5 Steps for Drying Out a Water-Damaged Building

12/31/2018 (Permalink)

When it comes to water damage, nothing is more important than acting quickly and calmly. These five practical water damage tips can help protect your belongings and commercial property in South Oceanside,CA, from damage, or hold you over until water damage restoration specialists arrive.

1. Document All Damage

Immediately get photographic evidence of all the damage throughout the building. Try to identify the source of the leak, such as a pipe burst. Whatever the cause, documentation can save you time and stress when negotiating coverage with your insurance company.

2. Circulate Air

Of these damage tips, the most time-sensitive may be the use of air circulation to stave off further damage or warping. Buy or rent high-powered industrial fans to powerfully blow air. Open closet or cupboard doors to provide airflow. Depending on the humidity outside, crack open windows and vents. Large industrial dehumidifiers are also recommended to remove moisture from the air.

3. Remove Wet Items and Water

Remove wet flooring, furniture and other fixtures, as these only add to the moisture level. Keep in mind that household vacuums generally aren’t designed for water. Use an industrial wet/dry vacuum to absorb lingering water or mud.

4. Sanitize

Since the floodwater could contain waste and sewage, it should be cleaned up as soon as possible. Use warm, fresh, soapy water to clean floors, walls, or any other fixtures that have touched standing water. Don’t neglect ductwork; sanitize any ducts that were filled with water. These cleaning tips can help ensure that surfaces are safe for use.

5. Absorb Remaining Moisture

While fans and dehumidifiers are circulating and drying the air, you can tackle remaining moisture with desiccants, which are tubs of absorbent silica gel, clay or calcium oxide. Desiccants come in an array of sizes; visit your local supermarket or hardware store to find the size and formulation that’s right for you.

Discovering flooding or a pipe burst on your property can be overwhelming. By thinking quickly, staying calm and following these water damage tips, you’re sure to be standing on dry ground in no time!