If your property has been affected by the recent floods in parts of Surrey, Hampshire and Kent, we at Tapco HomeDry know only too well the stress and trauma this can cause, seeing your property, furniture and belongings ruined.
Not only does the water saturate everything but it will cause very high levels of humidity, even when the drying process begins, worse still, the water is likely to be contaminated. When flood water rises your drains also flood so it is very likely the contents of these are in your property. If the flood is widespread in your area there’s very little you can do until the water level subsides, although, for insurance purposes, you should start taking images and making notes of the damage immediately.
(Image from bbc.co.uk )
As soon as the water does subside and there is no further risk of flooding, the following process should be followed. Immediately notify your insurance company, take photographs, remove damaged carpets, furniture, food items and dispose of, thoroughly wash the floors and disinfect, lift every sixth floorboard to ventilate thefloor voids, introduce some heat using industrial dehumidifiers and fans and wait for a visit from the insurance loss adjuster. Be sure to always wear protective clothing and wash your hands as often as possible.
With flooding there is often secondary damage, which is why thorough restoration works are required. Timber will shrink and distort, contaminated wall plaster will need to be removed and special damp proof plaster applied, kitchen base units and built in furniture will need to be replaced.
It is very important that these ‘specialist’ works are only carried out by a member of the Property Care Association (PCA) and not by a general builder because we specialise in Property Care Association (PCA) and not by a general builder because we specialise in damp proofing and will incorporate measures to allow your property to breath and dry thoroughly. We will also monitor the damp and make sure it is not only your property that is safe but also your health.
“>damp proofing and will incorporate measures to allow your property to breath and dry thoroughly. We will also monitor the damp and make sure it is not only your property that is safe but also your health.
