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Flood Damage? 3 Longer Term Challenges to Prepare For

Flood Damage? 3 Longer Term Challenges to Prepare For

Flooding creates a variety of long term problems both for business and homeowners. Most people are, rightly, most concerned with clearing the water from the structure. But, once the building is dry and you can begin moving forward, you still face lingering challenges of flood damage.

What are these challenges, and how can you address them? Here’s a short guide to three of the most common long-term issues you face.

Odors

Odors can linger after any kind of flooding event. Smells largely come from either the fabrics and materials that trapped water in them for any length of time or from mold growing in moist areas.

The best way to treat long-term odors is to hire a professional restoration company that will mitigate the problem at its sources. Professional mitigation then uses a variety of odor-removers, most notably ozone and hydroxyl. Ozone uses oxidation to permanently change the structure of odor molecules. Hydroxyl works with similar processes but can be safer around humans.

After the professionals have cleared odors, you may experience lingering smells when reintroducing furnishings or opening up new areas that may have been missed. Thoroughly inspect each item before replacing it in the affected area. If it has some smell, you may be able to do light odor mitigation using vinegar and water solutions, baking soda application, or fabric fresheners. You may need to apply these remedies more than once.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew is one of the most dangerous concerns when restoring your home after a flood. A professional restoration company will remove moisture as quickly and safely as possible to prevent mold from growing. However, getting every bit of potential mildew is difficult.

Aid mitigation efforts by keeping good ventilation in the area after water is removed. Regularly inspect all areas that were touched by flood waters rather than simply covering them over and moving on.

If you have any concerns about a particular spot during the weeks or months afterward, talk with your restoration company immediately. Remember that mold can threaten your and your family’s health.

If dealing with furnishings from the flooded area, use nonphosphate cleaning solutions rather than just straight bleach. Thoroughly launder all fabrics. Porous surfaces (such as wood) can soak in moisture, so you may want a moisture meter to help ensure that things are dried out properly.

And if you’re unsure that something can be thoroughly sanitized, consider replacing it instead of reusing it.

Damaged Valuables

Once you clean out the area, you’re likely to have lost at least a few things to the flood. This is a longer and more difficult restoration process than simply drying out the floor and washing linens. It requires individual decisions about each affected item and its financial or sentimental value.

Many household or business goods can be replaced, so consider how easily you can replace them versus the time you’ll need to properly clean them. If you plan to make an insurance claim, take thorough pictures and document the damage or destruction before throwing anything out.

Business documents or personal records are among the most challenging. But with some digging around, you may be able to obtain new copies of many documents. The IRS can provide replacement tax documentation, for instance, while vendors may be able to provide replacement purchase records. Personal photos or mementos are difficult to replace, but a photo restoration service can often help.

Have you suffered flood damage? No matter what type of water issues you face, DRC Cleaning Solutions can help. Call today to learn more about how we can restore your building and your life.

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