out your home so that it doesn’t become permanently damaged. Working with 911 Water Damage And Mold is the best way to accomplish this. We are IICRC-certified and believe in doing the best for our customers in Los Angeles. We use the most effective cleaning and restoration techniques to help your property recover from severe damage. We also make sure we can bill your insurance company for the services we provide, rather than leaving you on the hook.