If the damage is limited to a small area, you may be able to repair it yourself. If you are trying to repair the damage yourself, start by drying the area. You can do this with a fan or dehumidifier. Once the area is dry, you can start repairing the roof.
With a lot of standing water, you can start removing it with plastic buckets or tubs. Then use a mop to absorb excess water in hard-to-reach areas. Rent a wet and dry vacuum at a local hardware store or even a grocery store to finish the job once most of the water has been used up and allow the area to fully ventilate and dry. Using a dehumidifier can help speed up this process.
If there isn't too much standing water, you can use the liquid and dry vacuum from the start. Sometimes it will be obvious that there is a water leak behind the walls or towards the ceiling from above. The ceiling or walls may show visible signs of moisture, dripping water, or signs of deterioration of structural integrity. Ceiling drywall can sag or crumble under the weight of water that saturates the naturally porous gypsum material.
Other times, you might notice small signs, such as brown spots, that can expand over time. To minimize water damage from a major leak or flood in your home, the restoration process should ideally begin within 24 hours. The first thing to do when a water line breaks is to ensure your safety and that of your family. Immediately turn off electricity in the area affected by water.
Because water is an excellent electrical conductor, you can easily transfer electricity to it from an exposed cable. Keep in mind that water damage as a result of lack of maintenance is not covered by a standard home insurance policy. When the water level rises above the bottom of the sump well, the sump pump activates and pumps the water out of your home. The magnitude of the problem is often more important than it seems, since water damage is hidden behind walls and under floorboards.
In some cases, it may only take a few hours or days for the water to cause significant damage to the base. In some serious cases, where there is serious water damage, you may need to call a professional contractor to repair the source of the leak or to repair damaged walls or ceiling. How long it takes for water damage repairs to be completed depends on how long it takes for the affected material to dry and the severity of the damage. If the professional finds any damage to your roof, make sure it's repaired right away to protect it against water damage inside.
If you leave water damage for more than a week, the time frames, costs and effort involved in any restoration work will increase significantly. Damage caused by category 1 water is defined as “clear water”, category 2 is “gray water” and category 3 is “black water”. While the exact amount of time it takes for water to damage foundations depends on several factors, such as the type of foundation you have and the amount of water present, damage can occur quickly. Jenkins Restorations specializes in rebuilding and repairing properties damaged by wind, water, fire, storms, vandalism, or theft.
Regardless of the severity of the initial damage, you can't afford to wait to start the water cleaning process. First of all, there is the damage caused by water itself, which damages building materials, appliances, accessories and furniture when found and accumulated, and electronic devices are especially susceptible to damage. To minimize the spread of mold and the risk of serious structural damage, contact a water damage restoration professional within 24 to 48 hours. Gutters protect your home from water damage by removing rainwater from the roof and away from the foundation of the house.
If water damage comes from a clogged sewer network, or if the water is gray or black, wait for professionals to touch or treat the water in any way, as it poses a serious biological hazard. .
