Flood Restoration Steps For Homeowners Affected by Recent Hurricanes
A once-in-a-lifetime storm just pummeled your neighborhood. However, the hardest part is yet to come. Rebuilding or restoring the property is your next step in this heart-wrenching situation. You’re not alone in your endeavors because water damage repair specialists are trained for just these circumstances. Learn how flood restoration steps can improve your home with these simple tips.
Contacting the Insurance Company
Contacting water damage repair professionals as a first step is where many people make their first mistake. Calling your insurance company must be the first step so that you can get the claim process rolling. Initially, they send a claim specialist to the home for evaluation purposes. This information prompts them to contact a local, restoration company on your behalf. In most cases, you choose the company that you work with as the insurance claim moves forward.
Become business friends with the flood restoration company because these professionals end up as your champions when it comes to dealing with the insurance professionals. They’ll discuss the necessary repairs and get them approved as often as possible.
Assessing the Damage
Your water damage repair specialists walk through the home with careful precision. They consider the extent of the damage as it’s categorized as flood repair within the restoration industry. From class one to four, these categories guide the specialist’s evaluation of saturation levels. Drywall, carpets and even brick are evaluated for their moisture content. Professionals also pinpoint the moisture source, such as flood waters at ground level or heavy rainfall.
Another consideration is either gray or black water, which comes from unsanitary sources. Toilets and sewers can overflow during a disaster. This water must be dealt with in a careful manner to avoid further contamination.
Material Removal Versus Drying
There are a surprising amount of items that can be dried after a flood. Your water damage restoration specialists can go over the items that are safe as long as they’re exposed to industrial fans and blowers. However, many residents must come to terms with materials that cannot be saved. Fabrics, drywall and wall paintings are often complete losses. Follow the suggestions posed by the specialists because keeping any items that are even partially saturated can create mold and mildew in the future. Moisture trapped in these items has the potential for bacterial and fungal growth.
Matching Architectural Details
Many South Texas homes have amazing architecture that dates back many decades. These detailed accents may be damaged so restoration experts try to replace them accordingly. Some research is often involved where the experts seek out certain materials and styles. They’ll quote the home’s restoration price with these items included. Be aware that the insurance company must have coverage for these architectural details. If there’s no stipulation within the policy, homeowners may need to cover these costs on their own.
Dealing with Hidden Problems during Flood Restoration
Obvious damage to interior walls and floors are commonplace during these restoration steps. Don’t forget about those hidden areas that must be evaluated too. HVAC vents and ducts must be cleaned out and dried. Professionals also look for wet structural items, such as saturated wood beams under the home or in the attic. Experienced restoration workers include these items in their quotes so that no saturated area goes without an evaluation.
You have a lot of flood restoration companies to choose from, but the experts at Vintage Reconstruction Inc. maintain their dedication to the South Texas region. Partner with experts that can dry out the home and make it practically brand new once again. You can regain your financial and personal footing after the hurricane passes with the help of water damage repair experts.