What To Do When Water Damage Strikes

By Andrew Zavodney
Posted January 19, 2017

Water damage can happen to anyone. It’s what you do next that can make all the difference. Whether the damage affecting your property is as minor as a leaky pipe or as major as a basement underwater, the most important thing is to act quickly! Here at Kustom, we’ve been dealing with Greensboro NC’s water damage in all of its varied forms. We offer emergency 24-hour service because we know that every moment counts. Of course, the best thing you can do before water damage strikes is to be prepared. Here are a few tips and things that you should be aware of if water damage happens to you!

1. Know Your Hazards. Water damage comes in many forms, but no matter what happens there are some things you should be aware of when you are dealing with it. Water that comes from outside or unknown sources may have picked up contaminants. This can mean chemicals from nearby roadways or gardens, bacteria, mold spores, and other pathogens that can contaminate your interior spaces. Deep water can also conceal hazards like broken glass, unstable flooring, jagged edges, and even electrical hazards. Don’t approach areas that have been affected by water damage if you can help it, instead, let the professionals deal with it.
2. Time Passes. When you’re dealing with water damage, every minute counts! Not only do you run the risk of water spreading and seeping into places that are difficult to reach and clean like underneath the floorboards or in crawlspaces and between the walls, but water can also evaporate and become trapped in those places. When that happens, those areas become vulnerable to mold.
3. Mold Happens. Mold can infest a water damaged property in as little as 24 – 48 hours after the initial soaking. It’s important to act quickly not only to remove the excess water, but also to dehumidify the air and check all areas for moisture and excess humidity.
4. Qualifications Matter. When you choose a contractor that is certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification) you are not only getting a professional with experience and training but also someone who is enrolled in ongoing education—which is a requirement for the certification. To ensure the most up-to-date tools and techniques, insist on seeing their qualifications.

If you are dealing with a water damage situation, don’t wait. Call the professionally certified team at Kustom at 1-888-726-9182 right away for a free, no-obligations estimate, and we’ll answer any questions you might have.