Do you?

When water damages your Real Estate in Ft Lauderdale call us to fix it. We have over 19 years experience in cleaning up water damaged real estate in the Ft Lauderdale area, including Winter Park. Often it's not your fault: Rains or a neighbors sprinklers burst, maybe a contractor put a water hose in wrong and it leaks all over your property soaking your carpet and padding. Seeing the water damaage seep up your walls is a terrible feeling. Call us to fix it. We can remove water and water damage quickly, safely and professionally. We're experts in the field of Water Damage Remediation.

What do when your Ft Lauderdale Real Estate has water Damage

One of the first things you should do to be safe is figure out if the property is structurally safe to enter or even live in. If you can't determine if it is safe, make immediate arrangements for you, your family and your pets for alternate lodging. Call your insurance claims office and inform them what has happened. You will be given a claim number. Keep it handy. You will be using the claim number to claim damages.

If the Ft Lauderdale Property is safe enough to enter then power off the main circuit at the breaker panel, even if the neighborhood power grid is already down. The panel is typically located in the garage, in the utility room, in the basement or on the side of the home. Next shut off natural gas supply lines. Find the meter and the gas shut-off valve is often located near it; coming out of the ground. Turn off the fuel line valves that are located at each gas-powered appliance. Lastly shut off the main water supply. The main water supply is typically located in the basement or crawlspace of your home, near the water meter or located on the water meter itself. In warmer climates, the main water supply may also be located outside the home. Turn the valve clockwise to turn off the water supply. This may require pliers or an adjustable wrench.

Protect Your Assets

The sooner you can begin to protect your home and personal belongings from further damage, the more quickly you’ll recover from the disaster or accident.  Depending on the extent and type of the damage to your home, here’s what to do next:

• Alert your insurance company immediately.
• Safety First!   Do not put you or your family at risk in the aftermath of any serious water event.
• If it is not hazardous to do so, cover any broken windows or doors, damaged walls, or roof areas with plywood, plastic sheeting or tarps to protect against rainwater damage. If you do not feel safe handling this job yourself, get professional help
• If your home is so damaged that it cannot be secured against vandalism, remove your valuables, including those with sentimental value, like photographs, to the home of a trusted friend or family member.  If that is not an option, consider renting a storage unit during the restoration.
• If the house can be secured, relocate belongings to a safe and dry part of the house.  If possible, place water-damaged clothes, rugs, or furniture into a sunny or breezy location. 
• If there is standing water in the house, sweep as much of it to the outdoors as possible.
• Carpeting that‘s been wet for less than two days may be able to be salvaged by using a wet-vac or commercial carpet cleaner.  But quick action is critical.  The carpet padding, in any case, will almost certainly have to be replaced. 
• Rugs that are of value should be removed for professional cleaning.
• Remove all damaged materials and debris to the outdoors for easy municipal pick-up.
• If possible, run the air conditioning and/or dehumidifier, or use blowers or fans to help dry out the interior
• In the aftermath of high water inside your home – especially if the wallboard has been saturated, cutting 4-inch diameter holes through the walls about one-foot above the floor, will help the house dry out.  However, in the event of extensive water intrusion into your home, talk to your insurance company about consulting a professional for the best techniques for drying your home thoroughly.

Damage Inspection Checklist 

If possible, immediately after eliminating the most hazardous conditions (turning off the power, gas and water), and taking steps to protect and secure your assets and personal belongings, inspect the property more closely.  Walk around the house and lot and observe.  Your notes, conveyed to the insurance adjuster, will help speed the repair of your home. 

 

Use this checklist to help you make observations and notes:

 

Exterior Signs of Damage 

 

Any missing or damaged roof shingles?

• Is there bent or missing flashing?
• Is there gutter damage?
• Is the chimney intact or damaged?
• Is the stucco stained or cracked and loose?
• Is the brick wet or stained?
• Are the siding boards intact, warped or loose?
• Are there signs of water intrusion through the windows?
• Are there signs of water intrusion through basement windows or window wells?

 

Clues in the Attic  

 

Is any of the insulation wet or damaged?

• Are any of the vents damaged or missing?
• Do you see any daylight through the roof?
• Do HVAC ducts have condensation or is insulation wet?
• Are structural elements wet, rotting or warping?

 

Warning Signs in the Basement and Crawl Space 

 

Are all of the foundation walls intact?

• Is the basement or crawl space dry or wet?
• Are the floors above the basement stained or dry?
• Is the ductwork dry and intact or stained or damaged?
• Is the furnace operating or water damaged?
• Is the water heater tipped over, disconnected from the service line or otherwise damaged?

 

In the aftermath of a regional catastrophic event or a home accident, the more you are prepared to prioritize your next actions the better off you and your family will fare. 

 

A simple plan of action, which includes taking immediate safety precautions, protecting your belongings and assets; and, making close observations of the damage that has sustained, will help you and your family bring your lives back to normal as quickly as possible.

 

Quick and immediate action after a water-related catastrophe can minimize and even prevent moisture damage from occurring.  The next section will provide you with the clean-up guidelines you will need following a water-related disaster or accident.

In Ft Lauderdale, Florida, water damage is a serious issue. This can be caused by plumbing issues that were not taken care of, or any other water related issue. Immediate frustration can set in when you find your the inside of your home or business sitting ankle deep in water or the carpet is soaked. There are some times when you can take care of it yourself. Other times, you will need the assistance of a water damage company in Ft Lauderdale, Florida area. They must be trained professionals that work to get your property in order, preferably the way it was before the water damage set in to your property in Ft Lauderdale. Once you call them, they will be there promptly to assess the damage. After that, they will implement a strategy to get your property back in working order within the next few days. The first day or 2 is very crucial. If nothing is done within that time, you have set yourself up for additional problems with your property. The technicians will work to remove the excess water from your property using an extractor. They have to make sure to get every nook and cranny of water and moisture from that area. Any drop of moisture can be a recipe for additional problems, including medical problems for the occupants. They would also be on the lookout for mold. Once mold sets in, it’s another story. The technicians have to remove the mold from the affected area as soon as possible. Otherwise, it’s just a recipe for disaster for allergies, asthma and other breathing related issues. The scope of water damage at your Ft Lauderdale property can be more than what you thought. The technicians will test the affected areas to check for moisture and humidity, behind walls and under floors. If the humidity is high, they will use a dehumidifier to get rid of the excess moisture in the air. It can also be used to create a quick drying pattern. It’s important that the area affected is cleaned properly and thoroughly. The technicians will do a thorough inspection before they can say it’s completed and return the property back to the owner. When it’s done, everyone on both sides will be pleased.

Can Mold become a problem in my home? - Molds will grow and multiply whenever conditions are right; sufficient moisture is available and organic material is present. Be on the lookout in your home for sources of indoor moisture that may lead to mold growth. Some examples are, leaky roofs, sprinkler spray hitting the house, overflow of sewer & sink, steam from cooking or hot showers, plumbing leaks, humidifiers, dryer exhausting indoors. Warping floors and discoloration of walls can be indications of moisture problems. Condensation on windows or walls is also an important indication of moisture in your home, though it may be caused by an indoor combustion problem.

Should I be concerned about mold in my home? - Yes, if indoor mold contamination is extensive, it may cause very high airborne spore exposures. People exposed to high spore levels may become sensitized and develop allergies to the mold or other health problems. Mold growth can damage your personal contents such as furnishings, carpets and paintings. In time, unchecked mold growth may cause damage to the structural elements in your home.

What symptoms are commonly seen with mold exposure? - Molds produce health effects through inflammation, allergy, or infection. Allergic reactions are most common following mold exposure. Typical symptoms that mold exposed people report include: Nasal and sinus congestion; Dry, hacking cough; Nose or throat irritation; Respiratory problems such as difficulty breathing and shortness of breath; Eye irritation; Memory problems; headaches; mood swings; nosebleeds, body aches and fevers are reported occasionally in mold cases, but their cause is not understood.

Who is at greater risk when exposed to mold? - Exposure to mold is not healthy for anyone in a contaminated area. Therefore, it is always best to identify and correct high moisture conditions quickly before mold grows and health problems develop. Some people may have more severe symptoms or become ill more rapidly than others. Infants and young children, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and people with respiratory problems such as allergies, asthma, or chemical sensitivy are especially susceptible.