5 Steps for Flood Cleanup

8/4/2023 (Permalink)

Thurnderstorm in Layton, UT.

Floods come in all shapes and sizes, from minor plumbing leaks to major storm surges. It is often difficult to see a level of your home underwater, and it can leave you wondering about specific cleaning requirements. Most water damage specialists in Layton, UT, suggest a five-step process for flood recovery.

5 Step Process for Flood Cleanup

1. Remove Water From Interior

The primary objective after a storm surge is to remove the water, not to perform flood clean up. Most professionals will use a combination of shop vacs, portable pumps, and pumping trucks, depending on the depth of the flood.

2. Dry the Interior

Thoroughly drying the space is among the most important cleaning requirements. Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours after water damage. The quicker you can dry the space, the less chance for other problems to arise. Restoration companies often use air movers, dehumidifiers, and fans to help move the drying process along.

3. Mitigate Further Loss

A significant concern for many homeowners is mitigating further loss. Most insurers require homeowners to protect the property from greater harm or risk their claim. Disaster response teams might suggest using plywood to cover vertical damage, like broken windows, and tarps for horizontal damage, like wind-torn roofs.

4. Clean and Disinfect

Before you know it, the disaster response crew will explain how to flood disinfectant and clean your space. The team you hire will remove all debris, and use commercial products to eliminate any harmful bacteria.

5. Restore the Space

With the space clean and dry, the team can begin focusing on any structural repairs. The restoration phase is about removing any sign of storm damage and making your house look like never even happened.

The cleaning requirements after a flood or storm surge are simple: remove water, dry the space, protect, clean, and repair. However, depending on the damage, a homeowner might want to consider calling a professional for help.