09 Feb Common Water Damage Cleanup Tips
Water damage can cause severe stress in your home and business. Most people try to get to work immediately to clean up the mess.
It is crucial that you begin repairing the damage as soon possible. However, mistakes can cause more damage to your health, the structure or both.
These are the top mistakes property owners make when dealing with unexpected water damage.
Doing It Yourself – The Wrong Way
Have you ever spilled water and thought it was a minor issue? This attitude can lead to more serious water damage. You can clean up some water damage with a DIY effort. However, it is important to be clear about what you are looking for so that you don’t miss any.
If water is not dried properly, it can cause hidden damage. It is much more difficult and time-consuming to dry out water damage than most people realize. This makes it easy for people to skip steps. Inadequate drying and cleanup can cause more damage over the long-term because people wait too long for the drying process to be completed.
Waiting Too Long
Water damage is best dealt with quickly. It can be tempting for something small to look like water damage to DIY, and to put off calling an insurance company and hiring a professional. It doesn’t seem like a big problem if there is just a little water.
Even a tiny amount of water can cause significant damage.
Water can get into cracks and crevices, where it is not visible. It soaks into building materials, encouraging mold growth, and further damage if left unattended. Although the initial damage may appear small, it quickly escalates into a major problem.
Taking Short Cuts
Water damage restoration requires that the work be done with extreme care. There are no shortcuts or corners to be taken.
It is important to use the right drying equipment and monitor it carefully. The time it takes for water to dry completely is dependent on how long it takes.
If the job is done properly, drying, cleaning and restoring water damaged areas is a worthwhile investment of both time and money. You can end up with mold growth and degrading building materials if you take shortcuts.
Not Hiring A Professional Water Damage Restoration Company
The biggest mistake in handling water damage is not calling a Long Beach professional restoration company. A technician or project manager should visit your property and take readings using a moisture meter in order to assess the extent of the damage.
Many property owners are shocked to discover the extent of damage that cannot be seen with the naked eyes.
Long Beach professionals have the knowledge and equipment to correctly assess water damage, dry and restore it from any source. It’s best to use an IICRC-certified company whenever you are dealing with water damage.
You may find that even small water damage can be much more severe than you initially thought. This could change your mind about whether or not you file an insurance claim. The insurance company might decline to pay your claim if you do not consult a professional within 24 hours.
Even though water damage can seem small, it can cause extensive damage below the surface. It is important to understand how water can cause damage to your property.