Many homeowners and renters alike have experienced the nightmare of a flood. Whether it is due to the toilet leaking, a bathtub overflowing, or water from a storm entering the house, moisture can severely damage the structure. Even if you do not notice it right away, it does not mean it is not there.
Mildew and mold are just a few of the issues you might encounter, and they could take years to notice. The first step after a flood is obviously water removal. The way you perform this will vary depending on the surface. If tile or concrete is wet, you can usually use a wet/dry vacuum, towels, and a mop to clean it up. The method you use often depends on how much water there is.
If the carpet is soaked, you can use the wet/dry vacuum to suction up as much as possible, and then place large fans on the surface to dry it out.
Though heat often helps in water removal, it could pose another problem. It might help the flood waters recede, but it might also spur the growth of mildew or mold due to increased humidity. To correct this issue, you should use a dehumidifier in the area as it dries, as it will get rid of excess moisture.
The point is to perform water removal as quickly as possible. If you let it stand for longer than a day or so, your chances of mold growth increase greatly. If carpet is wet for long, you will also experience an unpleasant smell, which is usually the result of mildew. It will typically go away when the carpet dries, but in some cases, the smell will take a long time to get rid of.
As you try to eliminate moisture, you should also try to save your belongings from damage, as well. If the flood is only on the floor, you can put your things up high and on top of sturdy furniture, once you move it out of the affected room. If the flooding hit the whole house, such as in a storm, just try your best to find a dry area as soon as possible.
Additionally, if the flood also affects the top floor, put any wet objects, such as cardboard boxes, on the first floor. Otherwise, they might be overly heavy and cause further problems regarding the home's structure.
Floods can be time-consuming, but in many cases, you can avoid damage by acting fast. Knowing what to do ahead of time helps. Fast moisture removal is always your best bet in such situations.
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