How To Perform Water Damage Restoration In the Basement?

Water damage restoration can be daunting, especially if the water has seeped into the basement. But with these simple steps, you can restore your basements to their former glory in no time! Thank goodness for water damage restoration services; they’re our life-savers (literally). Don’t know where to start? Keep reading! We’ll give you all the tips and tricks you need to get the job done right. Good luck!

Water Damage Restoration In Des Moines

Start Safe

The first and foremost step in restoring your basement is following the safety rules. 

So, to be safe, unplug all downstairs equipment and turn off any starter lights if you’re not cutting off the electricity. Put on a pair of non-slip rubber boots while you’re at work.

Let The Air In

If the weather permits, let fresh air in through basement windows or doors. In addition, fresh air circulating in the room hastens the drying process. Don’t bother with this step if the weather is humid.

Calculate The Total Damage

Basement water damage claims can only be filed if the impacted locations and materials are documented. Before you start cleaning, please take pictures of the damage so that you may show them to your insurance company.

Begin The Drying Of The Basement

Wet basements require air blowers and massive dehumidifiers to be dried out quickly and effectively. Create cross-currents throughout the basement by using rented equipment. Dehumidifier water wells should be checked and emptied regularly.

It would be best to remember that it can cost you a lot of money when renting this equipment. So, unless you know what you are doing, call a professional water damage restoration company like Restoration 1 of Des Moines to handle the job entirely. They’ll have the right equipment and experience with excellent recommendations. 

Pull The Stuff Out

Adding finishing touches to a basement necessitates more effort. 

Pull up any damaged carpet or padding to get things started. Get rid of buckling baseboards, wall discoloration, and crumbling wallpaper. 

Finally, put everything in a bag and get rid of the debris as soon as possible. The drying process is slowed down by the presence of wet objects that remain in the affected area.

Final Cleaning

Using a strong cleanser and water mixture, clean all non-porous surfaces. A deodorizing solution made with a mixture of baking soda and vinegar works well. 

Lastly, use bleach and water to completely clean the basement.

Putting Stuff Back

Wait a few more days for the basement to dry up completely. Once it’s in the clear, replace the water-damaged carpets to complete the project. Similarly, replace damaged baseboards and paneling and repair any torn-out drywall. 

Finally, before returning rescued items to the basement, ensure they are entirely dry.

Conclusion

Basements are often the place where water damage goes unnoticed for quite some time. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch it before any real damage is done and you’re able to perform some simple water damage restoration procedures yourself. It’s vital to start safely and let the air in so the area can dry adequately. Remember, calculate the total damage so you know what you’re dealing with, and then begin drying the basement. 

Finally, once everything is pulled out, give it a good cleaning before returning your belongings. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to restoring your basement after water damage!

It goes without saying that if the damage is too extensive, please call a professional water damage restoration company to address the issue adequately. Good Luck!