Bubbling wallpaper or cracking paint may seem cosmetic, but they often indicate water damage that needs restoration. A qualified restoration company should be called immediately if you have these issues.
Standing water doesn’t take long to spread throughout a home, breeding mold and bacteria that are dangerous to your health.
Drying Out
The first step in water damage restoration is drying out the area. This involves air movers and dehumidifiers to remove moisture, help the property dry out, and avoid mold growth. Mold can pose serious health concerns, especially for those with allergies and asthma, so preventing its spread is important.
This step is vital if there is significant flooding or water infiltration of a large area in your home, as mold and bacteria can rapidly grow in damp areas. If left untreated, these can cause further damage to your home and lead to expensive repairs.
It’s also a good idea to call for local restoration company Charlotte if you notice paint or wallpaper bubbling or cracking, as this is often a sign of a leak. Water restoration experts can locate and repair the leak’s source to help prevent future problems. This is particularly important in older homes or apartment buildings with leaky pipes.
Cleaning Up
After removing any standing water, homeowners should assess the damage and decide what items can be saved and what must be destroyed. This may include books, clothing, cosmetics, baby toys, mattresses, carpets, furniture, and other items that cannot be washed or disinfected. These items should be removed and destroyed by a professional. This process can be difficult, but avoiding lingering, dangerous bacteria and fungus growth in the structure is necessary.
Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s important to ensure all electrical power is turned off in areas of the property affected by flood water. This will help prevent further damage and potential hazards such as electrocution and mold growth. Additionally, wearing protective clothing, eyewear and a mask is important when working in flooded homes or offices. Mold spores and other contaminants can cause skin irritation, respiratory problems, and illness.
Repairing Damages
Water damage can be devastating, from stains on carpets and photographs to destroyed furniture and drywall. If left untreated, the moisture can also lead to mold and mildew, a major health concern.
Removing and repairing the affected materials is a big part of the restoration. This can include everything from installing new flooring designed to withstand moisture to replacing drywall and insulation. This is especially important if the items affected are structural components of the building or home.
Drying out the affected area is a crucial step in the restoration process. This includes using fans to help circulate the air and may involve dehumidifiers and ozone generators. It also prevents mold and mildew, such as installing additional ventilation, painting with paints made to withstand moisture, and choosing floors and drywall designed to resist water damage. This is a project that can take up to a week or more.
Repainting
Painting is critical to any home improvement project, and repainting after water damage should be no different. However, it is important to remember that the source of the water damage should be found and repaired before any repainting begins. This will ensure the new paint does not get wet again and causes future problems.
Before the drywall can be painted, it should be cleaned thoroughly with sugar soap and allowed to dry completely. This will remove any bubbling, peeling or flaking that is present and make it easier for the paint to adhere to the wall.
Once the surface has been properly cleaned and sanded, it is ready for primer. Oil-based primers are recommended for these surfaces as they provide excellent coverage and help protect against moisture. Once the primer has dried, it can be repainted to restore the appearance of the space.
