Water damage in Florida can be a serious problem, leading to extensive damage to your home or business. The destruction caused by hurricanes, floods, and other weather-related events can be overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can be prepared to handle the restoration process. This article will provide you with five helpful tips for dealing with water damage restoration in Florida, before the arrival of restoration companies in Florida so you can begin the process of restoring your property and returning to normal as quickly as possible. With these tips, you’ll be knowledgeable and prepared to tackle whatever water damage you may face in the future.
Understand the Different Types of Water Damage
The most important thing to know about water damage is that there are different types of water damage. This is important to know because it will affect the type of water damage restoration services you’ll need. The three types of water damage include:
– Flood Damage – Flood damage occurs when water from a source, such as a storm, sewer rupture, or malfunctioning sprinkler floods your property. Flood damage requires the most extensive water damage restoration and emergency cleanup services because the source of the water is often not controllable or stoppable.
– Storm or Hurricane Damage – Storm or hurricane damage occurs when rainwater overflows from storm drains, collects in streets, and flows into buildings. Storm/Hurricane damage means water has entered your property but has not flooded it. – Broken or Leaky Pipe Damage – Broken or leaky pipe water damage occurs when a pipe in your property breaks due to age or other factors. This water can generally be contained before it causes severe damage to the rest of your property.
Take Safety Precautions
When dealing with water damage, safety is always the top priority. This is true whether you are dealing with flood damage, broken pipe damage, or storm damage. If you are dealing with flood damage, you may be concerned about contaminated water. Contaminants in water can be very dangerous, particularly for young children, seniors, and those with weakened immune systems. Flood water can also cause other health issues, including respiratory problems. To avoid these issues, wear protective clothing and get your home tested for contaminants. If you are dealing with broken or leaky pipe damage, you may be dealing with a toxic substance. To avoid contact, turn off the water source and ventilate the area. If you are dealing with storm damage, beware of downed power lines, broken glass, and other dangers.
Gather Documents and Photographs
When dealing with water damage, you’ll want to gather as much information as possible. Take photographs of the damage and surrounding area, as well as documents that may be of importance to your insurance company, including your policy information, list of valuables, and contractors you’ve hired. These items can be helpful if you are trying to obtain additional disaster assistance or rebates. These documents and photographs will assist the water damage restoration Florida contractor in assessing the damage and making an accurate estimate. They’ll also serve as helpful documentation if you have to file an insurance claim.
Call a Water Damage Restoration Company
If you suspect significant water damage, call a water damage restoration contractor as soon as possible. They can help you identify and repair water-related issues, such as a leak, broken water pipes or you need hurricane damage restoration. They can also help you determine how extensive the damage is and whether it will require extensive repairs or need to be dried out. This can save you time and effort in the long run. Additionally, a water damage restoration company will know how to navigate and/or clean up after a flood, storm, or broken/leaky pipe, so you don’t have to. Before hiring a contractor, it can be helpful to ask for references and speak to past customers. Be sure to ask about their experience and if they are satisfied with the work.
Document the Restoration Process
The restoration process can be long and difficult, so it’s important to keep track of all your cleaning, drying, and repair efforts. Documenting the restoration process will help you track your progress and identify any issues that may arise. It can also help you keep track of your expenses and claims for damages. It’s a good idea to keep a daily log of everything you’re doing, including the time you spend, the amount of money you’re spending, and any issues or concerns you’re having. This will help you keep track of all the activities you’ve done and what you have left to do. You can keep a restoration log in an online document or journal, or you can keep it as a physical written log. No matter what you decide, keeping a record of your restoration efforts is an important step in the process.
Take Steps to Prevent Future Water Damage
Even if you’ve experienced water damage, you still have the opportunity to prevent it from happening again. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of future water damage:
– Schedule annual maintenance for all sprinkler systems
– Make sure your property’s roof is in good condition
– Check and maintain roof drains and gutters
– If you live in a flood-prone area, keep flood insurance on your property
– Install backflow prevention devices
– Make sure you know where your main water shutoff is.
