Common Water Damage Restoration Mistakes Homeowners Must Avoid
The process of minimizing damage and restoring a property to its original condition after water damage can be stressful for homeowners. Worse, it’s easy to make mistakes during the water cleanup and restoration process, and these mistakes can make restoring a home even more challenging.
Here are some helpful tips from the water restoration experts at SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co. to avoid common mistakes and handle the water restoration process right.
Mistake #1: Not Calling a Professional Water Restoration Company
Many homeowners try to complete the water damage restoration process on their own. The problem is most don’t have the right experience and equipment to do so. Properly drying out building materials is a difficult task and one best left to a professional.
The SERVPRO team is here to save homeowners time and money with their 24-7 emergency water damage restoration services. With their expertise and advanced technology, they minimize damage and help fulfill homeowners insurance requirements.
Mistake #2: Waiting Too Long to Call
Acting fast is a vital part of effective water damage restoration. Water tends to spread very quickly, traveling behind walls and underneath floorboards. Once that happens, mold can grow and further damage walls, furniture, and other materials. Mold can begin to grow less than 24 hours after water exposure.
Finding the source of the water, stopping it, and immediately beginning the extraction and drying process is crucial. Calling a mold removal and remediation company is the best way to do that.
Mistake #3: Failing to Take Safety Precautions
Even outside of the restoration process, being in a building with recent water damage can be dangerous depending on the extent of the flooding. Turning on electronics or touching electronic devices can result in electric shocks or further damage to the property.
Saturated building materials can fail, and debris can lead to slips and falls. The best thing a homeowner can do after eliminating the source of the water (if possible) and calling a water restoration company is to leave the building and stay out.
Mistake #4: Not Understanding the Scope of the Damage
Water damage isn’t always visible. Many homeowners take the DIY route, clean up the visible water and later discover mold or unpleasant odors lingering in furniture, floors, and walls.
A professional water damage cleanup and restoration company can evaluate the true extent of water damage and follow through with proper cleanup and deodorization. That may include antimicrobial treatments or sanitization.
A proper evaluation of the damage is also vital for insurance reasons. Many insurance providers will deny claims where homeowners attempt repairs themselves or delay calling a professional to document the damage. The best way to ensure a policy covers the full cost of a restoration is to work with a reputable restoration company.
About SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co.
For water cleanup and removal in Southlake, TX, and the surrounding areas, call SERVPRO at (817) 595-2506. SERVPRO is a leading water restoration and mold remediation company, and also offers fire restoration and air duct cleaning. Follow them on Facebook or explore their Google business page for more information.
