It starts with dark skies and rolling thunder - a heavy rainstorm settling in overnight. At first the soothing drops provide relief on a hot summer night. But soon rain hammers the roof in deafening sheets. You check the forecast ominously flashing flood warnings…
Within hours, rain accumulates faster than soil can absorb. Nearby rivers and retention ponds swell over banks creating rapid runoff washing through streets and properties. That’s when panic sets in for homeowners seeing water invade crawlspaces and garages.
Flooding can unleash devastating long-term damage to houses and health without swift emergency action. Especially when foul sewer backups introduce bacterial risks. That’s why restoration services play such a critical role rescuing property, finances and families suffering water damage.
Extensive Flooding Risks
Not all flooding is created equal. The type of water inflicting damage dictates response urgency. Clear rainwater may seem harmless but also penetrates walls and wood structures. However, category 5 hazards emerge from backflow of waste-contaminated water from sewer pipes.
Areas Vulnerable to Water Damage
Water infiltration leaves no area untouched, spreading to undermine floors, short electrical systems and nurture toxic mold growth inside walls. Key areas vulnerable after flooding include:
Basements - As groundwater levels rise, hydrostatic pressure often pops basement windows allowing rapid flooding. Creating a water elevator effect of saturated soil. Even with immediate pumping, moisture remains soaked into concrete foundation walls needing extensive drying out.
First Floors - Hardwood warps and swells after getting wet, while moisture seeps under walls baseboards impacting materials like drywall and insulation within them. This migratory damage may be invisible initially but sow seeds for major repairs later.
Furnaces & AC Units - Floodwaters often ruin furnace burners and air conditioning components located in basements. The damage ripples through ventilation systems requiring full replacement.
Plumbing Systems - Any water that infiltrates clean water supply pipes risks cross-contamination with sewage systems. Even valves and sinks may need replacing after exposure to unsanitary floodwaters.
Electrical Systems - As little as 1” of water contacting outlets, circuits or wiring can create electrocution and fire hazards. It often requires rewiring whole circuits.
Floors & Furniture - From hardwood floor cupping to mold formation underneath carpets and pads, flooring endures irreversible impact. And flood damage soaking couches, cabinets and mattresses accelerates decay and contaminates surfaces.
Immediate Safety Steps After Flood Damage
Before addressing physical property, ensure everyone’s immediate safety first especially with electrical and contamination threats present:
Shut Off Power - Any suspected wiring exposure to water poses electrocution risks. Flip the main breaker shutting electricity to the entire home until systems get inspected. Never step into rooms with energized outlets submerged.
Document Damage - Take extensive photos capturing all water impact for insurance claims and restoration efforts. Also take careful notes cataloging areas affected and meter readings.
Call Insurance Provider - Notify insurance immediately about the incident and extent of flooding in your property. Most standard homeowner’s policies cover water damage but prompt response is key.
Exit the House - Seek alternate accommodations until flooding no longer presents safety issues for your family. Consulting restoration professionals also evaluates if the home is temporarily uninhabitable.
How Restoration Services Rescue Homes
Specialized water damage companies deploy rapidly in flooding’s aftermath. Their vital emergency response focuses on:
Water Extraction – Powerful truck-mounted pumps swiftly extract standing water from basements, crawlspaces and garages preventing further spread. Pro extraction minimizes damage to walls and floors.
Tear Out – Crews remove compromised materials down to the structural studs so drying equipment and anti-microbial treatments reach trapped moisture faster halting mold. This includes saturated drywall, insulation, floor coverings and furniture.
Dehumidification – Commercial dehumidifiers and air scrubbers deploy on site creating airflow patterns that dry out remaining moisture and capture airborne mold spores. This humidity control stops further structural damage while aiding rebuild.
Anti-Microbial Treatments – Anti-microbial and fungicidal agents applied to wet structural materials prevent mold colonies from gaining foothold inside walls or subfloors during vulnerable drying out stages.
Deep Cleaning – Disinfecting and sanitizing treatments clean contamination left by sewage floodwaters protecting your family’s health during continued occupancy. HEPA air filtration also captures irritants.
Rebuilding Services – After addressing immediate hazards, some restoration companies also coordinate rebuilding efforts including electrical repairs, installing new insulation, drywall and flooring.
Restoration Certifications
When hiring any contractors entering your home after disasters, confirm they carry proper credentials. Leading restoration certifications include:
Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration (IICRC) - The industry’s highest standards since 1972 covering health safety, technical skills and business practices. IICRC certified technicians must pass rigorous exams demonstrating competency.
Restoration Industry Association (RIA) – National trade association providing separate certifications like Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRDT) and Applied Microbial Remediation Technician (AMRT).
Read Customer Reviews - Check multiple online review websites to evaluate real customer feedback. Local restoration contractors with long histories and many five-star reviews suggest quality reputations earned on past jobs.
The Hope Restoration Brings Families
In times of crisis strong local services mobilize bringing essential expertise that rescues:
Safety & Health – Preventing long-term mold risks by quickly addressing moisture and sewage contamination enables families to safely get back into homes faster. Restoration techs safeguard what matters most - people’s wellbeing.
Financial Interests - Water damage impacting floors, walls and possessions can rack up major repair bills without rapid response. Mitigating damage controls costly future repairs.
Peace of Mind – Having a team handle immediate hazards and burdensome insurance claims allows flooded residents reprieve. Certified experts navigate all phases so families focus on healing.
When rising waters invade neighborhoods, restoration services act as first responders deploying solutions that pull homes back from the brink - resurrecting normalcy families feared they might never recover. Be sure to call these flooding heroes right away before irreversible harm sets in.
