How to Dry Your Home Out After Water Damage

A flood or leak-related water damage incident can be a stressful and exhausting experience. It's essential to quickly dry out the affected areas if you want to reduce the long-term impacts and restore your home.

In this blog post, our professionals from Leak Detection of Atlanta will provide you with essential steps for effective water damage restoration and removal. By following these steps, you can mitigate further damage and bring your home back to its pre-damaged condition.

Assess the Extent of the Water Damage

Start by determining the extent and seriousness of the water damage. Analyze the water's source to determine its purity and whether it is sewage or contaminated water. This evaluation will assist you in determining if it is safe to move forward with the cleanup on your own or whether you need to contact a reputable water damage restoration service.

Ensure Safety Measures

Safety should come first before you begin any restoration work. To avoid electrical risks, turn off the electricity in the affected area. If there is standing water, take extra care to avoid potential trip and fall hazards. It is essential to get professional assistance if the water damage is severe or the water is tainted to reduce health hazards.

Remove Standing Water

Start by eliminating any standing water if the water level is low using buckets, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Make sure to properly dispose of the water. Hiring experts with specialized gear for effective water extraction is advised for greater volumes of water or in extreme situations.

Dry Out the Area

Drying out the impacted area comes after removing the standing water. To ensure enough ventilation, open the windows and doors. Utilize air circulators, dehumidifiers, and fans to promote drying. Pay close attention to the afflicted furniture, walls, carpets, and rooms.

Salvage What You Can

Evaluate the damage to your possessions while the area is drying out. Items that are not severely damaged should be salvaged. To avoid further saturation, move furniture and other belongings away from damp areas. Consult a specialist to decide the best course of action if polluted water has damaged recoverable things.

Inspect for Mold & Mildew

Water damage produces ideal circumstances for the growth of mold and mildew. Examine the afflicted areas for mold indications, such as a musty smell or obvious growth. If you see any signs, get in touch with a mold removal expert right away so they can evaluate and take care of the problem.

Clean & Disinfect

Cleaning and disinfection must be done thoroughly after water damage restoration. Sanitize surfaces by using a mild detergent or specialized cleaning supplies to get rid of any pollutants or bacteria. This step is especially important if sewage was the cause of water damage.

Monitor & Dehumidify

The walls, floors, and other concealed areas may still contain moisture even after the obvious water has been eliminated. Dehumidify the space and continuously check the humidity levels with a moisture meter to stop mold growth. For ideal drying conditions, keep the relative humidity between 30 and 50 percent.

Repair & Restore

Assess the structural damage and perform the necessary repairs after the affected areas have dried fully. If necessary, replace insulation, flooring, or damaged drywall. For large repairs or if you are unsure of the amount of the damage, seek professional help.

Need a Reliable Company?

Are you in need of a water damage removal? Luckily, we at Leak Detection of Atlanta have dedicated workers ready at your service. Contact our representatives for more questions.