After the Deluge: How to Swiftly Restore Your Home from Flood Damage

Unexpected disasters such as flooding can strike at any time, leaving behind a trail of destruction that can be overwhelming for homeowners. 

Whether it’s due to a burst pipe, roof leakage, or heavy rains, the aftermath of water damage can be devastating to both your property and your peace of mind. Destruction from flood-related incidents costs property owners up to a staggering $20 billion annually. 

For those in regions like Chicagoland and the Upper Midwest, the situation is exacerbated by rising temperatures, increased precipitation, and aging infrastructure that’s more prone to failure.

Taking immediate action within the first 24-48 hours is crucial for minimizing the extent of damage and expediting the restoration process. PuroClean of Evanston’s around-the-clock emergency response team can be onsite to begin the restoration as soon as possible. 

Let’s delve into the critical significance of moving quickly when dealing with flood-related issues and highlight the reasons why time is of the essence in the recovery of your beloved home.

Prioritizing the Health of Your Family

When water infiltrates your living space, the clock starts ticking, and every moment counts. 

Taking decisive action can significantly mitigate the extent of the damage and expedite the process. Beyond the immediate material losses, there are critical health and safety considerations that demand your attention.

PuroClean’s team of disaster recovery experts will start by ensuring all electricity and gas feeds are turned off before entering flooded areas, and suit up in protective gear like gloves, goggles, boots, and masks to avoid exposure to contaminants.

Standing water is not merely an inconvenience. It can compromise a home’s internal systems, weaken the structural integrity, contain dangerous contaminants, and serve as a breeding ground for disease-carrying microbes.

Understanding the three categories of water damage — clean, grey, and black water — is essential. The latter, which originates from sources like sewer backups and widespread flooding, can carry hazardous debris and deadly pathogens.

→ Clean water refers to moisture from rain, water lines, appliances, or snowmelt that do not contain contaminants or pose an immediate health risk. 

→ Grey water may harbor chemical or biological elements and includes leakage from dishwashers, washing machines, showers, and sinks. After 48 hours in contact with building surfaces, it should be reclassified as black water.

→ Black water is the most dangerous and comes from flood events and sewer failures. This water should be considered contaminated and pathogenic, and contact could cause serious diseases, parasitic infections, or even death.

Eradicating Unwanted Guests

While mold and other fungi are a necessary part of the environment, they don’t belong in your home and can cause allergic reactions and other illnesses.

These organisms are one of the most insidious consequences of a flooding event and begin to appear just 24 to 48 hours after water exposure.

Chicago’s historic homes with vintage flooring and interior wood beam construction are particularly vulnerable to damage from standing water, with their charming features being susceptible to wet and dry rot when exposed to prolonged water saturation. 

Unattended wet drywall becomes a hotbed for pests and mold, posing health risks that range from sneezing and congestion to more severe respiratory conditions.

The longer water and moisture persist, the higher the likelihood of permanent damage and contamination. A proactive approach can help preserve the health of your loved ones and the integrity of your cherished belongings, so it’s crucial to contact PuroClean of Evanston as soon as possible.

Salvaging What Matters

After the safety and habitability of the home are confirmed, it’s vital to thoroughly document the extent of the damage. Take photos and videos of all affected areas, capturing walls, floors, furniture, and possessions. 

This visual evidence helps the insurance process go much more smoothly. Notify your agent right away, as most policies have time requirements for reporting claims. As a preferred provider for insurance companies nationwide, PuroClean’s knowledgeable staff can help you navigate the steps to getting the compensation you deserve.

Acting quickly to remove water, employing effective drying methods, and utilizing specialized restoration equipment can make the difference between restoration and irreparable loss. 

Our seasoned professionals rely on industrial-grade extractors, dehumidifiers, and HEPA filtration systems to eliminate excess moisture, thoroughly dry affected areas, destroy mold, and sanitize your space.

While porous items such as carpets and mattresses may not always be salvageable, timely action increases the chances of saving your valuable furnishings and cherished mementos. We’ll safely remove and dispose of damaged items while preserving anything that can be cleaned and repaired. 

In the face of flooding and water damage, time is truly of the essence. Swift action can prevent further harm to your property, reduce health risks, and save you from financial loss. 

Don’t risk your home and your family’s well-being — reach out to us at PuroClean of Evanston, where we specialize in being “The Paramedics of Property Damage™”, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!