How To Manage Home Damage Before Help Arrives

Your home is subject to various forms of damage throughout the year-some more serious than others. Home damage can occur from changing seasons and exposure to elements, or it may occur from everyday wear and tear and the use of appliances inside your home. Whether it’s water, mold, or structural damage, help may not be available right away. During a moment of crisis, homeowners may need to answer the question, “What can I do right now to prevent further damage?”

Fear not! We’ve created this guide to help you navigate managing home damage until help arrives.

Managing Water Damage

Water damage is among the most common categories of damage that homeowners experience every year. A burst or leaking pipe, a defective appliance, or a busted water heater can cause serious water damage. In some cases, you’ll need to stop the flow of water inside your home by turning off the water at the main valve. This will give you time to start cleaning up until help arrives.

In the event of flooding, once the main water line is off, you can begin removing as much water as possible with a wet vacuum. It’s recommended any saturated furnishings, like carpets or mattresses, are thrown out because they will likely be prone to mold formation.

Managing Mold

Sometimes, water damage and mold can happen right under your nose. On average, it takes about 48 to 72 hours for mold growth to occur. A strong, musty odor is often a strong indication that mold is present, but sometimes your nose may not detect it. For instance, you may not discover mold until you inspect a forgotten corner of a basement or do a home renovation, like tearing down a wall.

To mitigate the health risks associated with an extensive mold problem, seal off the affected areas and move children, the elderly, or anyone with respiratory complications away from the home. Then, turn off the HVAC system and any fans to prevent the circulation of air from affected rooms to other parts of the home.

Managing Structural Damage

Structural damage can happen for myriad reasons. Whether it’s a windy day, bad storm, or simply bad luck, a broken window or damaged roof are common structural damages that need to be fixed right away. However, in the case of severe weather, it may be more difficult and take longer for help to arrive.

For roof damages, you’ll want to begin inspecting and clearing the area right away, if possible. If you notice a leak, locate it and begin minimizing interior damage. Throw tarps over the furniture, soak up existing puddles of water, and place buckets or containers on the floor. If you see an opening in your roof on the exterior, immediately try to cover it to prevent anything, including debris or small animals, from entering the home.

If your home suffers a broken window during a storm or accident, immediately begin cleanup. Carefully clean up the broken glass on the inside and outside of the home. Wearing safety work gloves, try to remove what glass remains in the window, if you can. Then, create a temporary window covering before help arrives.

In the case of severe damage, we encourage you to vacate the home and immediately call for remediation services. Some damages may be more dangerous than you think and require the attention of a trained professional.

Here at Advance Inc., we work tirelessly to provide excellent services and reliable resources to our customers and surrounding communities. If you’re in need of home repair, we are here to help and answer your questions. Simply contact us today to speak to a representative, or browse our available services on our website.