Floods are devastating to both your emotional and physical well-being. It is important to respond quickly and thoroughly in order to avoid long-term problems. Complete Flood Restoration, whether it is due to a natural catastrophe or a ruptured pipe, is a complex process that requires professional expertise and careful planning. This guide will walk you through all the steps necessary to restore your property following a flood. From water removal to structural repairs and everything between, this guide will take you step-by-step.

TLDR Quick Guide

• Immediate Action: Put safety first by shutting off the electricity and leaving the area.
• Professional Assistance: Contact an experienced flood restoration company for a complete assessment.
• Water Removal: Use industrial vacuums or pumps to remove any standing water.
• Dehumidifying and Drying: Make sure the property is dried thoroughly with specialized equipment in order to avoid mold.
• Mold Remediation: Take immediate action to eliminate any mold growth that may be present.
• Structural Repairs: Inspect damaged walls, floors and foundations.
• Cleaning: Sanitize and clean all areas affected to eliminate bacteria.
• Insurance Claims: Document damage and submit claims as soon as possible.

Why Immediate Action Is Crucial For Complete Flood Restoration

Time is critical when a flood occurs. Standing water may cause irreparable damages to your home, its foundation, electrical system, and personal possessions. Mold and bacteria may also start to grow in your home within 24 to 48 hour, making it unsafe to live there.

1. Safety First

It’s important to ensure the area is secure before any work on restoration can begin. To avoid electrical hazards, turn off the electricity. Evacuate the building if floodwaters are high. Let professionals handle the situation.

2. Call Professional Flood Restoration Services

It can be dangerous and overwhelming to try to restore flood damage on your own. Professional companies have not only the necessary tools, but also the expertise to repair and assess damage. The company will start with a thorough inspection to assess the extent of damage. This helps create a detailed restoration program.

Flood Restoration Process Step by Step

Flood restoration is a multistage process. It begins with an assessment of the damage, and continues through to the point where your home is restored to its original state. Here is a step by step breakdown.

1. Water Removal and Extraction

To restore flood damage, the first step is to remove any standing water. To remove water quickly, professionals use powerful pumps and vacuums. The quicker water is removed from your home, the less damage it will suffer.

• Tip: Check for hidden moisture in areas such as under floorboards or inside walls.

2. Drying and Dehumidification

The next step is to dry the area thoroughly. Dehumidifiers and large industrial fans are necessary to remove moisture from all corners of the house. Wood and drywall, for example, can absorb moisture without proper drying and cause mold to grow.

• Common Tools: Air movers, dehumidifiers, moisture meters.

3. Mold Remediation

Mold can be a serious health risk. Professionals will test for mold as part of the flood-restoration process. They will remove any mold if they find it.

• Tip: Mold may not always be visible. Professional testing is recommended in order to prevent future problems.

4. Structural Repairs

Floodwaters may cause structural damage to your walls, floors, and foundation. After the drying process, experts will check for any damages or weaknesses in the structure. If drywall has absorbed excessive moisture, it may need to be replaced.

• Common Repairs:
  • Drywall Replacement
  • Floorboard repair
  • Foundation stabilization

5. Cleaning and Sanitizing

Floodwater can contain contaminants such as sewage and chemicals. All affected areas must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Steam cleaning, industrial detergents and specialized equipment are used to sanitize the area.

• Areas of Focus: walls, flooring, furniture and HVAC systems

6. Rebuilding and Restoration

Once the house is clean and dry, you can start the reconstruction process. It may be necessary to replace floors, repaint walls, or reconstruct parts of the house that are too damaged to save. It is important to return the home to a pre-flood state, to ensure that it is safe and functional.

Flood Insurance: How to Manage It

Flood restoration can be stressful, especially when dealing with insurance. Follow these steps to make the process easier:

1. Document Damage

Photograph and video all damaged items and areas. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs that you make before the restoration begins.

2. File Your Claim Quickly

Report the damage as soon as you can to your insurance company. Follow their instructions for filing a claim and be sure to give them the required documentation.

3. Working with a Restoration Company that Knows Insurance

Professional flood restoration in adelaide companies have experience working with adjusters, and they can guide you through the claim process. They can even contact your insurance company for you to make sure everything is covered.