Repairing Storm Damage to Your Home

1/14/2021 (Permalink)

A wet crawlspace can cause structural problems and attract pests.

Repairing Storm Damage to Your Home

A home flood in Gladstone, MO, can cause significant damage to the home, inside and out. Cleaning up the property as quickly as possible is the best way to prevent further damage.

Interior Damage
When dealing with storm damage inside the home, the first step is drying the property. Remember to keep the electricity off in wet areas. Remove standing water using pumps or wet/dry vacuums, and evaporate the remaining moisture from porous items using fans or a dehumidifier. Porous items are those that absorb water, including:

• Carpeting
  
• Upholstery
  
• Bedding
  
• Curtains
  
  

When everything is dry, you can begin cleaning and repairing items. Anything that cannot be completely dried should be thrown away. A certified restoration service can help with more complex repairs.

Crawl Space Damage
A home flood can also cause damage to the exterior of your home, particularly the crawlspace. A wet crawlspace can cause structural problems and attract pests.
There may be loose material in a water-damaged crawlspace. Throw this debris away, and then drain the standing water. If your crawlspace does not already have a sump pump, installing one now can speed the drying process and help prevent future flooding problems. Finally, set up fans or dehumidifiers to remove any remaining moisture from the area.
If mold has begun to grow in the crawlspace, you or a restoration company will need to address the problem quickly. Do-it-yourself methods, such as cleaning with bleach or vinegar, can work but may be difficult due to the dark, tight conditions in the crawl space. If it is not feasible for you to perform mold removal yourself, a restoration company can use soda or media blasting to take care of the issue.
If you experience a home flood, you may feel overwhelmed. However, taking the cleanup process one step at a time can minimize stress and help you get your home back to normal quickly.