When flood water hits your home, it can leave you feeling lost and unsure where to start. Every hour counts in preventing more damage and saving your belongings. The good news? Quick action using expert flood restoration tips can save your property and prevent further damage.
Getting help from a skilled restoration company is often the smartest move you can make after flooding. These teams have the equipment and experience to handle water damage properly, something most homeowners just can’t do on their own. Here are 10 important steps that will help you get through this tough situation and get your home back to normal.
Tip 1: Prioritize Safety Before Entering Your Home
The first priority after a flood disaster must always be safety. Floodwaters often contain harmful chemicals and contaminants that pose serious health hazards. Before entering your flooded home, ensure the power is turned off to avoid electrical shocks or even explosions.
Gas lines might also be compromised during significant flooding. If you smell gas or suspect damage to utilities, stay outside and contact your local utility companies immediately. Protective clothing is essential when entering flood-affected areas. Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and face masks to protect yourself from contaminated water and other hazards.
Standing water can hide dangers like sharp objects or uneven surfaces. Move cautiously and use a flashlight to illuminate your path, especially in basements or areas with poor lighting.
Tip 2: Document Everything for Your Insurance Company
Before beginning the cleanup process, thoroughly document all damage. Take clear photos and videos of affected areas, damaged materials, and standing water levels. This documentation proves invaluable when filing insurance claims.
Make a detailed inventory of damaged items, including:
- Furniture and appliances
- Electronics
- Clothing and textiles
- Structural elements (walls, flooring, etc.)
- Valuable possessions
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to report the flood damage. Most insurers have specific procedures for water damage restoration claims and may send an adjuster to assess the situation.
Keep all receipts related to your flood cleanup efforts, including equipment rentals, cleaning products, and professional services. These expenses may be reimbursable under your policy.
Tip 3: Remove Standing Water Quickly
The clock starts ticking the moment water enters your home. Standing water must be removed quickly to minimize damage to your home’s structure and prevent mold growth.
For shallow water (less than 2 inches), household vacuums designed for water removal can be effective. However, for deeper water, consider renting professional-grade water pumps or calling professional contractors who specialize in water damage restoration.
Start the water removal process from the highest level of flooding and work your way down. This methodical approach ensures you’re not pushing water into already dried areas.
Different flooring materials require different approaches:
- Carpets may need to be pulled up to dry the padding underneath
- Hardwood floors often warp and may need partial replacement
- Tile and concrete should be thoroughly dried and disinfected
The faster you remove water, the better chance you have of saving your flooring and preventing structural damage to wall cavities and subflooring.
Tip 4: Salvage and Protect Furniture
Flood water can damage furniture quickly, but prompt action might save some pieces. Move smaller items to dry areas immediately. For larger furniture that can’t be moved, place aluminum foil under the legs to prevent direct contact with wet carpet or flooring.
Wood furniture exposed to flood water requires special attention. Rinse mud off with clean water, then gently wipe surfaces with a soft cloth. Place wood blocks under furniture legs to promote air circulation during the drying process.
Upholstered furniture presents unique challenges after flooding. Unfortunately, if soaked with contaminated flood water, many upholstered items must be discarded for health and safety reasons. Clean water flooding (from broken pipes) may allow salvaging through professional restoration.
Metal furniture should be dried thoroughly and watched for rust development. A light coating of oil can help prevent oxidation after cleaning.
Tip 5: Assess and Remove Wet Materials
Some materials simply cannot be saved after exposure to flood water, particularly porous materials that absorb water readily. These often include:
- Carpeting and padding soaked by contaminated water
- Particleboard furniture and cabinets
- Drywall that has been submerged
- Insulation material
- Paper products and cardboard
The decision to restore or replace depends on several factors:
- The type of floodwater (clean, gray, or black)
- Duration of exposure
- Material composition
- Extent of visible damage
For walls, you may need to remove drywall up to at least 12 inches above the water line. This exposes the wood studs behind the walls, allowing them to dry properly and preventing mold from growing in hidden spaces.
Cutting clear lines with a utility knife creates cleaner edges for future repairs and makes the restoration process easier later on.
Tip 6: Begin the Drying Process
Once standing water is removed and wet materials are addressed, thorough drying becomes critical. The drying process requires proper ventilation, dehumidification, and patience.
Open all windows and doors to create cross-ventilation if weather permits. Use fans strategically to move air through the space. Position them to blow outward through windows to push moisture outside rather than deeper into the structure.
Dehumidifiers are essential equipment for reducing moisture levels after flooding. They pull water vapor from the air, helping to dry out wall cavities and other hard-to-reach areas where mold could develop.
Air conditioning systems can help control humidity but should only be used if they haven’t been affected by floodwater. If your HVAC system was submerged, have it professionally inspected before operation.
Use a moisture meter to monitor the drying progress of different materials. These devices help determine when studs, subflooring, and other structural elements have reached an acceptable moisture level, typically around 15% or less.
Tip 7: Clean and Disinfect Everything
Flood waters, especially from natural disasters like hurricanes, often carry contaminants, bacteria, and pathogens that pose health hazards. Everything touched by flood water requires thorough cleaning and disinfection. Hard surfaces should be cleaned with hot water and dish detergent to remove dirt and debris. Follow with a disinfectant solution. One cup of bleach mixed with five gallons of water works well for most surfaces.
For items that cannot be cleaned with bleach, consider alternative disinfectants approved for flood cleanup. Quaternary ammonium compounds or hydrogen peroxide-based products offer effective sanitization without damaging sensitive materials. Pay special attention to areas where food preparation occurs, children play, or where vulnerable individuals spend time. These spaces require meticulous disinfection to prevent illness.
Simply killing bacteria isn’t enough. Dead microorganisms can still trigger allergic reactions and respiratory issues. Thorough rinsing and drying complete the cleaning process.
Tip 8: Prevent Mold Growth
Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours after flooding, making it one of the most persistent challenges in flood restoration. Preventing mold growth requires controlling moisture and humidity.
Continue running dehumidifiers and fans until all affected areas measure dry on your moisture meter. Focus especially on dark, enclosed spaces where air circulation might be limited. Consider applying mold inhibitors to surfaces that have been cleaned and dried. These products create an environment hostile to mold spores and can provide additional protection during the restoration process.
Watch for signs of mold development:
- Musty odors
- Discoloration on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Respiratory irritation when in affected areas
- Visible growth (which may appear as spots in various colors)
If you discover mold growing in wall cavities or other structural elements, professional help may be necessary. Mold remediation specialists have the equipment and expertise to address extensive mold problems safely.
Tip 9: Restore and Rebuild Strategically
Once everything is clean and thoroughly dry, restoration can begin. This phase involves repairing or replacing damaged elements of your home’s structure and finishes.
Start with structural repairs to ensure your home remains safe and sound. Address any damaged wood studs, flooring supports, or other critical components first.
When replacing materials, consider flood-resistant alternatives:
- Ceramic tile instead of carpeting for floors
- Water-resistant drywall for lower wall portions
- Closed-cell spray foam insulation
- Solid wood or metal cabinetry instead of particleboard
If your area is prone to flooding, consider elevating electrical outlets, HVAC equipment, and appliances above potential flood levels during the rebuilding process.
The restoration phase offers an opportunity to implement changes that might protect your home from future water damage. Small investments now can prevent significant damage later.
Tip 10: Call Professional Help
Some flood restoration tips you can handle yourself, but certain situations require calling the nearest flood damage cleanup and restoration company.
You should contact professional water damage restoration services when:
- Flooding affects multiple rooms or entire levels of your home
- Standing water has been sitting for more than 24 hours
- You’re dealing with contaminated water from sewage or chemicals
- Hidden moisture might be trapped inside walls or floors
- Mold has spread across large areas of your property
- Valuable items need specialized restoration techniques
- Your home is older or has historical value that requires careful handling
Companies like Royal Restoration have powerful equipment that gets the job done way faster than anything you could get from a rental store. They use special tools like moisture meters and heat-sensing cameras to find water that’s hiding behind walls or under floors.
Final Thoughts on Flood Restoration Tips
Flood damage doesn’t have to ruin your home when you follow the right flood restoration tips and take quick action. The key is knowing what steps to take immediately after water intrusion occurs and understanding when to call in professional help. These proven tips can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and help preserve your personal belongings that might otherwise be lost forever.
Royal Restoration is here to help when flood damage strikes your property. The team knows exactly how to handle water emergencies and can guide you through every step of the restoration process. We also offer a comprehensive flood preparedness plan to help you get ready before disaster hits. Let us help you get your home back to the way it was before!
