What To Do If Your Basement Flooded
Having a basement is great because you can send your rowdy kids down there when they're being too loud. However, one common problem that a lot of homeowners have with basements is that they flood -- especially if you live in a part of the country that gets a lot of snow or rain. If you have recently experienced a flooded basement, you may be wondering what on earth you should do to clean it up. While cleanup will largely depend on how severe the damage is, this article lists a few basic steps for you to take.
Remove Carpet
If you have carpet, the first thing that you should do is pull it up and place fans underneath it. The amount of water in the carpet will determine just how long it will take for the carpet to dry out all the way. When you are lifting up your carpet, it may be a bit heavy because of all the water; if you can, try to place some stools or chairs underneath the carpet so that it helps to circulate the air better. Then, get several fans that can help dry out the carpet.
Check Walls
If the water went all the way down your drywall, it may have dampened it, which means that you may have to tear it out. To check to see if you need to remove it, step back and see if it looks soft or if it looks like it's starting to bubble. If you can't tell, just take your hand and gently rub it over the top of the drywall. Does it feel soft and wet? If so, then it may need to be replaced by a drywall professional.
Call A Water Damage Service
Luckily for you, there are companies that actually specialize in water damage services. These companies can come out to your house, inspect your basement, and determine what kind of water damage has occurred. Oftentimes, they will be able to spot things that you may not be able to spot on your own, such as places where mold may start to grow. Even though this kind of service may be a large cost upfront, it could save you a lot of money later on down the line.
Having a flooded basement isn't something that anyone wants to experience, but it can happen. Use the tips in this article to make sure that your basement gets cleaned up the right way. For more information, contact companies like Ultra Clean of Arkansas.