The thought of cleaning up after a flooded basement has us all dreading even in our nightmares. It is a tedious job and the one that requires ultimate attention to detail. If proper care is not taken to curtail the problem and make necessary amends for the damage control, then there are high chances that the problem will present itself again shortly. So, what exactly should you do to ensure that basement is properly dried out for good after a flooding episode.
Take charge of the humidity
Not only will it cause the mold to grow and spread uncontrollably but would also be detrimental to all the appliances and furniture you have stocked away in your basement. Start by venting out the air with the help of an exhaust fan and powerful dehumidifiers.
Sort through the things
This is probably the toughest of the things that you would have to do when dealing with a flooded basement. Bring everything out in the sun and have them dry out in the open so that you can take care of the flooring. All the things that you feel have been damaged beyond salvation should not make it back to the basement as they will cause nothing but cluttering.
Handle the flooring
It is for situations like these that you are advised to avoid carpets and rugs in your basement. Even wood doesn’t make up for a good flooring option as it can easily get infected with mold and bugs. Clean out the floor with a good disinfectant and allow it to dry off completely.
Open up the gutters
If the area is heavily flooded, then the best course of action would be to open up the downspouts and gutters to allow the water to flow out. While this is happening, you can also look for any blockages or leakages that would require your immediate attention.
Waterproof the walls
To avoid the walls from catching and absorbing any moisture, now and in the future, have them properly waterproofed by applying an insulating coat of paint. The waterproof coating should suffice for normal moisture levels and would also be effective against mold.
Insulate the pipes
Water pipes can cause moisture to leak into the air, and this will delay the drying process. So, make sure that you have the pipes insulated with a good quality insulating material that will control moisture and the water that would drip due to condensation.
Call in for basement restoration
Even after you have done it all, there would still be things that might get overlooked. So, the best way to handle the flooded basement is to call in the experts who will restore your basement and prevent the situation from repeating itself in the future.
These are just some of the essential steps that you can do to handle the flooding and water leakage situation in your basement. Hiring a proper company will not only solve your problem but also speed up the things for you.
