17 Mar How Is Flood Damage Repaired?
Flood damage can have a variety of causes, from extreme weather to pipes bursting inside the property. In the end, though, it comes to much the same thing — your property and possessions can suffer severe water damage.
The good news is that in almost all cases of flood damage, your insurance will pay out for repairs. But you’ll need to know what has to be done in order to make the claim, so how is flood damage repaired?
What Kind of Damage Can Flooding Cause?
Whether the flooding comes from inside or outside, it can cause widespread damage. Most obviously, this will include floors and carpets, as well as the plaster on walls and ceilings. There may also be damage to timbers and masonry.
In addition to this, the water can easily get into the electrical wiring, making it unsafe, as well as compromising the plumbing. Some or all of this may need to be replaced, along with fixtures and fittings, such as the kitchen and bathroom.
Structural Repairs After Flood Damage
In a case of serious water damage, it might be necessary to partially rebuild the walls. This is especially likely in the case of burst pipes that saturate the interior of the walls, but high water flooding the building from outside may also create similar levels of damage.
The first step, of course, is to dry out the wet structures. This is most often done with dehumidifiers, and it’s vital to make sure every part of the building is thoroughly dry. Only then can the repairs begin.
As an example, we were recently called in to make extensive repairs to a house that had suffered severe flood damage. In this case, we had to strip the building right back to its beam and block floor structure and blockwork walls, including removing the internal walls. The walls and floors were then completely rebuilt and the walls replastered.
Internal Repairs After Flood Damage
Before any rebuilding takes place, it’s essential to carry out any electrical or plumbing that’s needed. Wiring that’s been wet may need to be replaced. Danger spots can be picked out with thermal imaging, but it may well be necessary to completely rewire the building. Similarly, water pipes may need to be replaced, especially if the flooding has been caused by a leak.
When everything is secure, the interior needs to be made good. This will include new floor covering, and either the kitchen, the bathroom or both may need to be replaced. Finally, the whole property has to be redecorated.
Nothing can change the fact that flood damage to your home will be a major upheaval, but bringing in experts to make thorough, efficient repairs can reduce the impact. If your home has suffered flood damage, give us a call to find out how we can help you.