Water damage is typical in Chicago homes. It is caused due to flooding, aging drainage system, and leaking pipes. It can affect the appearance of your home and, if severe, may damage the structural integrity of the construction.
So, next time you find a puddle building up or leaky walls, inspect it. If small, follow these tips; if significant, call Handyman Chicago.
Tips For Home Water Damage Repair
Disconnect Outlets
Start by disconnecting the outlets in the affected area. Take a screwdriver, remove the screws on the face plate, and then take another tool to pull the plugs and wires towards you, leaving the outlet hanging out. Now, disconnect the outlet by undoing the wire clips. Use a wire cutter to cut the outlet cords if no wire clips are found.
Caution! Do not use a tool made entirely of metal, and do not touch the metal part of the tools used. This is to avoid any potential danger of electrocution.
Inspect For Mold And Dry Off The Entire Surface.
Look for mold build-up throughout the home, especially if you find contaminated water (grey or black).
Put on a mask when interacting with mold, as it can be toxic. If mold is found, cut off air circulation in the home, as the mold spores can spread through ventilation. Call a handyman for water damage repair. If no mold infestation is found, work on drying the affected area with towels.
Remove Damaged Items And Disinfect The Home
Segregate affected furniture from unaffected furniture, insulation, and carpet.
Porous items are more likely to be impacted by water damage and can be critical areas for mold growth. Remove all the damaged items.
Before you repair, disinfect the affected area, even if caused by fresh water. It will restrict the mold growth.
Now Comes The Repair Work
Caution! Damage repair is only recommended when the affected area is small. Otherwise, it is recommended to call a handyman for water damage repair.
Once the area is disinfected and you can confirm no or significant mold growth, you can remove the affected area based on the damaged material.
Concluding
Water damage repair can be tough to deal with. Even if you have treated the damage well, when the underlying problem is not solved, the problem appears again. Also, if you are dealing with a problem for the first time, it is better to call the handyman in Chicago. Professional help can save you a lot of money and give precise information about the intensity of the damage.