Knowing how to restore your Orlando home after it suffered water damage and how to prevent future incidents can save you time, money, and extensive losses.
This guide will help you navigate the repair process with ease.
Causes Of Water Damage
In the US, around 14,000 people are affected by water damage daily. When you think of water damage, you might imagine hurricanes, floods, or heavy storms. While these natural disasters can cause severe damage, everyday household issues are often the culprit. Common causes include clogged gutters, overflowing dishwashers, leaking pipes, malfunctioning air conditioners, and backed-up toilets.
The most frequent causes of water damage in Orlando homes include:
- Broken washing machine supply lines
- Extreme weather
- Faulty water heaters
- Leaking pipes
- Malfunctioning sprinkler systems
No matter the cause, acting quickly is crucial. In just a few hours, water damage can lead to mold, mildew, warped flooring, ruined furniture, and even structural issues.
10 Ways To Limit Water Damage
If your Orlando home has suffered water damage, use these tips to get it under control:
1. Dry the Area Immediately
Your first priority is removing any excess water as quickly as possible. Check your entire home for standing water, open windows and doors, and use fans and dehumidifiers to improve airflow and speed up drying.
2. Elevate Furniture
Use bricks or blocks to lift furniture off wet floors. If weather permits, move items outside to dry. Be selective, as porous materials absorb water quickly and can become a health risk due to mold growth. Sofas, beds, and any soft furnishings should take priority.
3. Clean Thoroughly
Water isn’t the only problem after a flood. Dirt and organic matter also create the perfect environment for mold to form. After removing standing water, scrub the affected areas with a mild detergent to prevent harmful fungi from spreading.
4. Use a Wet/Dry Shop Vac
Carpets and rugs can trap water and require special cleaning to remove it hygienically and efficiently. Check local hardware stores for shop vacuums designed for wet surfaces. A 6-gallon machine costs about $50, while a 16-gallon model is around $170. Alternatively, you can rent a shop vac if you’d prefer not to purchase one.
5. Sand Water-Damaged Wood Floors
Once wooden floors have dried, check for cupping or warping. If the boards appear uneven, use a drum or orbital sander to smooth them out. If sections have lifted, re-nail them in place. You may want to call a professional to do this, as warped flooring can be tricky to fix.
6. Inspect Ceilings
Check your ceilings for signs of water damage. If you notice discoloration or sagging, contact a roofing professional and assess whether structural repairs are needed.
7. Replace Laminate Flooring
Unlike hardwood, laminate flooring traps moisture, causing it to swell. If water damage is extensive, you may need to replace the affected sections as they won’t reform to their original shape.
8. Repair or Replace Drywall
Measure how far the water has seeped into your drywalling. If the damage extends beyond ⅜ of an inch, replacing the entire sheet is best. Smaller sections may be cut out and replaced individually if the damage isn’t extensive.
9. Re-Caulk Affected Areas
After repairing floors or walls, reseal them with fresh caulk and paint. This step helps to protect against future water damage and improves durability.
10. Install a Water Detection Device
Once repairs are complete, installing a water detection device can help to prevent future problems. Place sensors near dishwashers, washing machines, water heaters, toilets, and sinks to catch leaks early.
Take Action Quickly
Regardless of how it occurs, minimizing water damage requires fast action. Follow these steps to restore your home efficiently, and don’t hesitate to call in the professionals for an assessment or more complex restorations.