Heavy rainfall is a natural event. While it is good for crops and front lawns, sometimes there can be too much of a good thing. Heavy rains can cause extensive damage to homes.
When water seeps into a house, the damage can be catastrophic, infiltrating every nook and cranny and destroying everything in its wake. Water damage is both expensive and challenging to repair. Furthermore, it can be dangerous if not dealt with in time, as it can cause mold growth. Here's what you need to know.
Assessment
After heavy rainfall, the first step is to assess the damage. It is essential to know the severity of the damage to determine your next steps. Check the walls, floors, and ceilings for damage. Have a water damage restoration professional inspect your home and help you identify any hidden damage.
Documentation
Documenting the damage is necessary if you plan on filing an insurance claim. Take pictures of all the damaged property and make a video tour of your home highlighting everything before beginning repairs. Evidence of the water damage will make it easier to get your claim approved.
Extraction
Once you have assessed the damage, the next step is to extract the water from your house. Water damage restoration professionals can help you pump out excess water and open up the floors and walls to dry out your home. They typically use fans and open windows to ventilate your home.
Repair
Water damage can have detrimental effects on the structural integrity of your house. It compromises the stability of any wood surfaces and poses a risk of mold and further deterioration. It is crucial to replace any compromised surfaces exhibiting signs of water damage. In more severe cases of water damage, it may be necessary to undertake extensive repairs, which could involve stripping off entire sections of the roof, walls, or floors to address the underlying issues effectively.
Prevention
Preventing water damage is not always possible, but there are a few steps you can take to minimize future damage, including:
- Sealing all entry points to your home
- Cutting down tree branches around the house that may cause damage
- Cleaning the gutters regularly to allow water to flow freely off the roof
- Ensuring your property slopes away from your foundation
Water damage can be a catastrophic event, but cleanup is possible. Taking the right steps immediately after a storm can help minimize damage and get your home back to normal faster. Hire experienced professionals to help you assess and repair the damage quickly.
