Restoration After Water Damage: What Can Be Saved?
Posted on January 29, 2018
Recovering after water damage is not always easy, especially if the water damage is due to a larger flood outside of your home. One of the big questions when it comes to water damage restoration is what can be saved. Throwing everything out may be the first thing you want to do, but this is not a smart idea. Here are just a few things that you can save after water damage.
Electronics
Electronics make up a big part of our lives. We use them on a daily basis. The first thing we probably worry about after water damage is our electronic appliances. How do we make sure our electronics are safe? Unplug and remove electronics in your home from the area affected first. If you do this, you reduce the risk of having damage to your electronics. All electronics affected by the water should be taken to a professional before using.
Clothing
If we are going in order of importance, clothing is often the next thing we consider. Clothing and water don’t always mix. Throwing out all of your clothes may cross your mind. However, water may not completely destroy your clothing. Cleaning and repairing your clothes will save the majority of your wardrobe.
Furniture
Furniture makes our homes beautiful, and replacing some furniture is costly. How do you determine if you can save your furniture? Taking into consideration the material of your furniture will help you determine if you can save it. Furniture made from particle board needs to be thrown out. Any other furniture not made of particle board should be taken to a professional for restoration.
Paperwork
Most of our important documents are in paper form, even though our world ought to be paperless by now. If you act quickly enough, you can have your paperwork professionally restored.
Wood Flooring
Hardwood flooring is beautiful, but water is quick to damage it. Once mold and mildew start to grow, your hardwood flooring needs to be thrown out. Act as soon as possible if you want to save your hardwood flooring. Using a shop vac on water is the best way to clean up.
Non-Insulated Appliances
Appliances are important in every home. They are also a costly replacement. The good news is that water does not penetrate all appliances. Appliances like washers, dryers, and microwaves can be saved. Professionals need to look at these items before use.
Thankfully some of our most important items can be saved. However, saving items is not always possible. Here are items that cannot be saved:
Carpeting and Padding
Carpet and padding are susceptible to mold and mildew. You should remove carpet and padding from the affected area within 48 hours. It is unlikely you’ll be able to save any carpets and padding.
Mattress and Mattress Pad
Water can cause mold and mildew to grow on mattresses and mattress pads. Throwing out these items is a must.
Insulated Appliances
Exposing appliances with insulation to water leaves them useless. Always throw out refrigerators and ovens after water damage.
Water damage causes a lot of issues, not only our home’s exterior but to our valuables. Knowing what items that are and are not salvageable is a good place to start after damages occur.