Water Damage Repair Tips

Heavy rains or a neglected washer can lead to an exasperating situation for a homeowner who suddenly needs to undertake water damage repair; this is often uncharted territory. Steps need to be taken promptly to avoid the onset of mold a health hazard which will show up after about 48 hours. Neglect may lead to a need to replace carpeting and sheet rock; however the best approach while thorough and seemingly interminable in execution has simple rules to follow.

Do not waste time getting started when doing your water damage repair. Remove all furniture and other items from the room. If there is standing water you may have to use a pump to move it outside. If the floor is carpeted use a wet vac or if necessary rent a larger specially designed vacuum to suck moisture out of the carpet. Then use a steam cleaner with a mildicide in the cleaning solution to remove debris and help arrest growth of mold. Finally use high volume fans and large capacity dehumidifiers to hasten evaporation and drying; this step of the drying process may take several days.

Water Damage Repair using a humidity meter

A humidity meter can test woodwork and sheet rock for moisture content; it should be used to determine just when a proper level of dryness has been achieved. It may be necessary to

have the carpet cleaned again; or it may be necessary to tear it out. Some professionals frown on the practice of carpeting basement floors and recommend instead the newer laminated flooring. Sheetrock may also have to be removed and replaced; in case either carpeting or wallboard is scrapped proper disposal steps should be followed as there may well be mold growing.

Ceiling water damage repairs generally require less drastic steps. This type of water damage repair often shows up as stains around the base of a light fixture of the junction of a

chimney and a wall. If the plaster or wallboard is stable and dry paint it with a sealer such as “Kilz” then repaint. If the area is unstable remove a section large enough to allow for easy nailing of the replacement material then prime and paint. If the ceiling is noticeably sagging it may have to be replaced entirely which is usually a job for a pro.

Water Damage Repair – Checking Soil

The best approach is prevention. Check the soil around the foundation; it should slope down and away from the foundation walls at a rate of six inches over four feet distance. Soil can be added and raked to acquire a proper slope. Extend the downspouts of your gutter system out 4 to 6 feet away from the house at ground level; there should be one downspout for every 600 to 800 square feet of roof area. Roof leaks that cause ceiling damage can usually be traced to a source which is anything that penetrates the roof and is inadequately flashed or sealed; sometimes this can be remedied from the attic or it may require a trip to the roof. A washing machine can be equipped with a pressure sensitive shut off valve to preclude flooding.

Taking steps to avoid the need to make water damage repairs can be undertaken by a homeowner with the proper skills. Hiring a professional to deal early on with basement water damage is not a bad idea; they have done it before. However the better approach is to realize that water damage happens once water has come inside so taking steps to avoid it is highly recommended as water damage repair after the fact is a difficult process.

There are also a lot of water damage repair company’s around to help you. Just browse the Internet for water damage repair companies or flood damage specialists.