6 Common Mistakes to Avoid During Flood Damage Restoration

When a property is flooded, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. After all, it doesn’t happen very often, and the consequences can be very unexpected and widespread.

However, in such situations, a cool head is always necessary. Quick action is vital to minimize flood damage in Austin, TX and mitigate any health hazards.

The temptation for many property owners is to carry out flood cleanup and water damage restoratio in Austin, TX themselves. They believe it will be more cost-effective and relatively straightforward.

Unfortunately, many home and business owners make costly mistakes during the restoration process. Oftentimes they lead to further damage, higher costs in the long term and longer restoration times. 

Here are some of the most common mistakes that must be avoided during flood damage restoration.

1) Failure to act immediately

One of the biggest mistakes people make with flood damage restoration is to delay starting.

Contrary to popular belief, floodwater will not dry out on its own. In fact, allowing standing water to remain in the property is extremely dangerous; it can lead to further damage, such as mold growth and serious structural damage, and even health hazards, as the water becomes a breeding ground for harmful bacteria.

To give restoration the best chance of success, all standing water must be removed as soon as possible and all moisture removed from the structure and belongings within 24 to 48 hours to stop mold growth. 

2) No access to professional equipment

Restoring water damage without the proper tools and equipment can do more harm than good.

Major problems need major solutions. That’s why it’s key to have industrial water vacuums, fans and dehumidifiers on the scene immediately.

Of course, these machines can be rented. But this can be expensive and the delay in acquiring the equipment - and the lack of expertise in operating it - can be catastrophic.

3) Failure to address the water source

Flood restoration is not just about drying out the affected areas; it’s also essential that the source of the water damage is located and addressed.

Whether a burst pipe, leaky roof or faulty or overflowing appliance, the source of the flood must be stopped to prevent further damage.

In most cases, the source of a flood is obvious. However, resolving it often requires the services of an expert.

In other cases, finding the water source may be complex and can only be identified with the help of professional equipment.

4) Not fully drying out affected areas

One of the most critical steps in water damage restoration is appropriately drying out the affected areas.

To achieve this, maximum air circulation is required, helped by industrial fans and dehumidifiers.

Even then, a simple visual or touch test is no guarantee of success. Professional moisture and humidity meters are necessary to ensure that drying is complete and there is no hidden moisture that will become a breeding ground for mold and eventually lead to structural damage.

5) Leaving water-damaged materials in place

Any material that has been damaged beyond repair, such as drywall, carpeting or insulation, should be removed and properly disposed of in the event of water damage.

This is because they are extremely porous and retain water very well. So, even the best drying efforts can be futile, leaving these materials structurally compromised and providing perfect conditions for mold to grow and pose a health hazard for a building’s occupants.

A key part of flood restoration is having the expertise to differentiate between what can be kept and what must be disposed of.

6) Failure to document the damage

In the panic of trying to restore their flooded property, many owners forget to document the water damage.

Taking photos and documenting the damage is an essential step in the insurance claims process. Failure to do so can result in a claim being rejected.

Read About - Guidelines For Flood Cleanup

Professional water damage restoration in the Greater Austin Area

Water damage restoration is a complex process that requires expertise, experience and attention to detail. So, in order to avoid these pitfalls of DIY flood restoration, it’s best to contract the services of a professional flood restoration company in the Greater Austin Area.

A professional water damage restoration company like Texas Certified Restoration has the experience and expertise to properly assess the damage, identify hidden moisture and prevent further damage, ensuring the restoration process is completed correctly and efficiently, saving time, money and stress.

We understand that time is of the essence with water damage restoration. That’s why we also have the resources and equipment readily available to tackle any flood restoration project quickly and efficiently.

Our experienced and certified technicians also have the industry know-how to work directly with insurance companies and provide the documentation required to give the claim the greatest chance of success.

In a flooding emergency, contact Texas Certified Restoration at (254) 212-7183 to ensure the job is done correctly.