The aftermath of a mess

8/11/2020 (Permalink)

The aftermath of a mess

Depending on the amount of water, the type of home and your geographic area, these tips may help you save belongings:

• Hardwood Floors: (sitting on screeds, not pre-fabricated) every 3-4 feet, remove a plank and save it. Wood is porous and swells when wet, making the planks “pop” out and appear unsalvageable. But wood dries out and returns to its normal position. Wait several weeks and then replace the missing plank. Removing planks immediately after a flood allows the foundation and wood to dry out faster.
• Remove carpet AND carpet padding immediately.
• Remove the molding around the floors that are against the wall and save. This speeds up drying.
• Rent or purchase at least two dehumidifiers if possible, and run them 24 hours for several days. They truly do pull out tremendous moisture.
• Borrow fans and turn the air conditioner colder for several days.
• Sheetrock must be cut out at least three feet above the water line AND insulation removed as well. Insulation is highly absorbent.
• Swab down the gutted exposed boards with a mix of one quarter cup bleach to a gallon of water to prevent mold.
• Clean-up equipment: When using sprayers, wet vacs, vacuum cleaners and other cleaning equipment, use an extension cord with a ground fault circuit interrupter or install a GFCI in the electrical circuits in damp environments.

https://www.uth.edu/news/story.htm?id=526b7fac-a078-4963-9440-0e7b86de3b48

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