There are a number of ways your home can suffer water damage: excessive rain, flooding, burst pipes, leaks, overflowing bathtubs, ice dams, the list goes on. Depending on the severity of the situation, you might see water damage as more of a nuisance than a serious problem. Make no mistake, water damage isn’t something to be ignored or put off.
Otherwise, that water damage will become mold damage.
Every home contains invisible mold spores waiting for a moist surface to land on. If you don’t act quickly, you’ll likely find yourself in the middle of a mold invasion. If you’ve suffered water damage, big or small, here are a few actions you can take to help keep mold from appearing.
Stop the Source of the Water
Depending on what’s causing the water damage, your options might be limited here. Obviously, you can’t stop it from raining outside (though you can check to make sure your gutters are connected and directing water away from your home). If you’ve had a pipe burst, shut your water off immediately. If water is leaking through the roof, try putting a bucket beneath the area it’s seeping through.
Do whatever you can to stop or reduce the spread of water in your home.
Remove Items, Rugs, Carpet
Assuming there are no electrical dangers present, you should remove any items you’re able to from the affected area. This includes furniture, rugs, etc. If you’re able to, it’s not a bad idea to tear up any carpet that’s gotten wet. However, that might be best left to a professional.
Dehumidify the Area
Mold thrives in moist, humid environments. If you have any dehumidifiers on hand, it’s not a bad idea to place them in the affected areas. Just make sure you’re emptying them out when they get full. Additionally, be mindful of temperature control. You don’t want the water damaged areas to get too hot or too cold.
Contact a Professional
Whether the water damage is covered by your insurance policy or not, it’s important that you get it fixed quickly and properly. You can’t simply let it dry and hope for the best. Left unchecked, water damage will cause additional wear, rot, unpleasant smells, and mold. To ensure that the affected areas are properly dried and repaired, it’s best to contact an emergency restoration company. They’ll have the knowledge and the tools to treat the situation effectively and return your home to the way it should be.
For water damage restoration in Springfield, Ohio and the surrounding communities, contact Reliant Restoration today!