Water is one of the most destructive elements to your home. Flooding, standing water and even excess moisture can wreak havoc on your living space, requiring professional care. Over time, damp areas will breed mold. From family heirlooms to furniture, your home’s valuables are at risk. If you think your home is in need of water damage restoration, don’t worry. We’re here to outline the restoration process. Follow the steps below.

Step One: Get Emergency Assistance

Before contacting your restoration team, you should get emergency assistance. Contact emergency response services. Then, make sure your home’s valuables are away from harm. Even if your living area is damp, it can damage your belongings. Your emergency assistance team will remove any standing water. Then, they’ll help you prepare for ongoing damage repair.

Step Two: Determine Costs

Next, expenses will be determined. Your water damage restoration team will use scientific approaches to determine the cost of restoration. They’ll evaluate the value of any damaged property. They’ll also gauge the degree of any mold contamination in the area. By measuring replacement costs and restoration costs, they can help you establish an effective recovery plan.

Step Three: Prepare for Recovery

Every restoration project requires a full assault on an affected area. Your restoration specialist will set up air purifiers, dehumidifiers, fans, blowers, cleaners and special floor driers. These tools can quickly and efficiently dry out any water-damaged rooms. Your technician may also install sanitizers and wall driers. These tools eliminate existing mold and mildew while reducing the chance of further growth. While the water damage restoration process may be lengthy, it’s a worthwhile option.

Step Four: Checking Every Area

While a home’s living area benefits from the above-mentioned tools, its attic, basement, ductwork, crawl spaces, insulation and ceiling still need attention. Your provider will take extra care of these areas, inspecting them for possible damage. That said, a long-term prevention plan may be needed to assure your home’s recovery. If your drywall, carpet or critical structural support areas have been damaged, you may need a renovation project. In this case, you’ll need to contact a general contractor. While the water damage may be limited, visibly, long-term damage potential still exists. Every restoration project is deserving of long-term support—even if the support itself spans across several providers.

Step Five: Prepare for the Future

Waterlogged carpet, furniture and furnishings can be cared for. Your home, however, requires long-term support. Once fast dry-out methods have been used, you should ask your provider about routine check-ups. Even if your home has been disinfected, mold growth can still occur. Fortunately, ongoing inspection and maintenance plans exist. Don’t hesitate to contact your provider, and ask them about future safety hazards. Once your provider has cleared your home of any immediate threats, they can assist with ongoing care. Monitoring and controlling your home can prevent humidity-related problems. It can also inhibit the growth of mold and mildew. Talk to your provider, care for your home and secure a dry, safe future.