GLCSMarch2020Blog

Getting Smart About Water Damage

Water is the symbol of tranquility. Unless, of course, it is damaging your home.

When your washer overflows, your sub pump backs up, rain leaks in your attic, or any other wet, unexpected mess happens, it is anything but tranquil. As a matter of fact, water damage is serious and should be addressed right away.

Two things to keep in mind with water:

  1. Act fast
  2. Call your local emergency restoration contractor

This is not a time for do-it-yourself (DIY). Calling a professional, emergency restoration contractors saves you time and money.

Your contractor team will arrive quickly. To get the process started, begin drying out the affected areas. The goal should be to dry everything out as soon as possible. This allows you to save your items while avoiding mold, mildew and rust.

Your contractor will have all these needed tools to dry out and restore your water damaged area. Here are some things you can do to start, using things you have:

  1. Move Air: You need circulation, so start by opening the windows. Remove anything in the way for the windows and open up those curtains and blinds.
  2. Utilize Fans: Use all the fans you have, including your ceiling fan. You can also rent or purchase high-powered fans for even more air circulation.
  3. Dehumidify: A portable dehumidifier does a great job at removing excess water vapor from the air in a smaller area.
  4. Shop Vac: If you have a shop vac handy, use it to suck water from your carpet and any standing water.
  5.  Remove Items: Take rugs, furniture, boxes, and anything else to another area. Ideally, place them outside in the sun. If that isn’t possible, find another place like a garage or porch to start the drying process.  
  6. Remove valuables: Make sure to focus on your valuables like, money, photos, and important papers. A trick is to freeze the paper in plastic bags.
  7. Absorb: If you don’t have a shop vac or many fans on hand, you can also use towels to absorb some moisture. Make sure to dry out the wet towels!

While you can start the dry out process, when water damage and sewage overflow is not addressed by professionals, hazardous mold can grow in hidden, unexpected places. At Great Lakes Contracting Services, we are certified in both drying and mold removal methods. When your hire our team, the drying and cleaning of your home, building, or business is quick and safe. Call us today at 855-403-6900.