A WATER DAMAGE CHECKLIST FOR YOUR OFFICE

7/16/2019 (Permalink)

Here's what to do when water damage hits.

Once waters from flood or leaks recede and clean up has been done, most folks just want to get back into their business office and start rebuilding. However, one problem is that materials submerged in water have probably absorbed a large amount of water. Rebuilding or renovating too quickly after a flood can cause continuing problems like mold growth, insect infestations, and the deterioration of walls, flooring, wood and wall coverings. Flood waters are not going to be clean, either. Therefore, most porous building materials must be removed and replaced with new materials.

Here is a checklist to refer to if your office experiences water damage:

Safety first!

• Inspect for outside structural and electrical damage to determine if it is safe to enter. Fire hazards and gas leaks will need to be identified, as well. Use battery-powered light sources.
• Wear sturdy shoes, rubber gloves, and eye protection. Watch for fire ants, snakes, or other animals.
• If mold is present, wear a respirator that can filter spores.

Next steps:

• Contact your insurance adjuster immediately.
• Begin cleanup, salvage, and drying as soon as possible, and be sure to take photos for use for inventory. All steps suggested on this page can be taken before an adjuster arrives. Keep damaged materials for proof of loss. 
• The adjuster will assess all office damage, and as the owner, you will need to sign a proof of loss statement. 

Electrical Systems:

• Check that all electric and gas services are turned off before entering the premises for the first time. 
• Have an electrician check for grounds and other unsafe conditions before reconnecting the system.

Furnishings and Carpets

• Remove all furniture, bedding, and carpeting and bring it outdoors to be cleaned and dried (or discarded).
• Flooded carpets and rugs should be replaced since flood water may contain contaminants, and affected carpet pads should always be discarded and replaced. Remove these items within 48 hours after flooding subsides. 
• Thoroughly dry the carpet and subfloor as quickly as possible. If carpet is installed when damp, it can mildew.
• All upholstered furniture and mattresses contaminated by flood water should be discarded, and solid wood, metal and plastic furniture may be cleaned and restored.  Hose off any mud, then clean, sanitize, and let your furniture dry completely out of direct sunlight.

Walls

• Open flooded walls, even if they appear undamaged, to prevent mold, odor, and structural decay. Remove water from the structure as rapidly as possible and ventilate.
• Remove baseboards and cut holes in wallboard to drain uninsulated walls, and remove the interior surface of insulated walls to a point above water height. Discard flooded drywall. Remove and discard all wet fibrous insulation. Clean out mud. Wall studs and plates may be sprayed with disinfectant (1 cup bleach/gallon water) to kill any existing mold and fungi.
• Speed dry with dehumidifiers and fans. Leave walls open until they have thoroughly dried, which may take up to a month.
• Select replacement materials that will withstand future floods (such as rigid foam insulation, removable wainscoting, ceramic tile, etc.).

Here at SERVPRO of Belle Meade/West Nashville, we are experts at cleanups after water or fire damage, no matter the size of the event. If your office has been affected by water damage, either from a leak or a flood, we are here to help. We are mold remediation specialists, too!