Flood damage restoration can be an incredibly daunting task. Flooding often causes significant damage to homes and businesses. It leaves behind mud, debris, and water damage in its wake. It can be tough to know where to start. Moreover, the process of restoring your property to its previous state is overwhelming.
You can make flood restoration Australia easy and efficient with the right approach. Read on to find out the steps to take before, during, and after a flood cleanup. This is a guide to cleaning your property after a flood. Try these tips to return your home or office to its pre-flood condition.
Flood Damage Restoration: Where to Start?
Safety is a Priority
Your first reaction might be to dive right into cleaning. However, protecting yourself and your family from potential hazards during flood restoration should be your number one priority.
- Avoid Getting Contaminated
There are significant health risks associated with flood water. The water can be contaminated with bacteria and fungi. Therefore you need to take proper precautions to avoid contact with the contaminants.
You must wear protective clothing, rubber boots, and gloves to protect your skin. Additionally, wear safety goggles and a face mask to protect your eyes and lungs from airborne particles. Also, make sure that the area is adequately aerated.
- Shut Off The Power
Use caution when handling electrical components or heavy objects. Before you begin the restoration process, ensure that you shut off the power supply to the space. Get an electrician to check the power supply and the circuits, if that is a possibility.
- Analyse the Building Structure
Before beginning any flood restoration project, it is important to examine the building structure thoroughly. This is to determine the extent and type of damage that has occurred. It also helps to determine the best course of action for restoration. Inspect the building structure for any signs of structural damage. These include cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings or damage to the floorboards.
Take Care of Insurance Matters
If you have a home insurance policy covering flood damage, you should follow the appropriate process required to make a claim. Take pictures of videos necessary to claim insurance before you begin cleaning.
Clean Up Process
Removal of Standing Water
Standing water can damage floors, walls, and furniture. The longer the objects in your property stand in water, the more prone they are to damage. Therefore, use a wet vacuum and pump to extract the water as quickly as possible.
Removal of Debris
Identify and discard any items that the flood has significantly damaged. This includes furniture, appliances, carpets, and other household items. Once you identify the affected items, you can dispose of the objects that you cannot recover. Keep a plastic garbage bag and dispose of the smaller items. If it is a large area, get help from a professional.
Removal of Mud and Silt
If you are not a trained professional, this is one of the most laborious tasks of the restoration process. You must manually scoop up all the mud and silt and dispose of them properly. Any mud or silt that’s left behind can cause further damage to the property.
Cleaning and Sanitising
Disinfecting objects is a vital part of the flood restoration cleanup process. This step can help to remove mould, mildew, and bacteria that can quickly grow in moist, wet areas.
There are cleaning products that are specifically designed for flood damage restoration. They are stronger than regular household cleaners. These products with disinfectants can effectively penetrate porous surfaces. Also, make sure you use products that are specifically designed to kill germs, mould, and mildew on contact. Additionally, read the labels carefully for directions on the use of the products.
Drying Walls
Drying the walls has to be done in a fast and effective manner. You have to ensure that the interior of the walls is dry. Moreover, moisture getting stuck inside the walls could lead to more complicated structural issues.
First, you have to remove any interior wall finishes and insulation. Then you have quickly rinse the walls. Make sure to clean and disinfect them before they completely dry off. This step ensures that the walls don’t harbour contaminants.
Allow the walls to dry. Additionally, if you have access to a moisture meter, you can determine when the walls are dry enough to add the insulation again and close up. You can use a dehumidifier to dry the parts that still contain moisture.
Scrub The Floors
Scrubbing floors or any woodwork is an integral part of this process. It is essential to ensure that all surfaces are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned. Any moisture can lead to harmful mould and bacteria growth.
It is possible to remove dirt or debris using basic cleaning products. Use a stiff-bristled brush, warm water and mild detergent. Afterwards, ensure that all surfaces are dried as fast as possible. Ensuring the surfaces are dry can prevent further damage or mould growth.
Dry All Surfaces
You need to dry the surfaces using an industrial dehumidifier and air mover. However, this has to be done within 24 to 48 hours. Depending on the extent of the flooding, it may be necessary to use a combination of fans, heaters and dehumidifiers to ensure all surfaces are completely dry.
It is also wise to take steps to prevent mould and mildew from forming. You can use anti-mould sprays to prevent the formation of mould and mildew. Finally, discard any materials which have been contaminated or damaged beyond repair.
Want to Call A Professional Flood Damage Restoration Service?
Cleaning up after flood damage is not for the faint-hearted. However, it should be attainable with immense physical labour and a can-do attitude.
If you change your mind, the professional flood damage restoration team at Aspen Services can carry out this task professionally and effectively.
Why should you call us?
- Our experts are trained to recognise and address safety issues in a flooded property.
- We respond fast during a flood emergency.
- Aspen professionals hold industrial expertise and state-of-the-art equipment to help minimise damage.
- We can assess the damage and evaluate to what extent the property requires repairs.
- Aspen Service always provide the most cost-effective solutions that ensure your safety
- We provide long-term solutions to prevent any damage in the future.
Call us today on 1300 461 926 to get a free quote.