Experiencing a flood in your property can be an extremely stressful and challenging experience to navigate. Whilst it’s important to ensure that you take care of yourself, floor damage restoration is something that should also be high on the agenda. Although you may be able to deal with some tasks yourself, some things need to be done by a professional. When it comes to the condition of your floors, it is best to enlist the help of someone that knows what they are doing. At first, dealing with a flooded property can feel like an insurmountable task, however enlisting the help of water damage professionals means you’ll be able to rejuvenate your building and breathe some life back into it.
Essentially, flood damage restoration details the process of returning the property to its previous condition. If you’re unsure as to how flood damage restoration works and why you should consider it, then this ultimate guide will be perfect for you!
The Importance of Flood Damage Restoration
Before we explain how flood damage restoration can be achieved, it’s important to understand why it is so important in the first place. If your property or building suffers weather damage, then this can in turn cause serious damage to both the interior and exterior. Not acting quickly enough means that the damage can spread, leaving you with further issues down the line. Here are just a few reasons why flood damage restoration is important;
- Mould Growth – Mould growth is just one issue that will arise if you don’t act fast enough when experiencing a flood. This is something that should be addressed immediately because of the health risks that it poses. Those with asthma or other allergies struggle in areas of mould, therefore it’s integral that this is sorted as soon as possible. If you run a business, it is your duty of care to ensure that all of your employees are safe. With this in mind, water damage should be removed at the earliest opportunity so that the mould cannot grow and become a danger to your staff.
- Save Money – Just like most things, if you address the issue in the first instance, then it’s likely that the cost of repair or restoration will be cheaper. If you instead leave the damage to fester and develop, then it’s much more of a task to resolve. Flood damage can not only present issues towards the structural integrity of your building, but also to your possessions too. Delaying flood damage restoration can only end up costing more money in the future, therefore it’s best to get this looked at right away. Flood restoration companies can come in, assess the situation and then work quickly and effectively to remove the water from your property.
- Safety First – It’s not just mould growth that you need to worry about when it comes to flood damage, but the electrics is just another factor to consider. Any water coming into contact with electricity can be extremely dangerous. Coming into contact with water that has been near electrical outlets can pose serious and fatal consequences. If you experience a flood, it’s strongly recommended that you turn off the electricity and contact a professional to prevent any electrical issues.
- Relieve Stress – It might not be the first thing that you think of, but enlisting the help of a flood damage restoration company means that you have one less thing to worry about. By handling the insurance paperwork and the condition of your property, you can focus on other aspects of your life.
The Process of Flood Restoration
Now that we have outlined the reasons why flood restoration is so pivotal, you might still be wondering how the process actually works. Here are just four steps involved with the process!
1. Water Removal
The first process involved in restoring your property or building back to the pre-flood condition is water removal. This is often achieved by using industrial pumps or vacuums. This step is crucial when it comes to preventing further damage and mould growth.
2. Drying
As soon as all the water has been removed, it is then time for the building and structure to be dried out. Again, specialist equipment is used to achieve this such as air movers, fans and dehumidifiers. This equipment is effective because it means that you’re able to evaporate the moisture from the area. Considering that this process uses a lot of high-end equipment, it’s important that you don’t try and complete this process yourself. Without the necessary equipment and knowledge, then there is always the danger of making the damage even worse.
3. Cleaning and Sanitisation
Once the drying process has been achieved, all of the surfaces need to be cleaned and sanitised. The reason that this process is so important is that it prevents mould growth. Not only that, but the water can impact the content of your buildings such as appliances, furniture and personal possessions. Enlisting the help of water damage professionals gives you peace of mind that your property or building has been properly cleaned and disinfected.
4. Restoration
The final stage of flood damage restoration is restoring your property back to its former condition. Depending on the severity of the damage, this might include replacing drywall panels, plastering damaged surfaces or painting walls. It’s important to note that this whole process can take a few months to complete if the damage is severe, therefore you should think about waiting before starting to redecorate. To avoid this from happening in the future, it’s recommended that you improve your water drainage system, storing valuable items in waterproof conditions and elevating your appliances and electronics to keep them away from water.
Making a Water Leak Insurance Claim
Water leaks can cause a signifcant amount of damage to a property or building which can ultimately be very costly. Fortunately, you can make a claim with your insurance so that they cover the costs. Water leaks are unpredictable and can happen as a result of many different things, but that doesn’t mean that your home insurance policy will accept it. If you’re unsure of how to make a successful water leak claim, then take a look at these steps below!
- Get the Leak Under Control & Prepare Evidence – To claim on your home insurance, you should wait until the insurer or loss adjuster has assessed the damage. In the meantime, it’s essential that you take the necessary steps to prevent further damage by turning off the water supply and the electrics. When preparing evidence, it is a good idea to take photos and videos to support your claim. The more evidence you have, the stronger your claim will be!
- Notify The Insurance Company & Get Help – Contacting your insurance company is something that should be on the top of your list. If you hesitate to contact them, then this might weaken your claim.
- Communicate with the Loss Adjuster – If a claim is likely to be expensive, then the insurer may send a loss adjuster to investigate. The role of the Loss Adjuster is to determine the cause of the fault and calculate the cost of the repairs. The report will then be used by the insurance provider to determine whether your water leak insurance claim has been successful.
Water Damage Repairs, Providing a Fair & Affordable Water Damage Repair Cost
If you’re on the hunt for a company that specialises in cost-effective flood and water damage restoration services, then Water Damage Repairs could be the perfect company for you. Based in London, we have a wealth of experience when it comes to providing our customers with water damage restoration services that you can rely and depend on. We’re a company that understands how important it is to have a home that is comfortable and safe, which is why we provide a high-quality service that will restore your property or building back to its former glory. We have the ability to provide your insurer with an estimate of repairs for all types of flood damage. Our water damage professionals use their expertise and knowledge to provide information to your insurer on what the best course of action is to repair the flood damage. Making an insurance claim can be difficult, which is why we’re here to give you a helping hand when you need it most. To find out more about the services we provide, simply get in touch with our expert team today!