In the bustling metropolis of Melbourne, water damage is a familiar foe to homeowners. According to the Insurance Information Institute, water damage accounted for approximately 24% of all insurance claims made in recent years. Understandably, the process that follows can be daunting, particularly if you decide to tackle it yourself. Engaging with your local water damage specialist could greatly ease this process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through each step in detail.

Understanding Water Damage

You should understand the implications of water damage before settling on a recovery approach. Water, despite being life-sustaining, is notoriously destructive when it swings to extremes. It can ruin your furniture, soak walls or carpets, cause mildew and mould, and even compromise structural integrity should basement support beams take on excessive water weight. It pays dividends to extensively understand the havoc it wreaks.

Assessment and Safety

Your safety is at stake during this process, hence your need for correct judgement regarding the severity of damage incurred. Electricity and water make a deadly mix; therefore, ensure that you switch off all power from the mains before embarking on any assessment.

Documenting the Damage

To make a successful insurance claim later on, you will have to provide photographic evidence of damages sustained. Whip out your smartphone or camera and document every detail meticulously, ensuring that all loss is accounted for—not just noticeable destruction.

Contacting Your Insurance Provider

Once you have documented everything effectively, it’s time to reach out to your insurance provider—if applicable—and file a claim for the damages incurred. They will apply their expertise to assess your needs and advise you on how best to proceed.

Drying Out Your Premises

If your premises is flooded, you will need to get water out swiftly. You might require submersible pumps or wet vacuums for this task. Don’t forget to point an industrial-sized fan at the damp area to accelerate drying.

Dehumidification

Reducing moisture levels drastically, especially in enclosed environments, is a critical component in this process. A dehumidifier system will help remove this residual moisture, preventing mould and mildew build-up.

Sanitation and Cleaning

Sanitation and cleaning are essential after removing water, as the flooding might introduce pollutants into your home. Sanitise everything even remotely touched by floodwaters to ensure there is no risk of disease transmission.

Salvaging and Disposal

It’s prudent to sort through your belongings and decide what can be salvaged or discarded. Any porous items like mattresses, carpets, or rugs are almost certainly saturated with contaminated water and must be disposed of properly.

Mould Checking and Removal

Mould surfaces within 24 to 48 hours of water damage and can be hazardous if left untreated. Cleaning with a mould killer or seeking professional help might be necessary if you have extensive mould infestation.

Repairing Damaged Walls

Flood-damaged walls are breeding grounds for mould if left unattended. If your drywall has absorbed water, then it has likely disintegrated in places, necessitating replacement either partially or fully. Do not skip this step, or you risk long term structural damage.

Floor Restoration

The flooring type will dictate your restoration approach—a hardwood floor may swell and warp if left wet for too long. Replacing or refinishing the floor can ensue after complete drying.

Furniture Restoration

Some furniture can be salvaged, particularly if it is not extensively damaged. You may need to completely dry it out, clean it professionally, or even reupholster in some cases. Just remember that restoration should only be considered if it is cost-effective.

Checking Ventilation and Insulation

Flooding can leave your home’s ventilation and insulation systems compromised. Inspect these areas meticulously to ensure that mould or moisture has not saturated the insulation or trickled into your ventilation ducts.

Professional Help and Restoration Companies

Even though this guide is designed around DIY, understand that sometimes professional help is imperative. Some tasks are too arduous for individuals with no experience in this field. Ensure you’re honest with your capabilities and reach out when necessary.

Last Words

This guide simplifies and equips you for a DIY approach to water damage recovery. It’s crucial to take your time, prioritizing safety above all else, and remembering that reaching out for professional assistance should never be out of the question. Good luck on your recovery journey.