It is bad enough if your home experiences a flood, but the situation may get a thousand times worse if more destruction were to happen during the clean-up process. As you clear the debris from the flood away, it may seem easy at first. However, as the clean-up progresses, you may begin to notice signs of water damage in your home.
Water damage is a nightmare for any homeowner. Keep in mind that half-baked clean-ups may spell disaster in the future. It may be easy to commit dire mistakes in areas of the home that have been affected by water damage. Here are some examples of the most common blunders during the water damage clean-up process.
Avoidable Water Clean-Up Mistakes Homeowners Need to Know
There are some key mistakes that may be committed by homeowners, especially if they have no experience whatsoever in cleaning out a home after a flood. Read on to find out the situations that you should avoid while trying to clean your home.
1 – Waiting Too Long Before Starting Clean-Up
If a homeowner waits for too long a time before doing clean-up, more and more parts of the home will soak in the water left over from the flood. Waiting for a “convenient” time may not be a good idea because while the homeowner waits, the water that is in the home may seep into the floors and walls. Mold may also develop in the areas that are moist. The longer they put off cleaning it, the more time the mold will have to spread to more areas of the house.
2 – Not Using the Proper Equipment
A homeowner may not own the proper equipment needed to properly get rid of all the unwanted elements in the aftermath of a flood. You will need to get rid of the water and make sure that no moisture is left in even the smallest and most remote corners of the house. Also, using a commercial-grade dryer is crucial in making sure that the home will be completely dry after the cleaning process is complete. Regular kitchen appliances and home equipment may not be able to do these tasks as well as commercial equipment can.
3 – Assuming the Job Is Done When There Is No More Water
Many people think that the job is done when there is no more visible water in the house. However, there may be water still present in places that are not seen. It is important to have the house inspected by a cleaning professional to ensure that there is no flood damage lurking in the foundation of the house.
4 – Neglecting Safety
Since homeowners are likely not knowledgeable about the necessary safety protocols while cleaning a home after a flood, they may be putting themselves at risk as they attempt to clean the home on their own. It is important to put on gear that can protect you from inhaling mold and know what areas to avoid because of potential water damage.
Conclusion
One grave mistake that many homeowners make is attempting to complete the clean-up process on their own. More often than not, this may not end well. This is why it is within the best interest of the homeowner and their home to hire a professional cleaning team that has extensive experience in cleaning up homes affected by water damage. The home will have a better chance of staying in one piece in the long run if professionals are called in to help with clean up.
Yellow Restoration is a 24/7 disaster damage restoration services provider based in New York. Clients who need commercial disaster restoration in Brooklyn may contact us.