A Complete Guide to Water Damage Cleanup and Restoration in Port St. Lucie, FL

Many people underestimate how destructive water can be. Even the smallest leaks can lead to thousands of dollars in damage. Therefore, it’s important that homeowners understand the most effective methods for dealing with the water damage when it occurs.

DRYOUTpro PLUS has plenty of firsthand experience with water damage restoration projects in Port St. Lucie. To better help locals deal with the devastation, they’ve created a comprehensive guide to water damage cleanup. Keep reading to learn more about the steps in the process and how a team of professionals can assist. 

The Water Damage Cleanup & Restoration Process 

Though some water damage is small enough to clean up with a mop and towels, there are also instances that require special equipment and techniques. If a home has extensive water damage, it’s important that homeowners follow a proven process for restoring the home.

Step 1: Assess the Damage

To start, the homeowner should take the time to assess the damage. In the case of flooding and storm damage, it’s often easy to see how immense the problem is. Hidden water damage is less obvious and requires a more in-depth inspection.

The point of the assessment is to gather information for the insurance claim. It also allows the homeowner or damage restoration specialists to develop a plan of attack. Once there is a better understanding of the extent of damage, it’s easier to determine which tools and equipment are required. 

Step 2: Remove Water & Debris

It’s important to get to step two right away because time is always the biggest enemy when dealing with water damage. After all, it only takes 24 hours for mold to start growing in a moist environment. To mitigate this risk, a homeowner needs to thoroughly remove any standing water as well as debris. 

Specialized equipment is often required for this step because there is an electric shock risk when using household vacuums. Instead, the water should only be removed with heavy-duty pumps and wet/dry vacuums.

Step 3: Dry & Dehumidify

Even after all of the standing water is removed, the drying process isn’t over. It’s crucial that every drop of excess moisture be removed to prevent secondary water damage, like rot, musty odor, and mold. Air movers, fans, and dehumidifiers are helpful during this step. They can thoroughly dry the affected areas more the most effective results.

Step 4: Clean & Sanitize

After all the moisture has been removed, it’s crucial that the affected area be cleaned and sanitized to remove any harmful substances. This step is especially important if mold has already started growing or if the water has biohazards or other contaminants. Specialized cleaning solutions can deliver the most effective results, but you should seek advice from professionals to get the best results.

Step 5: Restore & Rebuild

Water damage cleanup often involves removing flooring or drywall that was soaked or destroyed beyond repair. The process can also require content cleaning for all of the other materials inside the house, including linens, furniture, and rugs. 

Therefore, the final step to restoring the home is to rebuild affected areas and replace damaged belongings. If a homeowner is DIYing their cleanup, they may need to request assistance from licensed contractors to rebuild the home. 

Benefits of Hiring a Water Damage

Water damage is traumatic enough on its own, but when a homeowner chooses to clean up the affected area alone, it makes it even more challenging. Homeowners can save themselves a lot of time, money, and stress when they leave it to a team of experts. In fact, the best tip in this guide to water damage cleanup is to hire a professional that provides: 

• Insurance Claim Assistance: Experienced water damage crews can document damage and file an insurance claim on the homeowner's behalf. 
• Specialized Equipment: When working with a reputable company, homeowners can gain access to industrial-grade equipment that is effective in removing moisture.
• Full-Service Solutions: A water damage cleanup and restoration company can take care of the entire process, from the assessment to the reconstruction. That means homeowners don’t have to juggle multiple contractors. 
• Guaranteed Results: Homeowners can rest assured that the job has been done right when a company stands behind their work with a satisfaction guarantee.

Questions About This Guide to Water Damage Cleanup? Contact DRYOUTpro PLUS

If Port St. Lucie homeowners have any questions about the steps in this guide to water damage cleanup, they shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to DRYOUTpro PLUS. They can reach the experienced water damage crews by filling out their online quote form, or they can request 24/7 emergency services by calling (772) 288-4222.