Water Damage: The First 48 Hours

10/26/2019 (Permalink)

The first 48 hours are crucial to minimizing damage from a water loss

If you've ever experienced flooding in your home either from a storm or from leaky pipes, then you know it doesn't take long before everything starts going awry. This is why it's vital to take care of the problem as soon as possible. Water is an unrelenting destructive force that can do a significant amount of damage in a short period.

Calling a professional water & flood damage restoration company like SERVPRO of Salem/Peabody/Marblehead should be first on your list. If you attempt a DIY project yourself, you will quickly find that it will take up to five times as long, and you're likely to be less than satisfied with the results. A professional can clean up the mess and fully restore your home in order to maintain its market value and provide stability in the house.

STRUCTURAL COMPROMISE DUE TO WATER SATURATION

If your home is suffering from standing water due to a flood, the water is already working on the wood while weakening it at every joint. When wood becomes saturated with water, it bulks up and expands beyond its capabilities. This causes stretching, cracking, and deformity. It usually happens at the bottom portion of the wood where stability is critical. The sooner you can have the water removed the less damage it causes.

HEALTH AND SANITATION ISSUES

If you find that the home is flooded on the first floor or the basement, avoid contact with the water at all costs. If you're wondering what could be in the water within the first 48 hours, then here's a short list (and a dangerous one):

• Chemicals and cleaning agents
• Food
• Dead & decaying animals
• Wiring & electrical components
• Paint & related
• Backed up sewage from the mainline
• Dirt and grime from the outside and within the carpets and flooring
• Dirty laundry

DEALING WITH HOME INSURANCE

The first 48 hours are the most critical when it comes to dealing with your insurance agent. 

If you are looking for a water & flood restoration company in Salem, Peabody, Swampscott, Marblehead or Middleton MA then please give SERVPRO of Salem/Peabody/Marblehead a call at 978.744.4545