Has your basement sustained some damage due to a recent storm? If so, there are steps to take in order to prevent the likelihood of irreversible damage. While the flooded basement is an overwhelming task, it’s better to act swiftly and put your best foot forward in resolving the issue. It won’t take long for mold to grow, and you will need to promptly gather all of your belongings within the basement. Once the issue has been identified, the next step is to coordinate a plan of action with a water damage cleanup company. Top To Bottom Renovation, Inc has you covered in restoring your basement to its original state. Our team will guide you on the appropriate steps to take when dealing with floods. Read on to see what is deemed as common practice for resolving these incidents.
Refrain From Entering A Flooded Basement
Basement flooding has the potential to do more than just damage your home. It can potentially harm everyone that’s occupying the household. When you’ve identified the flooded area, the basement needs to be avoided, until a team of professionals has been contacted. If your home’s circuit breaker is not located in the basement, then cut off the power to your home, as any electrical appliances that come in contact with water could result in dangerous outcomes.
Handling Your Damp Possessions & Drying The Area
In order to effectively dry your basement, you cannot leave any wet items behind. You and your water damage cleanup company can work in tandem to remove everything that got soaked and leave it out to dry. In many cases, your insurance company can reimburse you for the damaged items as well as the cost of repairing the basement and eliminating mold. File an insurance claim shortly after the flood. In addition to handling your damp belongings, tear out the wet carpet. Sometimes it can be salvageable, but in many scenarios, they will need to be replaced.
When it comes to drying your basement, this process will not occur on its own. Your best bet would be to purchase industrial-sized blowers or dehumidifiers to remove the excess moisture in the area. Check to see if the water damage restoration technicians will provide you with these materials.
Preventing Mold & Future Floods
Damp and dark conditions are what can allow mold to fester, wreaking havoc on your home if left untreated. If mold is discovered after the fact, chances are, you’ll need to remove large portions of your drywall. Use soap and warm water to clean your walls, coupled with the dehumidifier and blowers. It would be wise to set up a HEPA air purifier, which can work diligently to filter out mold and allergens. Continue to check the basement every day after floods, keeping a close eye on mold. If anything out of the ordinary appears, clean the spot with warm water and bleach.
Moving ahead for preventing future floods, you and your technicians can look into what caused the issue in the first place. Whether it’s from a lawn flood, faulty sump pump, cracks in your foundation, whatever the cause, our qualified team at Top To Bottom Renovation, Inc can educate you on enhancing the structural integrity of your basement.
Starting Work With A Water Damage Cleanup Company
Once you’ve assessed that your basement is flooded, contact Top To Bottom Renovation at 301-579-8215 so that we can quickly send over a team member to remedy the issue.
