No matter the size of the affected area, you must adhere to certain protocols to completely restore the quality of your home's interior. While all the water can evaporate in 72 hours, it can take several weeks to repair all the damage caused. Restoring water damage requires a lot of work, such as drying and replacing floors, drywall, and insulation. However, if water damage occurs near switch boxes, appliances, or electrical outlets, it is best to call an experienced professional to guarantee safety. The most common sources of leaks include corroded and rusty pipes, high-pressure water, extreme temperatures, broken water connectors, and more.
For minor water damage, you can dry your home on your own; however, for more serious cases, professionals are needed. The magnitude of the problem is often more severe than it appears since water damage is hidden behind walls and under floorboards. Unattended water damage can also ruin electrical systems, corrode pipes, destroy roofs and walls, and cause mold growth. If the water damage is caused by a clogged sewer network or if the water is gray or black in color, do not touch or come into contact with the water in any way as it poses a serious biological hazard. Gutters protect your home from water damage by removing rainwater from the roof and away from the foundation of the house.
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible and be honest about the extent of the water damage and its original cause. If you leave water damage unattended for more than a week, the time frames, costs and effort involved in any restoration work will increase significantly. If a professional finds any damage to your roof, make sure it is repaired immediately to protect it from further water damage inside. If you are dealing with a leaking roof, be sure to take appropriate steps to dry it and prevent further destruction to your home. To minimize water damage from a major leak or flood in your home, the restoration process should ideally begin within 24 hours.
If you do not address water damage right away, it can lead to mold growth and other issues in your home. A professional will assess the level of water damage and evaluate how much work needs to be done to make your home safe and habitable again.
