Prevent Further Water Damage with This Flood Cleanup Checklist

Floods can occur when they are least expected, and they can come from a variety of sources. No matter when or how it happens, homeowners need to be prepared to handle the flood cleanup. After all, floods can be incredibly destructive. They can ruin furniture, destroy flooring, and leave homes with major structural problems.

Though it is no small task to restore a flood-damaged home, it can be done when homeowners follow these ten steps. However, they don’t have to do it alone. There are several trained flood cleanup crews that can help with this process to ensure that the property is completely restored to its pre-loss condition.  

Contact Homeowners’ Insurance

One of the very first things that a homeowner should do is reach out to their insurance company. The agent should be able to help the family with relocating to a temporary shelter if it is no longer safe to remain in the home. They should also be able to recommend a reliable flood cleanup crew.

However, it is important to note that most policies will not cover flood damage caused by a storm. Homeowners may need to have a separate policy for flood insurance. 

Document Flood Damage

If the damage is covered by insurance, homeowners should thoroughly document the damage that occurred. They should take photos or videos of every item that was impacted by the water. Homeowners should also document the water level because drywall may have to be removed at least two feet above the waterline.

Initiate the Cleanup

Homeowners who hire a professional crew can let those experts handle the initial cleanup phase. These contractors can use pumps to extract large volumes of water, and they can remove any dirt or debris. In addition, they can start the drying process by running air movers and dehumidifiers. 

Sort & Discard Contents 

Most flood cleanup crews offer content restoration, so they will help homeowners to sort through their personal items. They can recommend what items should be discarded, and they can pack up the belongings that will be cleaned off-premises. After the items are cleaned, the contractors can store them until they are ready to be returned to the property. 

Remove Walls

Sometimes water damage can be hidden within the walls, so it’s wise to remove them. This will allow the interior to completely dry. Otherwise, homeowners could end up dealing with a hidden mold problem down the road. Wet insulation should also be removed when the walls are taken down. If there is any mud or debris, it should be cleaned out at this time as well.

Remove Flooring

While wood floors are beautiful, they don’t hold up well to water damage. They can easily become warped or buckled, but the right flood cleanup contractors should know how to carefully remove them to preserve them. The wood should then be cleaned and carefully dried or repaired before installing it back in the house. Some pieces might need to be replaced. 

Even other types of sheet or tile flooring should be removed. This will give the subfloor more exposure so that it can dry as well.  

Inspect Subfloors

While the subfloor is exposed, it should be inspected for damage. Wood subfloors are particularly susceptible to swelling and warping, but they can typically be dried over time. Any plywood or OSB subfloors should be removed if they were submerged in the water. It is impossible to dry them back to their flat surface.

Clean Affected Surfaces

Even if a material does not need to be replaced, it should be cleaned before the family returns to the home. Contractors can sanitize walls, flooring, trim, countertops, and more to make sure that all contaminants are eliminated. 

Check for Mold Growth

Since it takes as little as 24 hours for mold to grow, it’s not uncommon to find some spores throughout the flood cleanup. Fortunately, most flood cleanup crews are trained in mold removal, so they can carefully handle any mold or mildew problems. 

Reconstruct Damaged Area

Finally, the contractors will complete the reconstruction phase. The best flood cleanup experts are licensed general contractors, so they can install new flooring, walls, and more. By the time they are finished, the home should be back to its pre-loss condition, if not even better! 

Find out More About the Steps of a Successful Flood Cleanup

Want to know more about how to fully restore a home impacted by flood damage? If so, homeowners should reach out to the professionals of A.W. Puma Restoration & Remodeling right away. They are available 24/7 to help with emergency flood cleanup projects, submit a online contact form or homeowners can call to ask about their services.