What to Expect After the Storm

8/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flooding damage in Kenmore, WA

When a storm happens in Kenmore, WA, hopefully your business can come through it with minimal damage. If flooding or heavy rains were involved and your business was highly impacted, issues need to be addressed immediately to ensure the damage doesn’t spread. This often means being prepared to tear out affected areas.

Water Is Water, Right?

Water damage in any form is sneaky. Even a slow leak can turn into mold breeding grounds and spread. Flooding or heavy rains can create the same problems and bring a few of its own. The difference between a simple leak and a flood leak is in the water itself.

Clean water – Typically the most common type of water damage, it is easy to clean and includes rain, condensation and water from leaky pipes.
Gray water – This type has some contaminants and comes from dishwashers, toilets and washing machines.
Black water – Floods and severe rain can accumulate debris and contaminated water, including sewage.

Dry, Remove, Replace

After flooding or rain subsides, it is necessary to tear out any materials that are damaged. The first step is dry the wet area. Getting the moisture out will reduce the risk of mold forming. Whether it’s carpet, wood or other materials, anything porous can be a welcoming locale for mold to grow.
Once the damaged areas are gone, a thorough cleaning is needed. This will also help in discovering if there was more damage than was initially thought. Local storm restoration professionals are the best bet to ensure it is properly disinfected. Lastly, it will be time to replace the affected areas. This may include drywall, flooring, carpeting and possibly even exterior siding.
While having to tear out parts of your building may be an unpleasant task, it’s vital to get your business back up and running after the storm. Taking the proper steps now will help you avoid problems down the road.