Well, we’re not always going to be young without a care in the world and zero responsibilities. Before you know it, you’re moving out of your parents’ house for college and living on your own then discovering there is so much to know as an adult. You never imagine having to keep up with paying bills, feeding yourself, and handling huge home issues like water damage. Even though you might not see it coming, water damage is a popular home issue that everyone should be prepared to deal with. Here’s your guide on how to deal with a water damage situation efficiently and safely.
Know the Types of Water
This might be hard for you to believe but there are several types of water that you should identify to deal properly with water damage. First, there’s clean water that comes from rain or leaky pipes and is safe to clean yourself. The second type is gray water which is slightly dirty from things like washing machines, clean toilets, dishwashers, etc. While this type of water has contaminants, it’s still safe to clean yourself with the proper gear. The final type of water is black water, which is the most dangerous, causing a lot of health problems. It comes from flooding from rivers or sewage and contains bacteria and waste as well as other contaminants which is why for this type of water, a professional is required to come to clean it up.
Uncover Underlying Issues
Water damage can be a way for several other issues to arise such as mold and mildew, which is another serious problem. While examining the space for mold, you should be very careful since there are toxic types of it that can lead to serious health issues. If you find it to be a small mold issue, you can proceed to cut the area, bag it, and safely dispose of it on your own. However, if it’s something bigger than you can handle, it’s wise to call for a professional. Since fixing both mold and water damage issues, you can look for a good insurance quote Brampton to cover the expenses.
Locate Water Damage
Before you start taking steps toward a water damage solution, you must first locate the source of water that is causing the damage as well as all the areas that are affected. Find the place where water is leaking and make sure to temporarily stop the leaking then proceed to dry the area surrounding it using fans and cloth. Sometimes water damage or even slight moisture can be hidden so you need to first go on a hunt in small places like the padding beneath carpets and under floorboards.
The Solution
Now that the area is fully dry, you’ll need to remove the drywall and any other porous materials including carpet, insulation, fabric, etc. They would be already damaged from the water and you’ll have to replace them. The next step is to use disinfectants on the surrounding area to ensure all mold and bacteria are removed. Then, start with the ceiling by removing the panels and boards and checking if there is a source of a leak and if there is any structural damage. Replace the damaged wood and install new floors that are sealed before replacing the drywall. The final important step is to seal and caulk the new material before proceeding to paint. This will eliminate the possibility of any future water leak or damage to the new wood. When you’re installing new floors, consider waterproof options such as ceramic tile and waterproof vinyl.