It could be a minor leak in the basement or the aftermath of a flood, the end result is water all over your home including places it shouldn’t be in. If not dealt with immediately, water can damage your furniture, equipment, flooring, ceiling, etc. If the damage isn’t too extensive, you might be able to do water damage restoration in Boulder by yourself. But before you start this DIY project make sure that your insurance isn’t invalidated by DIY repairs. If your insurance does not cover water damage, you might as well start. You just need to do some checks and get some equipment before starting.
Before Water Damage Restoration
Before you start your DIY water damage restoration in Boulder, you should check and do a few things in the given order:
Check The Type Of Water: In such cases, water is classified into three categories that are clean, gray and black. Clean water comes from pipes and rain and is safe to clean. Gray water comes from a washing machine, dishwasher, clean toilet, etc. They are slightly contaminated but can be safely cleaned with some safety gear. Black water comes from the sewer and is hazardous, call a professional in this case. You’ll also need a professional if you are dealing with more than a foot or two of water or if it covers more than a hundred square feet because removing too much too quickly can damage the building’s structure.
Shut Down Water & Electricity: If the leakage is coming from your pipes, then shut the piping to prevent more damage. Also cut off the power to prevent water from coming in contact with electricity.
Move Items: Move all your personal belongings to prevent any damage. Heavy items that can’t be moved should be placed on a block to keep it above the water level.
Check Damages: Check all the affected area for mold and warping.
Get Proper Safety Gear & Equipment: You’ll need a mask, rubber gloves, rubber boots, buckets, shop vac, dehumidifiers, fans, disinfectants, cleaning agents, mop, and replacement for damaged drywall and flooring.
During Water Damage Restoration
Once you’ve done all the prep work, it’s time to start the DIY project with the following steps:
Remove Water: If you are dealing with small pools, ten towels should be enough, if the entire floor is covered in water then use a shop vac. You can also rent a sump pump. Use battery operated-equipment to prevent electric shocks from outlets. Pour the water down your drain if it’s not backed up, if it is then throw it in your lawn or any permeable surface.
Dry The Area: Use dehumidifiers and fans to get the air moving and dry the area. If it’s not raining, open the windows to get rid of the humidity. This way, you can prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Disinfect The Area: Even clean water can create an ideal environment for germs to grow. Use disinfectants on the affected areas to clean them.
Remove Damaged Parts: Any items, flooring, drywall, etc. that are warped or have developed mold or mildew should be disposed of. Cut out damaged drywall parts, beams and floors. Collect recyclable items and send them to a recycling plant and dump the rest.
Repair Damages: Get necessary replacements for your drywall, floors and any other damaged items. Repair and replace the affected areas as required, apply caulking and sealants to floors and drywall to protect them. Make sure that the new parts match the old. Be sure to repair the source of the water damage, whether it’s a pipe or a gap in your exterior that’s leaking rainwater.
Once you are done the home, your home should be able to get back to your regular lifestyle. If you don’t already have a water damage insurance, then get one. This way, you’ll be able to hire a company if the damage is too much for you to handle.