Household Items That Experts Suggest to Toss After a Flood

Andrew Burch 2023-08-11 0 Comments
flood

Unfortunately, things happened. If a flood just struck your home, you know how devastating it can be. From the immediate damage caused by rushing water to the long-lasting effects of mold and mildew growth, floods can wreak havoc on your personal belongings. But there is hope. If you are looking for a professional service, water damage restoration san diego is a call away to help.

But what about your items? Should you throw them away? Don’t just throw all of them away since some items can still be cleaned and disinfected. Also, there are some things that experts recommend tossing out for good.

Kitchen Appliances

kitchen

After being exposed to sewage, you don’t want to use the kitchen appliances. Electrical appliances that have been submerged in floodwater are generally not salvageable and pose a significant safety risk if used again. Water can seep into electrical components, causing shorts and malfunctions that could potentially lead to fires or electrocution.

Small countertop appliances like coffee makers, blenders, and microwaves should also be carefully inspected for signs of water damage. If there is any doubt about their functionality or safety, it’s better to err on the side of caution and replace them.

Mattresses

Floodwaters can seep into mattresses and cause extensive damage. Even if they look dry on the surface, moisture can still be trapped inside, leading to mold and mildew growth. These microorganisms not only produce unpleasant odors but also pose health risks such as allergies and respiratory issues.

Additionally, floodwater may contain harmful contaminants like bacteria or sewage that can penetrate deep into the mattress material. Cleaning these contaminants thoroughly is extremely challenging, often rendering the mattress unsalvageable.

Hardwood Furniture

While it may seem sturdy and durable, prolonged exposure to water can cause irreparable damage. Water seeping into the wood can lead to warping, swelling, and even mold growth. This means your beloved hardwood dining table or coffee table may no longer be salvageable after a flood.

Even if the water damage seems minimal on the surface, you need to take into account what lies beneath. Moisture could have penetrated deep into the wood fibers where you can’t see it. This hidden moisture can lead to long-term issues such as the weakening of joints or the development of rot. In some cases, professional restoration services may be able to salvage water-damaged hardwood furniture.

Upholstered Furniture

furniture

We all know that these pieces are often made with fabric that absorbs water easily. That said, it makes sense that many experts suggest you toss them, as it’s difficult to fully dry and sanitize them. Even if the surface appears dry, moisture can seep into the cushions or padding, creating an ideal environment for mold spores to thrive. Mold not only causes unpleasant odors but also poses serious health risks.

In addition to mold, floodwater may contain contaminants like bacteria and sewage. These substances can penetrate deep into the fibers of your upholstery, making it nearly impossible to remove them through regular cleaning methods completely.

Cleaning up after a flood is undoubtedly daunting, both physically and emotionally. However, by promptly discarding certain items that have been affected by floodwaters – kitchen appliances like refrigerators or ovens; mattresses; hardwood furniture; upholstered furniture – you will help ensure the well-being of yourself and your loved ones in the long run.…

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Choosing the Best Water Restoration Company

Susan Stallcup 2020-05-14 0 Comments
flood

Water is one of the most destructive elements in both homes as well as offices. So if you experience water damage, instead of trying to solve the problem on your own, it is essential to seek the services of professional companies such as the Richmond water damage restoration. This is important because professional companies have the skills as well as the equipment to do an incredible job.

However, not every water damage restoration company that you’re going to meet is capable of offering you quality services. To avoid landing in the hands of incompetent companies, you need to consider the following tips when choosing a water damage restoration company.

water damage

Timely Services

When looking for a good water restoration company, one of the essential factors that you need to consider is the ability of the company to finish the work in time. Some water damage can be catastrophic if they’re not rectified swiftly. So it is crucial to look for a water restoration company that has a history of completing the work given to them in time. Besides being able to offer timely services, the company should also offer round-the-clock services. Reading online reviews is the best way to get all this information.

Certification

Since water damage restoration is a complex task, it is good to ensure that you’re working with a well-experienced company. Asking the company to provide you with papers that show they indeed have the necessary skills is the way to go. If, for instance, a company is not licensed, then that is enough reason to doubt the ability of such a company to serve you right.

Reputation

It is possible to tell the quality of water damage restoration services that you’re going to get from a company by looking at its reputation. In normal circumstances, a water restoration company will never have a good reputation if they never dedicate their time to offering quality services—the track record of the company will tell you more about their reputation.

Alternatively, you can talk to friends or family members who might have had an opportunity to make use of the company before you. Such people will have the information that you need to make the right choice.

Price

Lastly, you will need to consider the price of the water restoration damage company. While some water damage restoration companies are keen to offer quality services at a reasonable price to their clients, some are in the business to exploit the unsuspecting clients. Therefore, take the time to carry out a thorough price comparison before you make your decision.…

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Tips for Finding a Water Damage Restoration Company

Susan Stallcup 2020-05-01 0 Comments
water damage

Studies show that millions of money are spent on repairing water damage. An average homeowner can spend a few thousands of dollars following an incident of water damage. Consider the financial impact this has; it is quite important to ensure you hire a reliable water damage restoration company.

You should note that there are different causes of water damage. For instance, missing or damaged roof shingles allow rainwater to damage your ceilings. Also, clogged gutters, drainage issues, and sewage backup can devastate the basement resulting in floodwater. In this case, you need to replace the drywall if it becomes logged. These are tips to help you choose the right water restoration company.

Licensed and Insured

The right company should be insured and licensed to offer water damage restoration services. Ideally, licensure means that the company is allowed to offer services in the given area. Moreover, the company should have liability insurance that offers clients peace of mind when restoration services are ongoing in their homes.

Certified

You need to ensure that the technicians working for the water damage restoration are certified by the relevant organization. Certification demonstrates that individuals carrying out these tasks are competent and qualified to offer the services. The truth is that fixing water damage is quite expensive. Unskilled or inexperienced technicians only worsen the situation. Also, improper cleaning methods contribute to existing degradation. In fact, unskilled technicians are likely to leave some issues unaddressed, which may result in long-term consequences.

Quick Response

You should note that water damage does spread rapidly. If left unaddressed, it is likely to cause permanent structural damage. In fact, a swift response is a necessity. Fortunately, you can find reputable companies that operate 24/7. The right company should send technicians to your property within minutes after reporting the incident.

Verified Ratings

You may be surprised to learn that after a disaster, some companies are born overnight. Some such companies are only interested in your hard-earned money. Therefore, you should look for a company with many satisfied customers. Positive reviews are an indication that you are dealing with the right company. Ensure you check the local references as most of these companies rely on word of mouth as a means of promoting their services.

Detailed Contract

After making an assessment of damage, a quality service provider will spell out the terms of the contract. Ensure that the contract indicates the timeframe of the restoration work and the estimated cost of the service.…

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