What You Should Know About Fixing A Flooded Home

After Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma causing significant damage to several cities, there are thousands now facing the reality of the aftermath.  Cleanup efforts have begun and thousands are wondering what can be done to salvage their homes.  Keep reading to learn what you should know about fixing a flooded home and click this link for the full article.

1. A flooded home can be fixed

Despite what you might think, a flooded home can be saved rather than razed to the ground, but removing the moisture quickly is key. "The biggest thing is getting in there and getting it cleaned up quickly," says Robyn Kent, claims administrator at Dalworth Restoration, based in Euless, TX. "Closer to the three- to five-day mark is when it becomes questionable, since by then, all the materials have become fragile."

2. You'd be amazed what can be saved

"Using truck-mounted vacuums with 2,000 horsepower, and dehumidifiers, we can extract moisture from furniture, hardwood, tile, even Sheetrock," Kent says. Even electronics like TVs and laptops may still operate after a thorough drying. "In fact, when carpet gets wet, people think it's ruined, but it actually ends up stronger than when it was made," Kent says.

3. Mold, not water, is the real problem

"One of the biggest problems—especially in Houston in the summer—is going to be mold," says Tyler Drew, a Los Angeles real estate agent and investor. "The longer a house sits with water, the worse the mold infestation. Affected areas have to be removed, the wood and concrete treated with anti-mold agents, and all of this has to be done after the house is sealed, in order to prevent the infestation from spreading and sickening people."

4. Repairing a flooded home will cost you

"Drying off a 2,000 square-foot house in normal conditions may cost over $2,500, while in situations like Harvey is producing, the job scope expands quickly—and so will costs," says Peter Duncanson, director of operations and safety with ServiceMaster Restore.While flood insurance may cover the cost of repairs, you should make sure you have the right kind (more on that next).