A burst pipe is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Even a small leak can do untold damage if undiscovered for a period of time.
Water damage in the home can wreak havoc on walls, ceilings, and floors – not to mention furniture and valuables. The longer you wait before fixing water damage, the more severe the damage and likelihood of mold growth.
This guide will explain the best approaches to mitigating water damage. Unless you are a carpenter, it is inadvisable to attempt to repair water damage without the expertise of a restoration company.
Here’s what you need to know about how to fix water damage as soon as it occurs.
How To Fix a Water Damaged Ceiling
When it comes to fixing a water-damaged ceiling, the first priority is to secure the area below the leak. Ceiling leaks can escalate rapidly, spreading the damage to the walls, flooring, and any personal items in the room.
Move any furniture or other items out from underneath the leak. Place a tarp on the floor to catch any moisture.
Keep in mind that drywall (what most ceilings are made from) absorbs and spreads moisture. It is best if you can control where the water escapes the ceiling.
To do this, you’ll need to determine the origin of the leak. Using a screwdriver or power drill, make a small hole near the center of the leak.
The hole will allow water to drain from that specific spot, making it easy for you to place a bucket underneath to catch the water. Once you’ve controlled the leak, contact your local plumber and restoration company.
How To Fix Water Damage on Wood
When water has soaked your wood floor, the first priority is to dry out the surface of the floor as quickly as possible. Drying the wood floor is necessary to prevent warping. It is also important to mitigate the growth of mold.
Place large fans around the room. Aim them directly at the wet wood flooring. Turn on your air conditioning and leave windows open at least two inches as well.
How To Fix Laminate Floor Water Damage
As with water-damaged wood flooring, the first priority in fixing laminate floor water damage is to dry the area. You can use the same method we used for the wood flooring.
When a leak causes water damage to your laminate flooring, the only option is to replace the laminate boards. Laminate flooring can’t be fixed once the damage sets in.
However, most laminate flooring installations result in leftover flooring boards. If you kept these, you can use them to replace the damaged boards and get a perfect match.
Keys To Fixing Water Damage In Your Home
The key to fixing water damage in your ceilings and floors is to mitigate the damage as much as possible. You can do this by locating the source of the leak, drilling holes to direct the leak, and drying the affected areas.
When you get the leak under control, contact your local water damage restoration company as soon as possible.
For restoration expertise in San Diego and Riverside counties, contact Cutting Edge Restoration today.
