The process of flood damage restoration includes removing excess water, cleaning the affected areas and carrying out proper sanitation so that the property can be restored to the condition it was in before the flood. Sanitisation and odour control are crucial steps in restoration and this will be discussed in depth in the article below.
Floodwater can contain many things such as dirt, debris, rainwater, sewage, chemicals etc.
When contaminated water floods the property, it can give rise to many health risks and there can be many unpleasant odours in the property as well. Floodwaters provide a favourable environment for bacteria, mould and fungi to thrive in. These microorganisms will love on organic materials found in the affected area which can give rise to unpleasant odours. There is also residue that is left behind on surfaces such as pollutants, sewage, mud which can emit odours and the high humidity levels can create an environment with dampness that gives rise to mould growth. You can visit site to get an idea of the services provided by a flood restoration company an how they tackle odours. Safety precautions should be taken such as turning off electricity and wearing personal protective equipment so that you are safe from potential contaminants in the floodwater.
Standing water has to be removed at first
And this can be done using water extraction equipment and high capacity pumps. By carrying out this step immediately, you will be able to minimise the risk of damage to the property. There can also be debris such as mid, silt and damaged materials that should be removed as these can contribute to odour. There are regulations that you need to adhere to when removing these materials. To ensure that microbial growth is prevented and contaminants on the property are removed, cleaning and disinfection have to be carried out. The flood restoration service you hire for this will use the appropriate disinfectants for the surfaces. They will focus more on the areas that were in contact with the floodwaters. There is high humidity due to the moisture in the property and to reduce this, drying and dehumidification has to be carried out. This can be achieved using dehumidifiers, industrial grade fans and other drying equipment. This step is crucial as mould can start growing in about 24 to 48 hours if they have the right conditions.
You need to evaluate
The condition of building materials and if these are contaminated or damaged, you will need to remove and replace them. This can help greatly in removing odour. There are certain areas that will be more prone to odour issues such as subflooring and crawlspaces which should be given special attention. Some of the techniques used for odour control are air purification, thermal fogging, ozone treatment and application of enzyme and microbial agents. You should also inspect the property regularly and monitor humidity levels. There are also certain preventative steps that can be taken to prevent odours such as ensuring proper drainage systems so that water doesn’t accumulate and elevating the electrical systems above the potential flood levels so that electrical hazards can be prevented. You can also use mould resistant building materials.