Dealing With Water Damage

12/13/2017 (Permalink)

Dealing With Water Damage

Dealing with the aftermath of a fierce storm in North Hollywood, California can be overwhelming. Severe wind and torrential rains can cause a devastating amount of damage to buildings, but one of the worst problems may be water damage. Flooding may lead to extensive repairs including the need to tear out parts of the building. Here are four steps that must be taken to restore a building after a storm.

Remove Standing Water

Whether a building is left with only a few inches of standing water or a more substantial amount, the first step in storm restoration is to remove the liquid. This can be accomplished with a pump, shop-vac, or even buckets. Whichever method is used, the goal is to remove as much water as possible.

Tear Out Wet Material

Water damage can make a structure unsound and cause mold and mildew to grow. To properly restore a structure after it has flooded, it is usually necessary to remove any wet materials such as carpet, hardwood flooring, or linoleum. Tear out wet sheetrock and remove any wet insulation. Any saturated furnishings such as furniture also need to be moved before the name step can be taken. Professional restoration companies can help expedite this process.

Dry Out the Building

Before a building can be fully restored, it needs to be dried out. The natural process of evaporation is more effective and safer than using heat or cold air, as applying artificial methods to the drying process can actually cause a structure to weaken. Opening doors and windows is the best way to encourage the circulation of fresh air and speed up the long process of drying all wet materials.

Restore the Structure

One standing water has been removed, damaged materials have been torn out, and the building has dried completely, the restoration process can begin. Insulation and sheetrock must be replaced and new flooring needs to be laid before the building can be used again.

When you experience water damage in North Hollywood, California the restoration process can be long and frustrating. When it is necessary to tear out damaged materials, following these four steps can help speed up the process.
Visit http://www.SERVPROnorthhollywood.com for more information on water damage.