If you are filing a homeowner insurance claim, it is most likely due to water damage. Flooding accounts for 90% of the damage caused by natural disasters, according to FEMA. Similarly, the primary cause of non-disaster home claims is plumbing supply system or drain system failure, as well as blocked or broken toilet plumbing, washing machine supply line and drain blockage, and water heater failure from age and corrosion. To lessen the impact of these catastrophes before water damage restoration begins, there are three basic steps to reduce water damage, including the growth of mold. Remember to check for structural damage before entering your house, and turn off electricity wherever necessary.
Remove Standing Water
Wear protective clothing and equipment, such as gloves, boots and goggles when cleaning up flooded areas. Take all water soaked materials, such as clothing, bedding, furniture and rugs, outside to dry, and put mattresses out for removal. A finished basement full of water must be pumped slowly, no more than two or three feet a day, to avoid causing damage to the walls from outside pressure. Pump as much water as possible from the house. Shovel out mud and debris where you are able, and spray hard surfaces with water to remove as much sediment as possible.Clean to Minimize Mold Growth
Clean flood water contaminated surfaces with hot water and strong disinfectant. To prevent mold growth and kill bacteria, wipe surfaces down with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per each gallon of water. Upholstered furniture and carpeting should be cleaned by professionals.Ventilate Your Home
It is very important to keep the air moving in your house in order to dry wet surfaces and reduce the possibility of mold growth. Open windows and doors and set up fans in every affected room or area. Use dehumidifiers to hasten drying.If you have not already called us in to do the initial cleaning, we, at Utah Flood Cleanup, can take over from you at this point, and we will perform water damage restoration of your home. We can send our certified technicians to your home at all hours of every day, in fully stocked and equipped service vans. Aside from the cleaning services we can provide, we will perform inspections, locate the source of flooding or leaking, remove damaged materials, and apply an EPA approved, microbial deodorizing and sanitizing solution. We monitor moisture levels, and use industrial fans and dehumidifiers to dry your home quickly, and we perform mold remediation when necessary.
Utah Flood Cleanup provides free phone consultations, and free inspections for all insurance covered water damage. We will work with you and your insurance company if you are filing a claim. We also guarantee our workmanship for five years and have affordable financing plans available.
If you would like to learn more about our water damage restoration services, please go to our website at UtahFloodCleanup.com or call us at (801)876-5225.
About the Author:
Josh Ray is a disaster cleanup professional and the owner of Utah Flood Cleanup. He is a certified mold professional, asbestos inspector, water damage IICRC carpet cleaning professional, and holds a RRP certification. You can rest easy knowing an experienced professional is helping repair you fire damage, water damage, or mold remediation issue.
Utah Flood Cleanup
685 E. 2850 N.
North Ogden, UT 84414
(801) 416-2666
